Bill > SB542

This bill allows the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland to temporarily reassign former judges to judicial duties under specific conditions. A "former judge" is defined as someone who has previously served on a court. The bill amends existing law to permit a former judge whose most recent term ended because they lost an election to be recalled for temporary service, provided they had previously won an election to a judicial office. This is a change from the previous rule which would have prevented such judges from being recalled. The bill also outlines other requirements for temporary assignment, including having served a minimum amount of time as a judge, approval from the Supreme Court justices, meeting established standards, and consenting to the assignment. Importantly, former judges who were removed or involuntarily retired, retired due to disability, censured by the Supreme Court, or are currently practicing law are still ineligible for these temporary assignments.

Justice

Judicial Proceedings (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0542?ys=2026RS