House Judiciary committee approves resolution urging U.S. Supreme Court to revisit marriage definition

The House Judiciary Committee voted to give House Concurrent Resolution 3013 a do-pass recommendation, sending a resolution that urges the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its ruling on the definition of marriage.

Supporters described the resolution as part of a multi-state project intended to prompt reconsideration at the federal level and said the resolution documents historical concerns raised in testimony. "There should have been some recusals by the courts," Representative Twit, a supporter of the resolution, said, adding the request was framed as historical documentation rather than a religious statement.

Opponents said the resolution attempts to reopen settled law and could create harmful legal and financial consequences if the Supreme Court were to overturn precedent. "This is settled law ... There are important consequences, that would cause harm to folks that are of a legal and financial nature if this was undone," Representative Schneider said, adding a cautionary note about downstream effects.

Other members framed the resolution as an expression of the committee's view rather than a change to state law. Representative Olsen said the resolution is a statement asking the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit an issue and that the committee routinely forwards similar resolutions to federal authorities.

The committee approved the resolution on a roll call of 11 yes, 1 no and 2 absent, not voting. Representative Twight agreed to carry the resolution.