Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma Senate Bill SJR34

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/29/24  
Engrossed
3/13/24  
Refer
3/25/24  

Caption

Constitutional amendment; Judicial Nominating Commission; adding requirement for holding certain office; modifying certain appointment procedure.

Impact

If adopted, SJR34 will fundamentally alter the appointment process for judicial officers in the state, establishing greater legislative oversight over judicial nominations. This change aims to increase checks and balances within state governance, where the executive and legislative branches will collaborate in the appointment of judges, potentially leading to enhanced accountability in the judicial selection process. By upending the existing commission-led model, the bill is likely to create shifts in how judicial candidates are vetted and selected.

Summary

SJR34 is a proposed joint resolution that addresses amendments to Article VII-B of the Oklahoma Constitution, particularly concerning the process of appointing Justices of the Supreme Court and judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The bill seeks to repeal Section 3 of Article VII-B, which established the Judicial Nominating Commission, thus shifting the appointment process to a system resembling that of the United States Constitution. Under this new framework, the Governor would nominate judicial officers, who would then require confirmation from both the Oklahoma State Senate and the House of Representatives.

Sentiment

The reception of SJR34 among legislators and constituents has been mixed, reflecting broader national debates surrounding judicial independence and accountability. Supporters of the bill argue that it will foster a more democratized and transparent judicial selection process, allowing for greater input from elected officials. In contrast, opponents express concern that dismantling the Judicial Nominating Commission could politicize the judiciary, diminishing judicial independence and further intertwining the judicial branch with legislative influences.

Contention

The key points of contention surrounding SJR34 center on the implications for judicial impartiality and the integrity of the judicial system. Critics argue that moving to a political confirmation process risks subjecting judicial appointments to partisan politics, which could undermine the judicial system’s commitment to fairness and impartiality. Proponents counter that involving elected representatives in the appointment process could enhance accountability, allowing voters to have a say in the judiciary through their elected officials.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK SJR6

Constitutional amendment; modifying certain appointment procedure; requiring Senate confirmation of certain judicial appointments.

OK SJR18

Constitutional amendment; modifying certain appointment procedure; requiring Senate confirmation of certain judicial appointments.

OK HJR1041

Oklahoma Constitution; Judicial Nominating Commission; justices; appointments; ballot title; filing.

OK SB612

Oklahoma Lottery; modifying certain requirements of the Oklahoma Lottery Commission; modifying requirements to claim prize. Effective date.

OK SB620

Professional Entity Act; modifying requirements for persons holding interest in domestic professional entity; prohibiting certain persons from holding shares in certain professional corporations. Effective date.

OK SB761

Public meetings; modifying certain requirements and procedures under the Oklahoma Open Meetings Act. Effective date.

OK SB518

Initiative and referendum; modifying certain filing requirements; requiring certain publication and notice; increasing certain time period for protest or objection. Emergency.

OK SB475

Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act; defining certain term; modifying certain registration suspension and revocation guidelines; modifying certain registration guidelines; modifying certain requirement. Emergency.

OK SB775

County commissioners; modifying certain duties of boards of county commissioners relating to continuing education. Effective date.

OK SB330

University Hospitals Authority; modifying applicability of certain provisions; exempting amendments to specified agreements from certain procedure. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB1792

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Sentencing Modernization Act of 2024; classifications; punishment provisions; time-served requirements; effective date.

OK HB1792

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023; effective date.

OK SB1590

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2022. Effective date.

OK HB3455

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.

OK SB881

Crimes and punishments; authorizing certain petition under certain circumstances. Effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK HB1839

Motor vehicles; modifying definition; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency; effective date.