Texas House Bill HJR138

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment for filling vacancies in the offices of justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of criminal appeals, and district judges by appointment.

Impact

If enacted, HJR138 would significantly alter the landscape of judicial appointments in Texas. Currently, judicial vacancies are filled through elections; this bill would shift that process to one driven by appointments. Proponents argue that this amendment could enhance the quality of judiciary appointments, as it seeks to ensure that only those with substantial qualifications are chosen. The bill also proposes a system of nonpartisan retention elections for these positions once the judges have been appointed, allowing voters to decide on their continued service without partisan biases affecting the results.

Summary

HJR138 proposes a constitutional amendment concerning the method of filling vacancies in judicial offices in Texas, specifically targeting the offices of justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Criminal Appeals, and district judges. The amendment seeks to replace the current election system for filling such vacancies with an appointment process, wherein the Governor would appoint judges subject to confirmation by the Senate and the House. This change aims to streamline the process of filling judicial vacancies and ensure that qualified candidates are appointed swiftly when vacancies arise.

Contention

The proposed amendment has incited discussions regarding the implications for judicial independence and local accountability. Critics assert that the appointment system may lead to politicization of the judiciary, as the Governor's ability to appoint judges could be influenced by political considerations. Supporters counter that it would mitigate the influence of campaign financing and partisan politics in electing judges, thus fostering a more impartial judicial system. Ultimately, the bill has become a focal point in the larger debate about the balance of power between state authorities and judicial independence.