Bill > HJR1041

This Joint Resolution directs the Oklahoma Secretary of State to present a proposed amendment to the state Constitution to voters for their approval or rejection, which would change how judges and justices are selected. Currently, the Judicial Nominating Commission, a body that recommends candidates, plays a role in this process. However, this amendment would remove the Commission from the selection process, allowing the Governor to directly appoint a qualified person to fill a judicial vacancy. If the Governor fails to make an appointment within sixty days, the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court would then make the appointment. Crucially, any appointment made under this new system, regardless of whether it was by the Governor or the Chief Justice, would require confirmation by a majority vote of the elected members of the Oklahoma State Senate before the appointee could begin serving. The resolution also specifies the exact wording for the ballot title that voters will see when they consider this proposed change.