The Rules Committee on HJR 10-24 advanced a resolution to amend state law governing the Judicial Nominating Commission, removing political party affiliation limits on governor-appointed members, permitting members to succeed themselves with a 12-year consecutive service cap, and updating references to congressional districts.

Representative Anthony Moore, who presented the measure, said the change would "remove political party affiliation restrictions" on appointments and would "remove the restriction on the ability for members to succeed themselves." Moore told the panel the revision also updates language about congressional districts so future changes in the state's number of congressional seats would not force a return to ballot measures.

Representative Fugate asked whether the congressional-district language would apply immediately or reflect older district lines. Moore explained the draft ties appointments to the "date of appointment," so if the state gained a sixth seat, new appointments would reflect the district configuration at the time of appointment.

Committee members recorded a 9-1 vote to report HJR 10-24 as due pass. The measure will next proceed to the House floor for further consideration.