House Bill No. 7041, also known as Public Act No. 25-114, significantly reforms the Judicial Selection Commission's structure and appointment process, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The bill establishes a new composition of twelve members, with a requirement that three of the six attorney members have at least ten years of legal practice in the state. The previous mandate that half of the commission members be attorneys-at-law has been removed. Appointments will be made by various state leaders, ensuring political diversity by limiting the number of members from the same political party to six and prohibiting elected or appointed officials from serving on the commission. Additionally, the terms of service for commission members are defined as three years without consecutive terms, except under specific conditions.

The bill also introduces procedural amendments to enhance the evaluation and recommendation process for judicial nominations. Judges not recommended for reappointment can request a rehearing within ten days, with the commission's final decision being non-appealable. The commission must provide a summary of reasons for any decisions that deny judicial nominations, promoting transparency. Voting requirements are adjusted so that a majority plus one of the members present is needed to deny a recommendation for an incumbent judge's reappointment. The bill extends the period during which attorney members cannot be nominated for judicial positions from two to three years post-tenure and mandates annual reporting on judicial nomination statistics, including demographic data and the number of candidates interviewed and recommended, thereby enhancing accountability in the judicial selection 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