SB 732 Summary

• Changes special judge selection from appointment to election in Oklahoma judicial administrative districts based on county population thresholds (24,000 minimum and 50,000 increments per 1960 Federal Census).

• Modifies vacancy procedures by allowing persons to become candidates for special judge positions under Section 92i when associate district judge vacancies occur, rather than direct appointment by district judges.

• Removes Chief Justice authority to appoint additional special judges, though allows authorization of additional judges after application by majority of district judges in a judicial administrative district.

• Establishes specific elected special judge positions in eight designated judicial administrative districts serving named counties (Custer, Rogers, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Pittsburg, McIntosh, Washington, and LeFlore Counties).

• Effective date: November 1, 2015.