Legislative Audit Procedure Act

Introduction

Any person may submit a Legislative Audit Request to the San Andreas Department of Justice (DOJ) challenging legislation enacted within established jurisdictions. Requests must present a valid legal reason or raise a constitutional question to be accepted for review.

Constitutional Justification

Pursuant to Article III - Rights and Freedoms of the Constitution of San Andreas, citizens enjoy the rights to Assemble, to Free Speech and Thought, and to Petition. Under Article V - Amendments and Interpretation, the DOJ, through its Justices, holds authority to interpret the Constitution and to determine the validity of laws under it.

Article I - Filing Fee

1. A non‑refundable filing fee of $50,000 must be paid to the DOJ before submission of a Legislative Audit Request.
2. Proof of payment shall accompany the request at filing.

Article II - Submission Requirements and Standing

1. Who may file. Any person (individual or entity) may file a Legislative Audit Request.
2. **Grounds. **The request must state, with reasonable specificity:
   • the statute, rule, or ordinance challenged; and
   • the constitutional or legal basis for the challenge, or other valid reason (e.g., conflict with higher law, ambiguity, or procedural defect).
3. Form. Filings shall include supporting materials (if any) and the filer’s contact information for service and scheduling.

Article III - Intake and Docketing

1. Upon receipt and preliminary review, a Justice shall determine whether the request is complete and facially grounded.
2. If accepted, the Justice shall publish the matter to the Docket and cause notice to appear to be served on:
   • the requesting party; and
   • the individual(s) or body responsible for passage or promulgation of the challenged legislation.
3. If denied at intake, the DOJ shall provide a brief written reason; denial is without prejudice unless otherwise stated.

Article IV - Hearing Procedure

1. A hearing shall be scheduled, affording both sides a fair opportunity to present argument and evidence.
2. The presiding Justice may adopt reasonable procedures for submissions, oral argument, witness presentation, and time limits.
3. After hearing, the Justice shall issue a written decision determining whether the law is constitutional and valid.

Article V - Remedies and Outcomes

1. Uphold. The challenged legislation stands.
2. Strike. The legislation (in whole or in part) is invalidated and stricken from effect.
3. Modification. In lieu of striking, the presiding Justice may direct or make text modifications consistent with the ruling.
4. Severability. Invalid provisions may be severed where the remaining law can function as intended.
5. Stays and Effective Date. Filing an Audit Request does not suspend enforcement of the challenged law unless expressly ordered by a Justice pending review.

Article VI - Third‑Party Review

1. Legislative Audits may be submitted for third‑party review when deemed necessary by the State of San Andreas.
2. Third‑party review may be conducted by a panel designated by the DOJ that is independent of the original presiding Justice.
3. The panel’s determination shall be issued in writing and recorded on the Docket.

Article VII - Frivolous or Bad Faith Filings

1. Where a Legislative Audit Request is deemed frivolous or made in bad faith, the DOJ may impose additional filing restrictions on the requesting party.
2. The DOJ may also refer the matter for contempt proceedings or administrative penalties as deemed appropriate.
3. Frivolous filings include, but are not limited to, those lacking any legal or constitutional merit, or those made solely to disrupt judicial or legislative function.

Article VIII - Effectiveness

1. This Act is effective immediately upon publication.
2. All decisions and audit outcomes shall be recorded on the public Docket for transparency.

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Signatories:

• Justice Bailey Harvey
• Justice Peter Brackley
• Justice Mina Mercy
• Justice Tess Timony
• Justice James Anderson

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Process Summary (Internal Use)

• Legislation passed
• Legislative Audit requested
• Payment of $50,000
• Matter reviewed and accepted/denied
• If accepted: parties summoned and hearing scheduled
• Oral arguments heard
• Determination issued on constitutionality