Illinois Lawmakers Propose Selection Reform (Updated)

Legislators in Illinois have filed three measures that would enhance judicial qualifications and alter the judicial selection and retention process. Among the proposed reforms—which would require amending the constitution—are a commission-based gubernatorial appointment process for filling judicial vacancies, a judicial retention commission to consider the qualifications of judges seeking retention, an increase in the percentage of votes needed for retention from 60 to 66 percent, and a requirement that associate judges have practiced law for 10 years.