Oklahoma State Question 845 (Legislative Referendum 379) — Judicial Nominating Commission structure

What it does

This measure amends article 7-B, section 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution, changing the Judicial Nominating Commission's structure. Currently appointments are based on congressional districts as constituted in 1967. If approved, appointments to the fifteen-member Commission will be as follows: 1) Governor appoints six members, including one from each congressional district as of the time of their appointment; 2) the Oklahoma Bar Association appoints six members, including one from each congressional district as of the date of selection; and 3) no less than eight members select three at-large members. The measure will permit any number of the commissioners to be licensed attorneys in Oklahoma or another state. The prohibition against immediate family members from practicing law will be removed. The measure changes terms so that at-large commissioners would serve a two-year term, and all other commissioners would serve a six-year term. Additionally, it removes restrictions on political party membership for members appointed by the Governor and at-large members. The measure also permits a commissioner to succeed himself or herself. Vacancies will be filled in the same manner as a commissioner is appointed or selected for the remainder of the relevant term. This measure will not have a fiscal impact. Shall the proposal be approved? For the proposal – YES. Against the proposal – NO.

A YES vote means

A yes vote restructures the Judicial Nominating Commission so appointments track current congressional districts, allows any number of commissioners to be attorneys, removes party-membership limits on governor-appointed and at-large members, sets two-year terms for at-large members and six-year terms for others, and allows commissioners to succeed themselves.

A NO vote means

A no vote keeps the current Judicial Nominating Commission structure based on 1967 congressional districts and its existing membership, term and party-balance rules.

Needed to pass

A simple majority

Put on the ballot by

the Legislature

Official text: source

Also on Oklahoma ballots

• State Question 847 (Legislative Referendum 381) — Limits on annual increases in property fair cash value

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