Circuit Court Judges - Selection and Retention Elections

SB 630 proposes constitutional changes to how circuit court judges in Maryland are selected and retained. Currently, judges are elected for 15-year terms, but this bill would require appointed judges (to fill vacancies) to face retention elections: voters would decide after one year and then every 10 years whether to keep the judge. The change applies only to circuit court judges, not appellate judges, and would replace the current system where judges serve fixed terms without voter approval after appointment. This amendment must be approved by Maryland voters to take effect.