The original instrument was prepared by Julie J. Baxter. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by
Jerry G. Jones.
DIGEST
LaFleur (SB 5)
Present constitution relative to retirement of judges provides that within two years after the
effective date of the constitution (midnight of Dec. 31, 1974), the legislature shall provide for a
retirement system for judges which shall apply to a judge taking office after the effective date of
the law enacting the system and in which a judge in office at that time may elect to become a
member, with credit for all prior years of judicial service and without contribution therefor. The
retirement benefits and judicial service rights of a judge in office or retired on the effective date
of the constitution shall not be diminished, nor shall the benefits to which a surviving spouse is
entitled be reduced.
Proposed constitutional amendment retains present language.
Present constitution further provides that, except as otherwise provided in the present
constitution, a judge shall not remain in office beyond his 70
th
birthday. A judge who attains the
age of 70 while serving a term of office shall be allowed to complete that term of office.
Proposed constitutional amendment deletes this language.
Provides for submission of the proposed amendment to the voters at the next available date of a
statewide election or at the statewide election to be held on November 4, 2014, whichever occurs
earlier.
(Amends Const. Art. V., Sec. 23).
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the original
bill
1. Changes submission date from Nov. 4, 2014, to next available date of a statewide
election or at the statewide election to be held on November 4, 2014, whichever
occurs earlier.