MD HB150

Replaces partisan elections for Maryland circuit court judges with a merit selection system where the Governor appoints judges with Senate confirmation, followed by nonpartisan retention elections every 10 years

Voters decide whether to retain appointed judges by voting "yes" or "no" on the ballot, with no opposing candidates; rejection or a tied vote creates a vacancy 10 days after certification

Reduces circuit court judge terms from 15 years to 10-year retention cycles, aligning them with the existing system for appellate court judges

Maintains mandatory retirement age of 70 years for all circuit court judges

Requires submission to voters as a constitutional amendment at the November 2026 general election, with transitional provisions allowing current elected judges to complete their terms before shifting to the retention system