SJ0004

Proposes a constitutional amendment to require Senate confirmation of Wyoming Supreme Court justices, expand the Judicial Nominating Commission composition, and allow the legislature to define the practice of law for judicial qualifications.

• Requires persons appointed to the Wyoming Supreme Court to be confirmed by a majority vote of the Senate before assuming office. (Article 5, Section 4(b)(i), Article 5, Section 4(b)(ii))
• Allows the governor or chief justice to make interim appointments to the Supreme Court when the Senate is not in session, with the appointee serving until the Senate reconvenes and votes on confirmation. (Article 5, Section 4(b)(iii))
• Expands the Judicial Nominating Commission from seven to nine members, including the chief justice as chairman, three bar members elected by the Wyoming State Bar, two judges elected by state judges, and three non-attorney electors appointed by the governor, one by the Senate president, and one by the House speaker. (Article 5, Section 4(c))
• Requires that a majority of the Judicial Nominating Commission be composed of persons not admitted to the practice of law, and that a non-attorney member serve as chairman. (Article 5, Section 4(c))
• Adds non-voting advisors representing unrepresented judicial districts or counties to the Judicial Nominating Commission when appointments to those areas are pending. (Article 5, Section 4(c))
• Authorizes the legislature to define what constitutes the 'actual practice of law' for purposes of Supreme Court justice qualifications. (Article 5, Section 8)
• Allows the legislature to establish procedures for Senate confirmation of Supreme Court justices and to prescribe additional qualifications for Judicial Nominating Commission members. (Article 5, Section 4(b)(iv), Article 5, Section 4(d))
• Designates the appointment process timeline as not later than 60 days after a vacancy occurs, with the governor having 30 days to appoint and the chief justice having 15 days if the governor fails to act. (Article 5, Section 4(b))