FL H7101

Repeals section 43.291 and replaces it with new section 43.292 governing judicial nominating commissions established under the Florida Constitution.

Establishes judicial nominating commissions with seven members appointed by the Governor, requiring residency in the territorial jurisdiction and at least four members must be active Florida Bar members in good standing.

Governor appoints the chair and vice chair of each commission; members serve terms concurrent with the Governor's elected term, with all terms ending at midnight before the next gubernatorial inauguration following a general election.

Governor must seek to ensure commission membership reflects racial, ethnic, gender diversity and geographic distribution of the population within the judicial circuit's territorial jurisdiction.

Members cannot be judges or justices and are ineligible for appointment to state judicial office for 2 years after their term ends; Executive Office of the Governor provides administrative support; a quorum requires a majority of currently appointed members.