Expelled Lawmaker’s Lawsuit Survives Senate Motion to Dismiss

A legal challenge brought by an expelled lawmaker was recently declared legitimate and viable by a judge in Superior Court. That, according to an opinion filed in Superior Court involving former Senator-At-Large Steven Payne.

Lawmakers in the 34th Legislature stripped Payne of his seat after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him by an employee. Through his attorney, Payne said he was denied due process under the U.S. Constitution, and the Legislature’s rules did not allow his fellow lawmakers to expel him.

Superior Court Judge Renee Gumbs-Carty said the Legislature could not evade legal review of its action by claiming a particular Senate session was now out of business. The circumstances that caused Payne’s expulsion could happen again if lawmakers sitting in future Senate sessions decided to take similar actions against some other colleague, Carty said.

“ … [T]he underlying legal issue is capable of repetition, yet evading review … and is also in the great public interest,” the judge said.

Carty’s opinion also acknowledged the complaint of co-plaintiff and constituent Noellise Powell, who said she voted to put Payne into office, and the Senate expulsion negated that choice. A hearing on the motion took place before Superior Court Judge Renee Gumbs-Carty in January. Carty’s opinion denying the motion was filed on April 25.