§ 1909 - Review - Vermont Statutes

§ 1909. Review

(a) Within 30 days of the effective date of any apportionment bill enacted pursuant to sections 1906b, 1906c or 1907 of this title, any five or more freemen of the state aggrieved by the plan or act may petition the supreme court of Vermont for review of same.

(b) The sole grounds of review to be considered by the supreme court shall be that the apportionment plan, or any part of it, is unconstitutional or violates section 1903 of this title.

(c) The supreme court may consolidate two or more appeals, as the interests of justice may require, with due regard for expediting decision in all appeals.

(d) The supreme court may designate one or more justices, one or more superior judges, or one or more masters, to take testimony and make findings of fact in any appeal or consolidated appeals under this section.

(e) In the event the supreme court allows any appeal upon one or both grounds set forth in subsection (b) of this section, it shall forward its opinion and decision to the general assembly which shall forthwith revise and correct the apportionment law in light of the supreme court's decision, to conform to the requirements of law. The supreme court shall retain jurisdiction until the general assembly has produced a plan conforming to all constitutional and statutory requirements, which plan shall thereupon become law.

(f) The review provided in this section shall be the original and exclusive review of legislative apportionment in the courts of this state. (1965, No. 97, § 9; amended 1991, No. 116 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. Feb. 13, 1992.)