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Committee considers requiring judges to finish terms before joining Senior Judge program; Ruchti recorded a nay
Summary
RS 32877C1 would require judges to finish their elected terms if they wish to participate in the Senior Judge program; the committee sent the RS to print by voice vote with Senator Ruchti recorded as voting nay and requested input from the judiciary.
Senator Hart described RS 32877C1 as legislation to "ensure that Idaho voters are able to vote for the replacement judge of their choice when a judge is about to retire," and explained the bill would require judges to finish their terms to participate in the Senior Judge program and would take effect when a judge files a declaration of candidacy for a new term.
During discussion, Senator Ruchti noted recent changes to the judicial branch—citing shifts in service periods and the Judicial Council—and urged that those changes be allowed to play out while emphasizing the importance of retaining quality judges. Chairman Lakey and other members agreed the judiciary should be consulted. Vice Chairman Shippy moved to send the RS to print; Senator Ricks seconded. The motion carried by voice vote; Senator Ruchti asked to be recorded as voting nay.
