AK HB34

Eliminates court of appeals and district court judges from statewide retention elections; these judges now subject to legislative confirmation instead of voter approval.

Changes judicial ballot from four parts to two parts, removing court of appeals and district court judge retention questions while keeping supreme court and superior court judges on ballots.

Requires supreme court justices and superior court judges to have prior service as a court of appeals or district court judge, and requires legislative confirmation before such prior service.

Court of appeals judges subject to legislative approval or rejection at first session more than two years after appointment, then every second year thereafter; same process applied to district court judges and magistrates.

Modifies judicial vacancy procedures to have governor appoint one qualified person directly rather than selecting from candidates nominated by judicial council; legislative confirmation still required.