Permits RI Supreme Court Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness, in consultation with RI Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to appoint members of JNC and requires judicial candidates to disclose political donations.

Plain-English Summary

This bill makes two main changes to how Rhode Island selects judges. First, it gives the Rhode Island Supreme Court's Committee on Racial and Ethnic Fairness a role in appointing members to the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) — the body that screens and recommends candidates for judgeships. This would be done in consultation with the Rhode Island Bar Association and its Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Currently, the JNC's membership is appointed through a different process, and this bill would add this new pathway for appointments.

Second, the bill requires people who want to become judges to disclose any political donations they have made. This means judicial candidates would need to be transparent about financial contributions they've given to political campaigns or causes as part of the application process.

The bill primarily affects people applying for judgeships in Rhode Island, as well as the organizations involved in the judicial selection process. Supporters of greater diversity in the courts may see the first change as a way to bring more representation into who sits on the commission that recommends judges. The political donation disclosure requirement affects all judicial candidates and is aimed at increasing transparency about potential political ties before someone is appointed to the bench.

The bill has been introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, where it is scheduled for a hearing in April 2026.