NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A proposal that seeks to amend the state constitution to change the way appeals court judges are selected is advancing in the Senate.
The resolution sponsored by Republican Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris of Collierville passed 21-9 Monday night. It would give voters three options for selecting judges: contested elections, a federal-style plan or a plan similar to the current one.
Under the current Tennessee judicial selection method, a commission nominates judges, the governor appoints them and voters cast ballots either for or against keeping them on the bench.
Norris said some type of plan is necessary because the current plan is scheduled to end and this is the last chance to get it on the ballot in 2014.
(2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
