Judicial conduct bill draws separation-of-powers concerns and debate over 'bias' definitions

Sen. Mark Noland introduced Senate Bill 66 as a set of statutory definitions for terms that arise in recusals, disqualification and judicial-conduct proceedings. "If you turn to the bill, page 1, line 14 talks about bias," the sponsor said; the text enumerates items such as bias, conflict of interest, deposition, impartiality and open-mindedness and seeks to define when those conditions arise.

Proponents said statutory definitions would provide clarity for litigants, legislators and judges about when recusal or impeachment is appropriate. Pascal Redfern and former legislators who supported the select committee’s work told the committee that the current…