Selection Changes on the Table in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has joined several other states—including Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee—whose legislatures are considering changes to the process for selecting judges. Similar to measures under consideration in Kansas and Tennessee, one proposal would eliminate the judicial nominating commission and require senate confirmation of judicial appointments. A second proposal would eliminate retention elections and institute a single twenty-year term for appellate judges, who currently stand for retention every six years. The senate rules committee has approved both proposals.