HJR5 (Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Judicial Nominations)

This bill would further erode the Judiciary's power, undermining the essential checks and balances in our government. The bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the governor to nominate judges whether or not they were recommended by the judicial nominating committee. It also removes deadlines for appointments and the ability of the Chief Justice of the Utah Supreme Court to fill vacancies that the governor does not fill in a timely manner. If the bill is passed, the proposed amendment will be on the ballot in 2026.