STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 53rd Legislature (2012)

SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION 85	By:	Shortey

AS INTRODUCED

A Joint Resolution directing the Secretary of State to refer to the people for their approval or rejection a proposed amendment to Section 2 of Article VII of the Oklahoma Constitution; establishing limitations on certain terms; providing ballot title; and directing filing.

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 53RD OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:
SECTION 1.  The Secretary of State shall refer to the people for their approval or rejection, as and in the manner provided by law, the following proposed amendment to Section 2 of Article VII of the Oklahoma Constitution to read as follows:
Section 2.  The Supreme Court shall consist of nine Justices until the number shall be changed by statute and each Justice shall be from a separate district of the State.  Each district shall remain as presently constituted until otherwise provided by Statute.  The terms of office of the Justices of the Supreme Court shall be six (6) years and shall commence on the second Monday of January following their election.  No justice shall serve more than twelve (12) years on the Court.  Those appointed or elected to fill vacancies shall assume office immediately upon qualifying for the office.  Each Justice, at the time of his election or appointment, shall have attained the age of thirty (30) years, shall have been a qualified elector in the district for at least one (1) year immediately prior to the date of filing or appointment, and shall have been a licensed practicing attorney or judge of a court of record, or both, in Oklahoma for five (5) years preceding his election or appointment and shall continue to be a duly licensed attorney while in office to be eligible to hold the office.  The Justices shall choose from among their members a Chief Justice and a Vice Chief Justice.
SECTION 2.  The Ballot Title for the proposed Constitutional amendment as set forth in SECTION 1 of this resolution shall be in the following form:
BALLOT TITLE
Legislative Referendum No. ____	State Question No. ____
THE GIST OF THE PROPOSITION IS AS FOLLOWS:
This measure amends Section 2 of Article 7 of the State Constitution.  This measure limits a Supreme Court Justice to serving no more than twelve years on the Court.
SHALL THE PROPOSAL BE APPROVED?
FOR THE PROPOSAL — YES	_____________
AGAINST THE PROPOSAL — NO 	_____________
SECTION 3.  The President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall, immediately after the passage of this resolution, prepare and file one copy thereof, including the Ballot Title set forth in SECTION 2 hereof, with the Secretary of State and one copy with the Attorney General.

53-2-3000	TEK	1/19/2012 6:53:52 PM