Bill
HJR 1017
Proposed Oklahoma constitutional amendment would restructure state Supreme Court, shift judicial selection to partisan elections.
HJR 1017 is a joint resolution that proposes to amend the Oklahoma Constitution to make significant changes to the state's judicial system. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the resolution would restructure the composition and selection process for the Oklahoma Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals.
The main changes proposed in HJR 1017 include:
Restructuring the Supreme Court: The bill would increase the number of Supreme Court justices from 9 to 13, with each of Oklahoma's 5 congressional districts electing 2 justices, and the remaining 3 justices being elected statewide.
Changing Judicial Selection: Rather than the current merit-based selection system, the bill would institute partisan elections for Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals positions. Justices would be elected to 10-year terms.
Eliminating the Judicial Nominating Commission: The resolution proposes to abolish the state's Judicial Nominating Commission, which currently screens and recommends candidates for judicial appointments.
Modifying Court of Criminal Appeals: The bill would reduce the Court of Criminal Appeals from 5 to 3 judges, who would also be elected through partisan elections.
If passed by the legislature, HJR 1017 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot for Oklahoma voters to consider during the November 2025 general election.
The proposed changes would significantly alter the structure and selection process for Oklahoma's highest courts, shifting away from the current merit-based system towards partisan elections. This could impact the independence and ideological composition of the judiciary.
HJR 1017 represents a major effort to reform Oklahoma's judicial branch through constitutional amendments. The bill's supporters argue it will make the courts more accountable to the public, while critics contend it threatens judicial impartiality. Ultimately, the fate of these proposed changes will be decided by Oklahoma voters if the resolution advances through the legislative process.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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