The Oklahoma State Legislature convened on March 5, 2025, to discuss significant amendments regarding the judicial selection process, particularly focusing on the impeachment standards for judges and the transparency of judicial appointments.

During the meeting, legislators examined the concept of "good behavior" as a criterion for impeachment, referencing the U.S. Constitution. A senator inquired whether any U.S. Supreme Court justices had ever been impeached on political grounds, highlighting the rarity of such occurrences. The discussion emphasized the need for a clear definition of "good behavior" within the impeachment process, with assurances that hearings would be public to ensure transparency.

Another key topic was the transparency measures in the judicial selection process. Legislators expressed concerns about potential influences from donations and lobbyists. The process will include public Senate confirmations, which were described as a highly transparent method of judicial selection.

The meeting also addressed the ethical standards that judges must adhere to, particularly regarding political donations and gifts. While it was noted that judges do follow a code of ethics, questions remained about the applicability of these rules to judges who are not elected but confirmed through a legislative process.

Furthermore, the discussion revealed that the proposed amendments would eliminate the role of the Judicial Nominating Commission in appointing justices to the Supreme Court and other appellate courts. However, district court judges would continue to be elected by their districts, maintaining a level of public accountability.

The session concluded with a vote on Senate Joint Resolution 6, which passed with 16 votes in favor and 3 against, marking a significant step in the legislative process regarding judicial reforms in Oklahoma. The implications of these changes could reshape the landscape of judicial accountability and transparency in the state.