LRB-2381/1
SRM:kjf:jf
2011 - 2012 LEGISLATURE
July 19, 2011 - Introduced by Senators Zipperer, Vukmir, Kedzie, Galloway, Lasee,
Olsen and Wanggaard, cosponsored by Representatives August, Krug, Craig,
Bies, Brooks, Farrow, Jacque, Kestell, Knilans, Knudson, Kramer, A. Ott,
Petersen, Pridemore, Spanbauer, Strachota, Wynn and Marklein. Referred
to Committee on Judiciary, Utilities, Commerce, and Government
Operations.
SJR36,1,2
1To amend section 4 (2) of article VII of the constitution;
relating to: election of chief
2justice.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Explanation of Proposal
This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2011 legislature on first
consideration, directs the supreme court to elect a chief justice as the first order of
business each time a justice is elected or reelected.
A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive
legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.
SJR36,1,3
3Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:
SJR36, s. 1
4Section
1. Section 4 (2) of article VII of the constitution is amended to read:
SJR36,2,25
[Article VII] Section 4 (2)
The justice having been longest a continuous member
6of said court, or in case 2 or more such justices shall have served for the same length
7of time, the justice whose term first expires, shall be the chief justice. Each time a
8justice is elected or reelected and takes the oath of office, the court shall elect a chief
9justice as its first order of business. The justice so designated as chief justice may,
1irrevocably, decline to serve as chief justice or resign as chief justice but continue to
2serve as a justice of the supreme court.
SJR36,2,5
3Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the
4legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for three
5months previous to the time of holding such election.
