Proposal to Amend Utah Constitution - Judicial Retention

HJR 13 proposes amending Utah's constitution to create a special process for voters to decide whether a judge should remain in office if the Legislature determines the judge engaged in misconduct, incompetence, or violated their oath. It would allow the Legislature to trigger this special retention election even if the judge might face impeachment or disciplinary action under other constitutional provisions. The special election would replace a regular retention vote if both were scheduled for the same year, while judges would still face regular retention elections every 6-10 years depending on their court. If approved by voters, this amendment would take effect on January 1, 2027.