Despite questions about its constitutionality, panel advances plan to let Legislature directly defend state laws in court

Despite warnings from the Utah Attorney General’s Office that it may unconstitutionally infringe on the power of the executive and judicial branches, senators advanced a bill Thursday to make it easier for the Legislature to directly defend in court the laws it passes.The Senate Government Operations Committee voted 5-1 to pass SB171, and sent it to the full Senate. It appears to be part of an ongoing campaign to reset the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. Th