RI H7641

Candidates whose names were submitted to the governor by the judicial nominating commission remain eligible for nomination to the same court for 5 years following July 1, 2026, without needing to reapply for each vacancy

Eligibility excludes positions of presiding justice, chief justice, or chief judge, which require a fresh application regardless of prior submissions

Candidates may lose eligibility if they withdraw in writing to the commission or if the commission votes to terminate their eligibility

Governor gains expanded nomination authority to select from either the current slate of 3-5 candidates or any previously submitted candidate from the past 5 years for the same court

The 5-year eligibility provisions sunset on July 1, 2029 unless extended by the General Assembly; act takes effect July 1, 2026