Statement on HB 3162 passing out of Senate Rules Committee

Senate President Pro Tem Brian Bingman released the following comment after the Senate Rules Committee approved a bill to reform the Judicial Nominating Commission:

“The current judicial nominating commission puts too much power and influence in the hands of the state’s trial attorneys. The anti-business tone of the court is a constant reminder of the need for judicial reform.

“Reforming the judicial nomination process takes away the outsized influence of trial lawyers and puts power into the hands of the citizens of Oklahoma by allowing the Legislature to approve judicial nominations. Equally important, these reforms will allow the governor to select judicial appointees from a more diverse and qualified list of attorneys.

“I thank the members of the Senate Rules Committee for approving the bill and look forward to continuing work on House Bill 3162 as it moves through the process.”—Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa

Bingman is principal Senate author of HB 3162. Speaker Jeff Hickman, R-Fairview, is principal House author. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration.