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House passes bill shifting appointments to governor for Judicial Nominating Commission after heated debate
Summary
After hours of debate, the Utah House passed Senate Bill 243 to change how members of the Judicial Nominating Commission are selected, expanding the governor—s role and increasing appellate nominee short lists. Opponents called the bill a power grab; supporters said it balances philosophy and competence.
The Utah House on Feb. 19 passed Senate Bill 243, a bill that changes how the Judicial Nominating Commission is constituted and expands the number of appellate court nominees the commission forwards to the governor.
Proponents said the bill gives the elected executive branch a clearer voice in shaping judicial philosophy while still protecting judicial competence. Representative Valentine, the bill—s floor sponsor, said the legislation allows the executive branch to "have some say as to the slate of candidates that come before them" and encouraged…
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