House Bill No. 7041, also known as Public Act No. 25-114, revises the structure and appointment process of the Judicial Selection Commission. The bill replaces the previous requirement of having six attorneys and six non-attorneys on the commission with a new structure where all members must meet specific qualifications. Starting July 1, 2025, the Governor will appoint six members, consisting of three attorneys with at least ten years of legal practice in the state and three non-attorneys. Additionally, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House, and the majority and minority leaders of both chambers will appoint members with similar qualifications. The bill also establishes a three-year term for commission members, prohibits consecutive terms except under certain conditions, and clarifies the vacancy-filling process.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the commission's procedures for evaluating and recommending judges for nomination. Key insertions include the requirement for the commission to provide a brief summary of reasons for not considering a candidate and to render decisions within twenty days after a hearing. Judges denied a recommendation may request a rehearing, with the commission's decision being final. The bill also modifies quorum and voting requirements, extending the period during which attorney members cannot be nominated for judicial positions from two to three years after their tenure. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting to the judiciary committee on candidate statistics and grants the commission authority to enter into necessary contractual agreements for its investigative duties. These changes aim to improve transparency and procedural clarity in the judicial nomination process.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 51-44a
JUD Joint Favorable: 51-44a
File No. 765: 51-44a
File No. 952: 51-44a
Public Act No. 25-114: 51-44a