The bill amends Section 8-16.1-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 8-16.1, which pertains to the Judicial Nominating Commission in Rhode Island. It establishes that if a successor member is not appointed within thirty days after a member's term expires, the Rhode Island Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with the Rhode Island Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, shall appoint a qualified individual to fill the vacancy.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission provide a meaningful public forum, including time for public comment, prior to any final action on judicial nominations. It specifies that the commission shall not require members of the public to register or sign up to speak more than forty-eight hours in advance of any meeting, and that written testimony shall be accepted at any time before final action is taken.

The bill also introduces requirements for judicial candidates to disclose all campaign finance contributions made by or on behalf of them within a period prescribed by the commission, including contributions to any candidate, political committee, or political action committee. Furthermore, it mandates that the commission provide a live audiovisual broadcast of each open meeting via the internet and maintain an online archive of each recording. These changes aim to enhance transparency and public engagement in the judicial selection process. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2938: 8-16.1-2