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HB 310

CRIMINAL/PROCEDURE: Provides for the reassignment of a defendant's case when the right to a jury trial has been waived

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Josh Carlson

HB 310 permits reassignment of criminal cases to different judges when defendants waive jury trial rights, potentially affecting judicial management and fairness in bench trial proceedings.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 310

Legislative bill overview

HB 310 allows for the reassignment of a criminal defendant's case to a different judge when the defendant has waived their right to a jury trial. The bill creates a mechanism for case transfers in bench trial situations, presumably to manage judicial workload or address concerns about judge assignment in non-jury proceedings.

Why is this important

This bill affects the administration of criminal justice by potentially allowing defendants or prosecutors to change judges in bench trials, which could impact judicial efficiency, case outcomes, and perceptions of fairness. It addresses a procedural gap since jury trial waivers currently may limit reassignment options that exist in jury trial cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial stability concerns: Allowing reassignment after jury trial waiver could enable judge-shopping, where parties strategically seek judges they believe favor their position, potentially undermining case continuity and judicial integrity
  • Workload management vs. fairness: While reassignment might help distribute caseload, it raises questions about whether defendants waiving jury trials have legitimate grounds for judge changes or if this becomes a delay tactic
  • Undefined scope: The bill's language lacks clarity on who can request reassignment (defendant, prosecutor, or both), under what conditions, and what standards judges must apply when deciding whether to grant transfers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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