HB 3162 Summary

• Submits a proposed constitutional amendment to Oklahoma voters that modifies the judicial appointment process for appellate courts and district courts.

• Changes appellate court vacancy filling to require the Judicial Nominating Commission to submit all applicants to the Governor with optional merit scores (1-10 scale), keeping scores confidential, with Governor selecting one applicant subject to confirmation by a legislative select committee of 10 members (5 from each house).

• Modifies the Judicial Nominating Commission composition by making Governor-appointed lay members serve at the Governor's pleasure rather than fixed terms, and clarifies terms for other appointed and elected members.

• For district and associate district judge vacancies, requires the Commission to submit all qualified applicants if three or fewer exist, or submit three nominees if more than three applicants meet qualifications.

• Establishes ballot title describing the changes to judicial selection processes for Supreme Court, Court of Criminal Appeals, intermediate appellate courts, and district courts.