AJR 6

This proposed constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2009 legislature on

first consideration, fixes the size of the legislature at 99 members of the assembly and

33 senators. It also requires the governor to appoint, with the advice and consent of

the senate, justices of the supreme court for ten-year terms. At the conclusion of

their terms, the terms of justices would be automatically renewed unless they are

rejected in a reaffirmation vote by a vote of at least 13 of the members of the senate.

If the senate does not reaffirm, the governor would be required to appoint a new

justice. Previously elected justices whose terms expire two or more years after

ratification will serve out the terms for which they were elected and may be

reaffirmed for additional terms by the senate. Previously elected justices whose

terms expire less than two years after ratification may stand for reelection in the

final year of their terms. This proposed amendment changes a reference to the

election of the state superintendent of public instruction as being held in the same

manner as the election of justices, but does not affect the manner of the

superintendent's election.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive

legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.