NY S04398

Requires the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to submit its annual budget request to the governor for inclusion in the executive budget without revision, though the governor may make recommendations.

Makes formal written complaints and answers against judges, as well as all hearing records and commission proceedings, public record once a formal complaint is served.

Extends the Commission's jurisdiction to continue investigating judges who resign or retire after a formal written complaint has been served, or within 120 days of resignation or retirement notification.

Eliminates provisions allowing the Commission to share confidential records with judicial nomination bodies and the Senate upon applicant consent; establishes a 15-day response deadline for information requests.

Changes references throughout the law from "resignation" to "resignation or retirement" to clarify that judges retiring while under investigation remain subject to Commission jurisdiction.