The bill amends Section 8-16.1-6 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-16.1, "Judicial Selection," to revise the process for nominating and appointing judges in Rhode Island. Key changes include the requirement for the governor to notify the commission of judicial vacancies, which must then submit a list of three to five qualified candidates within 90 days. The previous stipulation that the governor could only fill vacancies from this list has been removed, allowing for more flexibility in nominations. Additionally, individuals whose names are submitted will remain eligible for future nominations for the same court for three years, with exceptions for higher positions like presiding justice or chief justice.

The bill also mandates that the governor fill judicial vacancies within 21 days of receiving the commission's list and outlines the Senate's role in considering nominations, including the authority for the Senate Judiciary Committee to conduct investigations and public hearings. The committee will receive detailed reports from the state police and attorney general's office regarding each nominee's background, including any criminal convictions or bankruptcy filings. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the status of associate justices serving as chief or presiding justices on an interim basis and establishes a process for filling vacancies when the Senate is not in session. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
206: 8-16.1-6