'Omnibus bill' suit is moving forward

The lawsuit against SB2 or the "Omnibus bill" that passed in the last legislative session is moving forward.

Plaintiffs in the Omnibus lawsuit have filed a motion for partial summary judgment in 3rd District Court.

The lawsuit contends the bill is unfair in that it lumped over a dozen bills together at the last minute. "It's just a hodgepodge," attorney Alan Smith said.

Further, the lawsuit states two of the bills delegate power from the State Board of Education to outside entities.

"This is about ethics, fairness and decency," Smith said.

The bill was the result of several different pieces of legislation dealing with education being rolled into one. Critics at the time, including several lawmakers, based part of their objection on the legislative process that led to the bill's passage.

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff will have 30 to 45 days to respond to the motion. The lawsuit could be before a judge in a few months.

Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, who supported the Omnibus bill, said he believes the judicial process will play out. "SB2 was a legitimate piece of legislation and will be upheld by the court," he said.

— Amy K. Stewart