Circuit Court Judges - Selection and Retention Elections

HB 778 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how circuit court judges are selected and retained in Maryland. It would replace the current system where judges are elected for 15-year terms with a new process requiring retention elections for judges appointed to fill vacancies. Specifically, appointed circuit court judges would face voter approval at the next general election one year after appointment, and then every 10 years thereafter. This directly affects judges appointed to fill vacancies in circuit courts (not elected judges) and modifies constitutional provisions governing judicial selection and retention. The bill does not alter the initial election process for circuit court judges or affect other court levels.