(AP) — Gov. Sam Brownback has signed a proclamation formally calling the Kansas Legislature into special session Sept. 3 to rewrite a state law allowing judges to sentence convicted murderers to serve at least 50 years in prison.

Brownback had a Tuesday afternoon signing ceremony in the Statehouse rotunda. He had already announced the special session, but a proclamation is required to convene it.

The governor was responding to a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision raising questions about the constitutionality of the state’s “Hard 50” law.

Attorney General Derek Schmidt had pressed the governor to call such a session.

Legislators and prosecutors have said a special session is necessary to rewrite the law and protect public safety.

Brownback and top legislators expect the session to last only a few days.