AZ HB2039

Reduces terms of office for Arizona Supreme Court justices from six years to four years and changes justices to be elected (rather than appointed) at general elections occurring in non-presidential election years.

Reduces terms of office for Arizona Court of Appeals judges from six years to four years and establishes direct election of judges on nonpartisan ballots in years without presidential elections, with the governor filling vacancies until the next election.

Sets annual salaries for Supreme Court justices, Court of Appeals judges, and Superior Court judges equal to the state legislature member salary rate (instead of a separate statutory rate) and adds mileage allowances for judicial travel.

Removes judicial retention elections and the merit selection commissions for appellate and trial court appointments; repeals related statutory provisions governing judicial selection processes.

Bill takes effect only if Arizona voters approve a constitutional amendment at the next general election to repeal merit selection of judges and establish judicial elections.