HJR 1005 Summary

• Proposes constitutional amendment establishing retention elections for Arkansas Supreme Court Justices, allowing sitting justices to file for retention 120 days before their term expires and be retained if approved by majority vote for an eight-year term.

• Creates a 15-member Judicial Nominating Commission composed of 6 Governor-appointed members, 6 elected by Arkansas Bar Association members, and 3 at-large members selected by legislative leaders and commission members to nominate candidates for Supreme Court vacancies.

• Requires the Governor to appoint one of three nominees submitted by the Judicial Nominating Commission to fill Supreme Court vacancies; if the Governor fails to appoint within 60 days, the Chief Justice makes the appointment.

• Prohibits Supreme Court Justices appointed or retained under this amendment from making political contributions or holding political party office.

• Establishes effective date of January 1, 2017, for the new retention and merit selection provisions while existing amendment provisions become effective July 1, 2001.