Senate Joint Resolution 14 Summary

• Governor fills vacancies on the Indiana Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, subject to Senate confirmation by majority vote of elected members.

• Justices and judges are retained in office only if they receive more than 60% of votes cast on the retention question.

• Chief Justice is selected by the Governor from Supreme Court members and serves 5-year terms, subject to reappointment.

• Judicial nominating commission consists of 7 members: Chief Justice or designee, 3 lawyers elected by the bar, and 3 residents appointed by the Governor (who cannot be lawyers).

• New constitutional provision prohibits laws from restricting judges, lawyers, and other persons from freely expressing political views or making donations to political parties and candidates.