State court challenge to Utah’s congressional maps as a partisan gerrymander in violation of the state constitution. The lawsuit also seeks to reinstate the authority of the state’s independent redistricting commission, which was created by a 2018 citizens’ initiative (Proposition 4) but then relegated to an advisory role in 2020 by the state legislature.

On Oct. 24, 2022, the trial court dismissed the claim with respect to the role of the commission, but allowed the partisan gerrymandering claims to proceed.  The parties cross-appealed to the state supreme court, which heard arguments on July 11, 2023.

On July 11, 2024, the state supreme court reversed the trial court with respect to the commission, holding that “the people’s right to alter or reform the government through an initiative is constitutionally protected from government infringement, including legislative amendment, repeal, or replacement of the initiative in a manner that impairs the reform enacted by the people.” The litigation over the commission has continued, with the trial court now assessing in cross-motions for summary judgment whether the 2020 legislation impermissibly impaired the operation of Prop 4 — and if so, whether the existing map is lawful.  The state supreme court stayed further action on the partisan gerrymandering claims in the meantime.

On Aug. 21, 2024, the legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment (signed by the governor the next day) that would have allowed the legislature to amend popular initiatives, effectively reversing the July 2024 state supreme court decision.  Plaintiffs challenged the proposed ballot language and description as misleading, and also the requirement to publish the proposed measure to voters; on Sept. 12, 2024, the trial court agreed, and declared that votes cast for the proposed amendment would be void.  On appeal, the state supreme court affirmed that decision on Sept. 25, 2024, with a full opinion following on Oct. 24, 2024.