Bill > SJR18

This Joint Resolution directs the Secretary of State to put to a public vote the repeal of a section of the Oklahoma Constitution that established the Judicial Nominating Commission and a proposed amendment to another section concerning judicial appointments. The proposed amendment would change the process for filling vacancies in judicial offices, specifically for Supreme Court justices and Court of Criminal Appeals judges, by removing the requirement for the Judicial Nominating Commission to submit nominees and instead allowing the Governor to appoint a nominee directly, with the crucial addition that this appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. This means that the Senate would have the power to approve or reject the Governor's choice for these judicial positions, and the Governor could even call the Senate into a special session if it's not already meeting to get confirmation. The resolution also provides the specific wording for the ballot title that voters will see when they vote on this proposed change.