House May Block Bill to Alter Governor's Judicial Nominators

A measure to allow future governors to name the majority of those who appoint judges upon taking office may not get called back up in the House.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, the sponsor of the House version of the bill, HB 971, says he wont bring the bill back to the floor because an amendment would eliminate the prospect of former Gov. Charlie Crists appointees facing immediate removal.

The bill is designed to alter the terms of the five appointments by the governor to the nine-member Judicial Nominating Commission from staggered terms to at the pleasure of the governor."

The Senate added an amendment to the bill on Wednesday morning, sponsored by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, that declares the law, if eventually signed by Gov. Rick Scott, will apply only to anyone appointed after Jan. 4, 2011, when Scott was inaugurated.

The Florida Bar, which appoints the other four members to four-year staggered terms, sought the amendment.