MD SB630

Replaces competitive elections for Maryland circuit court judges with a retention election system where the Governor appoints judges (with Senate consent) and voters later decide whether to retain them in office

Circuit court judges would face retention elections at the next general election following 1 year from their appointment, then every 10 years thereafter, with voters casting a simple yes/no vote on retention

Maintains the mandatory retirement age of 70 years for circuit court judges and requires judges rejected by voters (or with tied votes) to vacate office 10 days after election certification

Includes transitional provisions allowing currently elected judges to serve until the next general election after their term ends, while appointed judges not yet elected must be reappointed within 15 days of the amendment taking effect

Constitutional amendment would be submitted to Maryland voters at the November 2026 general election for adoption or rejection