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STATE OF OKLAHOMA
1st Session of the 59th Legislature (2023)
SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION 18 By: Dahm
AS INTRODUCED
A Joint Resolution directing the Se cretary of State
to refer to the people for their approval or
rejection the repeal of Section 3 of Article VII-B,
which relates to the Judicial Nominating Commission,
and the proposed amendment to Section 4 of Article
VII-B of the Oklahoma Constitution; modifying certain
appointment procedure; requiring Senate confirmation
of certain judicial ap pointments; providing ballot
title; and directing filing .
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF RE PRESENTATIVES OF THE
1ST SESSION OF THE 59TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
SECTION 1. The Secretary of St ate shall refer to the people for
their approval or rejection, as and in the manner provided by law,
the repeal of Section 3 and the following proposed amendment to
Section 4 of Article VII -B of the Oklahoma Constitution to rea d as
follows:
Section 4. When a vacancy in any Judi cial Office, however
arising, occurs or is certain to occur, the Judicial Nominating
Commission shall choose and submit to the Governor and the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court three (3) nominees, each of whom has
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previously notified the Commission in wr iting that he will serve as
a Judicial Officer if appointed. The the Governor shall appoint one
(1) of the nominees a nominee to fill the vacancy, but if he fails
to do so within sixty (60) days the Chie f Justice of the Supreme
Court shall appoint one (1) of the nominees, the appointment to be
certified by the Secretary of State and to be confirmed by the
Senate. If the Senate is not in session when an appointment is
made, the Governor may call the Senat e into special session no mor e
than once per quarter to advise and consent on any such appointment .
SECTION 2. The Ballot Title for the proposed Constitutional
amendment as set forth in SECTION 1 of th is resolution shall be in
the following form:
BALLOT TITLE
Legislative Referendum No. ____ State Question No. ____
THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:
This measure would amend Article 7 -B of the Oklahoma
Constitution. The measure would repeal Secti on 3 of Article 7-B
which created the Judicial Nominating Commission. The measure
would amend Section 4 of Article 7 -B to establish a process for
appointing Supreme Court justices and Court of Criminal Appeals
judges. The Governor will appoint new judges an d justices,
subject to confirmation by the Senate. Appellate judges will
stand for retention elections every 6 years as they do under
current law.
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SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPR OVED?
FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES _____________
AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO _____________
SECTION 3. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall,
immediately after the passage of this resolution, prepare and file
one copy thereof, including the Ballot Title set forth in SECTION 2
hereof, with the Secretary of State and on e copy with the Attorney
General.
59-1-1172 TEK 1/19/2023 3:11:00 PM