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MD HB778
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/29/2025
Primary Sponsor
Judiciary
Click for details
AI Summary
- Amends the Maryland Constitution to change circuit court judge selection from contested elections to a gubernatorial appointment system with Senate confirmation, followed by retention elections
- Requires voters to approve or reject appointed circuit court judges at the next general election occurring at least 1 year after appointment, then every 10 years thereafter
- Eliminates the current 15-year elected terms for circuit court judges, replacing them with 10-year retention cycles where judges appear on the ballot unopposed with a yes/no vote
- Maintains mandatory retirement at age 70 for circuit court judges and allows the office to become vacant 10 days after certification if voters reject retention or the vote is tied
- Includes transitional provisions allowing current elected judges to serve until their term ends, while judges appointed but not yet elected must be reappointed within 15 days of the amendment taking effect
Legislative Description
Circuit Court Judges - Selection and Retention Elections
Elections
Last Action
Hearing 2/12 at 1:00 p.m. (Judiciary)
1/30/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/29/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available