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HJR 1024

Oklahoma Constitution; congressional districts; terms of office; restrictions; attorneys; succession; ballot title; filing.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Todd Gollihare and 1 co-sponsor

Proposed constitutional amendment retools the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission with new membership, terms, and eligibility rules, including removing party-based limits.

Filed with Secretary of State
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Bill Summary · HJR 1024

Summary of House Joint Resolution 1024 (HJR1024)

Session: 2026 | Jurisdiction: Oklahoma

Purpose and intent

HJR1024 proposes a constitutional amendment to Section 3 of Article VII-B of the Oklahoma Constitution. The primary aim is to reform the Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) by updating district references, adjusting terms, and removing certain restrictions related to party membership, licensed attorney status, family connections to attorneys, and succession. The measure directs the Secretary of State to refer the proposed amendment to the voters for approval.

Key provisions and changes

  • Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) structure (Section 3(a)):
    • The Commission would consist of 15 members:
    • Governor-appointed lay members (6): Must include at least one member from each current congressional district as defined by Oklahoma statutes. No member shall be admitted to practice law, nor have any immediate family member who has been admitted to practice law in Oklahoma or other states. Each term: 6 years.
    • Bar Association-appointed members (6): Must include at least one member from each current congressional district, and these members must be members of the Oklahoma Bar Association and elected by other active members within their district under procedures set by the Oklahoma Bar Association Board of Governors. Each term: 6 years.
    • At-large members (3): Must not have been admitted to practice law, nor have immediate family members who are lawyers. Residency in Oklahoma required. Terms: 6 years. Selection process:
      • One member to be selected by at least eight members of the JNC.
      • If eight members cannot agree within 30 days of organization or vacancy, the Governor appoints one at-large member; the President Pro Tempore of the Senate appoints one; the Speaker of the House appoints one.
      • No more than two at-large members may belong to the same political party.
  • Leadership and terms (Section 3(b)):
    • The Commission elects a chair for a 1-year term.
  • Appointment timing and term specifics (Section 3(c)-(d)):
    • Lay members appointed by the Governor must be in place within 90 days after the Article becomes effective.
    • Initial terms for lay members: two members for 2 years, two for 4 years, two for 6 years.
    • Oklahoma Bar Association members must be elected and certified within 90 days, with two elected for 2 years, two for 4 years, and two for 6 years.
    • Thereafter, all members serve 6-year terms, except the at-large member who serves a 2-year term.
  • Vacancies (Section 3(d)-(e)):
    • Lay member vacancies filled by the Governor for the remainder of the term.
    • Lawyer (Bar Association) vacancies filled by the Oklahoma Bar Association Board of Governors for the remainder of the term.
    • At-large vacancy filled in the same manner as the original selection.
  • Party and conflict-of-interest restrictions (Section 3(f)-(g)):
    • No more than three Governor-nominated members may belong to any one political party.
    • Commissioners cannot hold other public office or party positions while serving; they and their immediate family members cannot have current or recent (within five years) legal employment in certain conflicts.
  • Compensation and expenses (Section 3(h)):
    • Commissioners serve without monetary compensation but may be reimbursed for reasonable travel and lodging expenses.
  • Ineligibility and tenure limits (Section 3(i)):
    • No commissioner may succeed themselves.
    • No commissioner may serve more than 12 consecutive years, whether elected or appointed.

  • Terminology and definitions (Section 3(a)(h)):

    • The term “Oklahoma Bar Association” includes successors and future forms of the state’s organized bar.

  • Ballot title and voter information (Section 2):

    • The Ballot Title explains that the measure updates district references to use current congressional districts, updates term lengths (primarily six-year terms with one transitional exception), removes party-based restrictions, allows attorneys to serve if not disqualified by other provisions, and removes a restriction on succession. It asks voters: “Shall the proposal be approved? Yes/No.”

Who would be affected

  • Oklahoma Judicial Nominating Commission members (and prospective nominees) would be impacted by new eligibility criteria, appointment processes, term lengths, and succession rules.
  • Governor, Senate, and House leadership would participate in appointing at-large members if consensus is not reached.
  • The Oklahoma Bar Association would play a defined role in electing six of the Commission members and establishing the election procedures for those seats.
  • The general electorate would vote on the constitutional amendment, which would modify how JNC appointments are made and how long commissioners may serve.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The measure, as amended, requires voter approval via a future statewide referendum.
  • Initial appointment timelines are specified:
    • Lay members appointed by the Governor within 90 days of effective date.
    • Bar Association members elected and certified within 90 days of effective date.
  • Term structure introduces staggered terms (2, 4, and 6 years for initial lay and Bar Association members; all subsequent terms 6 years; at-large term 2 years).
  • Restrictions on successive terms and term limits (12 consecutive years) are established.

Notes on status

  • The bill has progressed through the Oklahoma House Rules Committee (amended) and the Senate Rules Committee, with actions in 2025–2026. Final enrollment and enactment would depend on passage by both chambers and approval by the Governor, or referral to voters as a constitutional amendment.

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

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