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House approves bill to limit CCJJ rulemaking in judicial nominations; debate centers on diversity language
Summary
The Utah House on Feb. 14 passed HB 93, moving judicial qualification criteria into statute and curtailing the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice's ability to set evaluation rules. Supporters said the change restores constitutional clarity; opponents warned it removes a diversity consideration now used by nominating commissions.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House of Representatives on Feb. 14 approved House Bill 93, a measure that shifts judicial qualification criteria from administrative rules under the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) into state statute and restricts CCJJ’s ability to adopt further qualification criteria.
Sponsor Representative Nelson said the change is required to align practice with the Utah Constitution and to prevent an executive-branch body from setting standards he said belong to the legislature. “Selection of judges shall be based solely upon considerations of fitness for office,” Nelson said on the House floor, citing Article 8 of the Utah Constitution and arguing the statute should list the qualifications transparently.
Nelson’s amendment…
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