AZ SB1371

Amends Arizona law to change judicial selection from merit-based appointment to partisan/general election for justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, and judges of the superior court.

Modifies ballot provisions to place judicial candidates on partisan ballots with party designation alongside other state and county offices, rather than on nonpartisan retention ballots.

Changes the term structure for court of appeals judges to six-year terms following election, with the governor filling vacancies by appointment until the next general election.

Repeals section 12-131 and removes provisions requiring fingerprinting for judicial nominees, making it no longer a condition of nomination through judicial appointments commissions.

Becomes effective only upon voter approval of a constitutional amendment at the next general election to repeal merit selection and authorize election of justices and judges.