UT HB0424

Governor may request a list of nominees from judicial nominating commissions when filling vacancies, but commission recommendations become advisory only rather than binding

Governor gains authority to appoint any qualified candidate to a judicial vacancy, even if that candidate was not nominated by the commission

Removes the 30-day deadline for governors to fill judicial vacancies and eliminates the chief justice's backup authority to make appointments if the governor fails to act

Recruitment periods for judicial nominations become 30-90 days, with possible 30-day extension if fewer than nine applications are received

Takes effect January 1, 2027, contingent on voter approval of H.J.R. 5, a proposed constitutional amendment on judicial nominations, at the next general election