AZ SCR1044

Changes judicial retention elections from regular periodic elections to event-based elections triggered only when a justice or judge experiences a felony conviction, crime involving fraud or dishonesty, personal bankruptcy, mortgage foreclosure, or fails judicial performance standards.

Applies to Supreme Court justices, intermediate appellate court judges, and superior court judges in counties with 250,000+ population; excludes superior court judges in smaller counties who continue to be elected by voters.

Establishes that judges hold office "during good behavior" as determined exclusively through constitutional provisions, replacing the previous system of regular six or four-year terms followed by retention elections.

Modifies the judicial performance review process by adding legislative appointees (one from the House, one from the Senate) to the commission and allowing legislators to request investigations into alleged patterns of judicial malfeasance.

Takes effect retroactively to October 31, 2024, invalidating any judicial retention or rejection votes from the November 5, 2024 general election.