Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii Senate Bill SB2927

Introduced
1/24/24  
Introduced
1/24/24  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Refer
1/24/24  
Report Pass
2/7/24  
Report Pass
2/15/24  
Refer
2/7/24  
Engrossed
2/20/24  
Report Pass
2/15/24  
Engrossed
2/20/24  
Enrolled
3/7/24  
Enrolled
3/7/24  
Refer
3/7/24  
Report Pass
3/20/24  
Report Pass
3/20/24  
Refer
3/20/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Report Pass
4/25/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Report Pass
4/25/24  

Caption

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Make The Senate Confirmation Process For Judicial Appointments More Uniform.

Impact

If enacted, SB2927 would modify the existing confirmation process by making it more standardized. Notably, it includes provisions that allow a district court appointee to be automatically considered appointed if the Senate does not reject the appointment within thirty days of receiving the notice. This change aims to reduce delays in judicial appointments, enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary in Hawaii. Furthermore, it emphasizes the role of the Judicial Selection Commission in presenting candidates, thus bolstering a more streamlined approach to filling judicial vacancies.

Summary

Senate Bill 2927 proposes an amendment to Article VI, Section 3 of the Hawaii Constitution, aiming to create a uniform Senate confirmation process for judicial appointments across various levels of the judiciary, specifically for district court judges. Currently, the procedures for appointing district court judges differ from those for the Supreme Court and intermediate appellate courts, which is perceived as inconsistent. The bill seeks to align these processes, ensuring that a list of nominees is provided for appointments and establishing timelines for actions by both the governor and the Senate.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB2927 appears generally supportive among those who advocate for efficiency and consistency in the judicial appointment process. However, there are concerns regarding potential implications for the Senate's role and checks on executive power. Proponents argue that the bill enhances the responsiveness of the judiciary to public needs by expediting appointments, while opponents may express apprehension about the diminishing authority of the Senate in the confirmation process.

Contention

A notable point of contention in discussions of SB2927 centers on the potential impact of reduced Senate oversight on judicial appointments. Critics may fear that aspects of accountability could be compromised if the Senate is unable to thoroughly review and reject nominees within the proposed timeframe. Discussions in legislative forums also highlight concerns related to judicial independence and balance of powers, which could arise due to increased influence of the executive branch in the appointment process, as it enables the governor to make appointments more swiftly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

HI SB2385

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Place Procedural Restrictions On The Timing Of Judicial Appointments And Confirmations.

HI SB121

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Allow The Senate More Time To Confirm Judicial Appointments.

HI SB175

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI SB2319

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI HB2509

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI SB992

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI SB992

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI SJR9

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

HI SJR6

Constitutional amendment; Judicial Nominating Commission; requiring Senate confirmation of certain judicial appointments. Ballot title.

HI HB166

An Act Proposing An Amendment To Section 3 Of Article Iv Of The Delaware Constitution Relating To The Appointment Of Judges.

Similar Bills

HI SB1074

Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Amend The Manner In Which Justices And Judges Are Appointed, Consented To, And Retained.

HI SB1074

Proposing Amendments To The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii To Amend The Manner In Which Justices And Judges Are Appointed, Consented To, And Retained.

HI HB1216

Proposing To Amend The Constitution Of The State Of Hawaii Regarding State Justices And Judges.

HI SB2385

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Place Procedural Restrictions On The Timing Of Judicial Appointments And Confirmations.

HI SB175

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI HB2509

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI SB2319

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.

HI SB992

Proposing An Amendment To Article Vi, Section 3, Of The Hawaii State Constitution To Increase The Mandatory Retirement Age For State Justices And Judges.