Proposal would require Senate approval for Wyoming Supreme Court appointments

Wyoming senators would vote on appointments to the state Supreme Court. The requirement would cover Supreme Court justices appointed by the governor or chief justice. The amendment would need approval by two-thirds of each legislative chamber and a majority of voters at the next general election. Confirmation would require a majority of all senators. If the Senate did not confirm a temporary appointee, the seat would become vacant. A temporary justice could serve until the Senate reconvenes and acts on the appointment.

A nine-member panel would nominate judges, and lawmakers would set rules for conflicts of interest, stepping aside from decisions, and public notice. The panel would cover Supreme Court and district court appointments, plus other courts included by law. The amendment would need lawmakers’ and voters’ approval. The governor would appoint three nonlawyers. The Senate president and House speaker would each appoint one. Lawyers and judges would elect their respective members. A nonlawyer would chair the panel, and nonlawyers would always make up its majority.

The panel that nominates judges would submit three to five candidates for each covered vacancy. The requirement would cover Supreme Court and district court vacancies, plus vacancies in other courts included by law. The amendment would need lawmakers’ and voters’ approval.

Wyoming lawmakers could define what counts as practicing law for Supreme Court eligibility. This authority would apply to the legal experience used to qualify someone for the Wyoming Supreme Court. The amendment would need lawmakers’ and voters’ approval. Lawmakers could pass a separate law defining legal practice and specifying its qualifications.