Texas House Bill HJR61

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/12/11
• Introduced: 1/11/11
• Refer: 2/21/11
• Report Pass: 4/4/11

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment changing the terms of office of a district judge.

Impact

If passed, HJR61 would require that any district judge elected after January 1, 2012, serve a six-year term. The amendment also includes provisions for filling vacancies in the office of a district judge, stipulating that such vacancies would be filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next general election, at which point voters would fill the vacancy for the full term. This could streamline the process of maintaining a full bench in the judicial system, reducing periods of vacancy that could affect court operations.

Summary

HJR61 proposes a constitutional amendment to amend Section 7, Article V of the Texas Constitution to change the term length of district judges from four years to six years. The bill aims to enhance judicial stability and continuity by allowing judges more time in office to address legal matters without the pressure of frequent elections. This proposed change reflects a belief that longer terms may contribute to a more experienced judiciary and improve the administration of justice within the state.

Contention

Notably, the change in term lengths raises questions regarding judicial accountability and the electoral process. Supporters argue that increased term lengths may lead to enhanced focus on long-term issues in the judiciary, while critics contend that longer terms could reduce the democratic mechanism of holding judges accountable through regular elections. The amendment also implies a shift in how vacancies are managed, which may lead to discussions about the balance of power between appointed versus elected judges as well as the implications for judicial independence.