Senate Bill No. 956 amends the qualifications for candidates seeking the office of district judge or associate district judge in Oklahoma. The bill modifies the residency requirement, stating that candidates must be registered voters and actual residents of the appropriate district for at least six months prior to the filing period. Additionally, if no candidates file for the position and a vacancy is filled by appointment, the appointee will not be subject to the residency or durational registration requirements, as long as they are otherwise qualified. This change aims to streamline the process for filling judicial vacancies.

The bill also clarifies that individuals who have been removed from judicial office or who have resigned while facing disciplinary proceedings are ineligible to file as candidates for judicial office. The updated language reflects these changes and aims to ensure that only qualified individuals can seek judicial positions. The act is set to become effective on November 1, 2025.