Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 5 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.
Impact
If enacted, S2118 would affect the operational dynamics of judicial selections in Rhode Island. The requirement for judicial candidates to reapply every five years would introduce a regular reassessment of candidates and may enhance accountability within the judicial nomination process. Moreover, the bill emphasizes a more precise alignment between nominees and the courts for which they were selected, potentially leading to a more qualified and specialized bench in the long term.
Summary
S2118 proposes amendments to the process by which individuals are nominated for judicial positions within the state, specifically requiring that candidates reapply to the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) every five years. This bill aims to streamline judicial nominations while maintaining eligibility for candidates to be nominated for the same court for which they originally applied. It mandates that finalists selected by the JNC are eligible only for the specific court for which they applied, thereby limiting their judicial prospects to that court during the five-year period following their nomination.
Contention
Notable points of contention arise from concerns about the implications of lengthening the selection process and increasing the administrative burden on both the JNC and potential candidates. Critics may argue that requiring candidates to reapply could discourage qualified individuals from pursuing judicial appointments, as the process could be perceived as cumbersome. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the impact on judicial diversity and representation if fewer candidates choose to reapply due to the added requirements.
House Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study The Manner In Which Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, Retirement Plans And Other Traditional Employer Provided Benefits Are Accorded To Uber And Lyft Drivers, Self Employed Individuals, And Other Individuals Engaged In Providing Services To The Public (creates A 5 Member Commission To Study How Health, Disability, And Unemployment Plans, And Other Benefits Are Accorded To Individuals Providing Services To The Public, And Would Report Back By January 5, 2024, And Expire On March 5, 2024.)
House Resolution Adopting The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024 (this Resolution Would Adopt The Rules Of The House Of Representatives For The Years 2023 And 2024.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State (governor And Lieutenant Governor To Appear Jointly On The Ballot) (requires Submission To Voters Election Constitutional Amendment Requiring Governor/lieutenant Governor To Run As A Team In Elections Commencing In 2026.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State-of Elections And Campaign Finance (proposes A Constitutional Amendment Authorizing Four (4) Year Terms For Members Of The General Assembly, Elected Members From Even Numbered Districts Would Begin To Be Elected To Four (4) Year Terms.)