Post by Logan on Feb 5, 2016 5:58:16 GMT -6
TALLAHASSEE — A plan that would limit Florida appellate-court judges and Supreme Court justices to two full terms in office passed the House Judiciary Committee on a party-line vote Thursday, sending the measure to the full House.
The committee voted 11-6 to approve the proposed constitutional amendment, which would limit most future appellate judges to less than 15 years in office, though the exact length of their tenures would depend on when they were appointed. Current judges and trial-court judges would not be affected.
Judges currently must retire in the election cycle after they turn 70 years old.
While no lawmaker broke party ranks on the legislation, there was an early sign of potential Republican defections. One Republican, Rep. Julio Gonzalez of Venice, said he wasn't likely to vote for the bill when it came before the full House, but supported moving it forward.
Read more: www.gainesville.com/article/20160204/WIRE/160209836/1034?Title=Judicial-term-limits-headed-to-full-House
The committee voted 11-6 to approve the proposed constitutional amendment, which would limit most future appellate judges to less than 15 years in office, though the exact length of their tenures would depend on when they were appointed. Current judges and trial-court judges would not be affected.
Judges currently must retire in the election cycle after they turn 70 years old.
While no lawmaker broke party ranks on the legislation, there was an early sign of potential Republican defections. One Republican, Rep. Julio Gonzalez of Venice, said he wasn't likely to vote for the bill when it came before the full House, but supported moving it forward.
Read more: www.gainesville.com/article/20160204/WIRE/160209836/1034?Title=Judicial-term-limits-headed-to-full-House