Circuit court; prohibit from allowing candidates to speak to the public during court terms.

HB 837 prohibits circuit court judges from allowing political candidates to address the public during regular court sessions. It directly affects candidates running for judicial offices (Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, circuit judge, or chancery court). The bill bans judicial candidates from aligning with other candidates or political parties during campaigns and requires them to cast only individual votes in judicial elections. Violations could result in forfeiting a nomination or voiding an election. The law takes effect July 1, 2026.