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Bill Summary · HJ 64

Summary — HJ 64: Study election and evaluation of judges

Overview / Purpose

HJ 64 is a joint resolution introduced April 18, 2025, that would have directed the legislature to conduct an interim study of the methods used to select and evaluate judges. The stated subject areas include courts (judges and justices; juries and jurors), the legislature, and interim studies. As a study resolution, its primary purpose was to authorize a formal examination of judicial selection and performance-evaluation practices rather than to enact immediate statutory changes.

Key provisions (as described in legislative history)

The bill text itself is not included in the public summary provided here; a draft was delivered to the requester on April 18, 2025. Based on the bill title and classification as a joint resolution for an interim study, HJ 64 likely would have done the following if enacted:
- Authorized or directed a legislative committee (the House State Administration Committee received the measure) to conduct an interim study on the election and evaluation of judges.
- Specified topics for study such as methods of judicial selection (elective vs. appointive systems), retention elections, merit-selection processes, judicial performance evaluation programs, voter information and education, and any administrative or statutory changes needed.
- Set procedural requirements for the study (committee assignment, hearings, stakeholder outreach) and likely required a final report or recommendations to the legislature by a specified date (no report date is listed in the available actions).

Because the full text is not included here, specific timelines, membership, reporting deadlines, or mandated stakeholders cannot be confirmed.

Status and legislative actions

  • Introduced (H) — April 18, 2025; referred to House State Administration; first reading and hearing occurred April 18, 2025.
  • Draft development started November 11, 2024; draft completed and delivered April 18, 2025.
  • Tabled in Committee (H State Administration) — April 22, 2025.
  • Died in Standing Committee — May 20, 2025.
  • Classification: Joint resolution.
  • Related: Replaces LC 1106.

Who would be affected

  • State and local judges and judicial candidates.
  • The legislature and committees conducting the study.
  • Court administrators and election officials.
  • Bar associations, legal community, civic groups, and voters (as stakeholders in any recommended changes).

Potential impact

If carried out, the study could produce recommendations for legislative changes to judicial selection and evaluation (for example, adjustments to election procedures, introduction/expansion of performance-evaluation programs, changes to retention/appointment processes, or voter education efforts). Because HJ 64 died in committee, no study was completed under this resolution; however, its proposals might be reintroduced in future sessions.

Next steps / Where to find more information

  • The draft was delivered to the requester on April 18, 2025; obtain the full text from the legislative document center or committee staff for exact study scope and mandates.
  • Monitor future legislation for bills that mirror the study’s objectives or resurrect components of LC 1106.

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

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