Bill
Bill > S1324
ID S1324
ID S1324Amends existing law to provide that judges and justices appointed to a judicial vacancy shall not be allowed to stand for election for the same judicial seat in the next election and to provide certain residency requirements for district judges.
summary
Introduced
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
RELATING TO ELECTIONS; AMENDING SECTION 1-2404, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE PRO- VISIONS REGARDING CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE; AMENDING SECTION 34-615, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE PRO- VISIONS REGARDING CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICE; AMENDING SECTION 34-616, IDAHO CODE, TO REVISE PROVI- SIONS REGARDING CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE OF DISTRICT JUDGE; AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Idaho law to prevent judges and justices appointed to fill a vacancy from running for that same judicial seat in the very next election, aiming to ensure a more stable judicial appointment process. Additionally, it revises residency requirements for district judges, stipulating that they must have been an elector, meaning a registered voter, in the specific judicial district where they are elected or appointed for at least one continuous year immediately preceding the election or appointment, and also clarifies that appointed district judges must meet this one-year residency requirement in the district at the time of their appointment. The bill also includes an emergency clause, making these changes effective on July 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Other Sponsors (1)
State Affairs Committee (Senate)
Last Action
Reported Printed; referred to State Affairs (on 02/19/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1324/ |
| BillText | https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1324.pdf |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note | https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/S1324SOP.pdf |
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