UT SB0233

Requires the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission to study whether judges being overturned on appeal for abuse of discretion should factor into performance evaluations, with a report due to the Judiciary Interim Committee by November 1, 2026

Establishes new timeliness standards for appellate judges: Supreme Court justices must distribute 100% of opinions within one year of submission, while Court of Appeals judges must distribute 100% within 270 days

Expands judicial performance survey respondents to include parties who appeared before the judge, in addition to attorneys, jurors, and court staff

Reorganizes survey evaluation categories into five areas: legal competence, impartiality, ability to communicate clearly, judicial temperament, and administrative capacity

Requires the Commission to allow judges who fail certification standards to appear and speak at meetings where their evaluation is considered, and mandates that final votes on whether judges meet performance standards occur in public meetings