Bill

Bill > S2938


RI S2938

RI S2938
Permits RI Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with RI Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to appoint members of JNC and requires judicial candidates to disclose political donations.


summary

Introduced
03/04/2026
In Committee
03/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would permit the Rhode Island Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with the Rhode Island Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to appoint a qualified individual to serve as the new or replacement member of the Judicial Nominating Commission if the members with expired terms are not replaced via the normal process. It would also require the commission to provide a public forum relative to adopting rules and procedures, would require judicial candidates to disclose political donations and require the commission to broadcast, via the internet, each open meeting and to maintain an archive of each recording. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the process for appointing members to the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), which is responsible for recommending candidates for judicial positions in Rhode Island. Specifically, if a member's term expires and a replacement isn't appointed through the usual channels, the Rhode Island Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with the Rhode Island Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, can appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy. The bill also mandates that the JNC must hold public forums for input on its rules and procedures, require judicial candidates to disclose their political donations, and broadcast all of its open meetings live online, maintaining an archive of these recordings for public access.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Introduced, referred to Senate Judiciary (on 03/04/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...