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RI S2128

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/16/2026

Primary Sponsor

Samuel Zurier

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Candidates whose names were publicly submitted 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 ends if the candidate withdraws in writing or the commission votes to terminate their eligibility
  • Candidates must reapply separately for presiding justice, chief justice, or chief judge positions even if previously approved for associate positions in the same court
  • Governor may fill vacancies by selecting from the commission's current 3-5 candidate list or from any previously approved candidate for that court within the past 5 years
  • These extended eligibility provisions sunset on July 1, 2029 unless extended by the General Assembly; act takes effect July 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Requires individuals seeking a judicial nomination to reapply to JNC every 3 years and make those individuals selected as finalists, eligible only for the court in which they applied and were chosen during the five years following their selection.

Courts And Civil Procedure

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study

3/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary1/16/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available