House Bill 5380 introduces significant changes to the Judicial Selection Commission in Connecticut, affecting its composition, appointment process, and operational procedures. The bill reduces the commission's size from twelve to eleven members, with a new requirement that nine members be attorneys with at least ten years of active practice in Connecticut state courts, effective January 1, 2025. The bill maintains the political party representation requirement and specifies that the Governor and legislative leaders will appoint the new members, who must be confirmed by the General Assembly. Current members may be reappointed if they meet the new criteria, and all terms will end on December 31, 2024, with new three-year terms beginning on January 1, 2025.

Procedurally, the bill removes the "majority plus one" vote requirement for denying a recommendation for reappointment of incumbent judges and sets a ten-year limit for candidates to remain on the list of qualified candidates. It also increases the waiting period from two to three years for commission members who are attorneys to be considered for judicial nominations after their service. The bill mandates that the commission provide a summary of facts and a record of the vote when denying a recommendation, along with the right to a rehearing within thirty days. Additionally, the bill makes technical and gender-neutral language changes, outlines the subpoena process, and requires annual reporting by the commission chairperson to the judiciary committee. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 51-44a
JUD Joint Favorable Substitute: 51-44a
File No. 448: 51-44a