HJ0006

Proposes a constitutional amendment to replace Wyoming's judicial nominating commission and retention election system with direct election of all judges and justices at general elections.

• Modifies the judicial vacancy-filling process to require gubernatorial appointment from a list of three nominees submitted by the judicial nominating commission, with the chief justice making the appointment if the governor fails to act within 30 days. (Article 5, Section 4(b))
• Changes the judicial selection process so that after an initial one-year appointment term, justices and judges must be elected through direct general election rather than retention votes, with voters deciding between the incumbent and any other qualified candidates who file declarations of intent. (Article 5, Section 4(g), Article 5, Section 4(h))
• Requires judicial candidates to file declarations of intent to seek election between 3 and 6 months before the general election in which their term expires, allowing voters to choose among all qualified candidates on a nonpartisan ballot. (Article 5, Section 4(h))
• Establishes that the state shall be divided into judicial districts with elected district court judges serving six-year terms, and provides for election of supreme court justices and other court judges according to law. (Article 5, Section 19)
• Permits the legislature to increase the number of judicial districts and judges but prohibits removal of sitting judges during their terms due to boundary changes or increases in judgeships. (Article 5, Section 21)
• Prohibits judges and justices from holding other offices during their judicial terms or being eligible for appointment to non-judicial offices. (Article 5, Section 27)
• Repeals Article 5, Sections 4(c) through (e) of the Wyoming Constitution, which relate to the current judicial nominating commission and retention election system. (Section 2)
• Directs the Secretary of State to endorse the proposed amendment with an explanatory statement describing the change from the nominating commission and retention system to direct election of judges.