RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 4 (SB 5) 2024 Third Extraordinary Session Morris
Prior constitution provided for calling a special election by the governor to fill a newly-
created judgeship or vacancy in a judgeship within 12 months after the day the judgeship is
created or the vacancy occurs, except when the vacancy occurs in the last 12 months of an
existing term.
New constitutional amendment provides for calling the special election on the date first
available pursuant to law after the day the vacancy occurs or judgeship is established, except
when the vacancy occurs in the last 12 months of a term.
New constitutional amendment provides that if the date of the next gubernatorial or
congressional election is within 12 months of the date when the vacancy occurred, then the
special election shall be held at the next available gubernatorial or congressional election
date, if the special election can be held on that date in accordance with applicable law.
Existing constitution requires that until a vacancy is filled, the supreme court appoints a
person meeting the qualifications for office, except domicile, to serve at its pleasure and that
this appointee is not eligible as a candidate at the election to fill the vacancy or the newly-
created judgeship.
New constitutional amendment retains this ineligibility of the appointee, but authorizes the
legislature to provide exceptions concerning appointees to courts of limited or specialized
jurisdiction upon request of the supreme court.
Specifies submission of the amendment to the voters at the statewide election to be held on
March 29, 2025.
(Amends Const. Art. V, Sec. 22(B))