UT HJR013

Amends Article VIII, Section 9 of the Utah Constitution to authorize the Legislature to initiate a special retention election when a judge is found unfit, incompetent, persistently fails to make timely decisions, or engages in conduct violating their oath of office or creating an appearance of impropriety.

The Legislature may initiate the special retention election process even if the judge is also subject to impeachment or judicial discipline proceedings.

Judges subject to a special retention election remain subject to regular retention elections (every 10 years for Supreme Court justices, every 6 years for other judges), but a special election may replace the regular election if both occur in the same year.

Requires the Legislature to establish by statute the process, manner, and timing for special retention elections, including resolution of conflicting outcomes between different removal mechanisms.

Contingent effective date of January 1, 2027, if approved by voters at the next regular general election.