After a tumultuous legislative session, the judiciary and the legislature have come to an agreement related to HB 512 – Judicial Retention Changes and SB 296 – Judicial Amendments. The Bar is supportive of the Court’s agreement. The Bar wishes to express its relief and thank the Legislature for withdrawing HB 512. The withdrawal of HB 512 preserves the independence of the judiciary and maintains the Constitution’s separation of powers between our co-equal branches of government. The Bar understands that the Judicial Council will remain neutral on SB 296, which permits the Governor to appoint the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The Bar will also take a neutral position on this bill. We understand that both the Judicial Council and the Legislature released letters today outlining the above actions and positions.
The Bar wishes to thank the lawyers and law firms who put in so much time and effort to speak with legislators, write letters, hold press conferences, and conduct legislative meetings to express support for an independent judiciary. The Bar also thanks the Commissioners and the Bar’s Governmental Relations Committee for their work this session analyzing bills and taking positions when appropriate. Legislators listened, and combined efforts made a difference.
This result came about with the leadership of Chief Justice Matthew Durrant, Deputy State Court Administrator Michael Dreschel, and other Court leadership.
Finally, the Bar thanks several key lawmakers, including Sen. Brammer, Rep. Teuscher, Rep. Lisonbee, legislative leadership, and those lawyer legislators who worked behind the scenes to find resolution. The Bar is looking forward to facilitating any committees or work groups that are created to reach the goal that allows the branches to promote judicial access and assist the Courts in being able to be efficient and productive.
