17-4-112 - Judicial appointments from nominees from commission Expiration of terms.

17-4-112. Judicial appointments from nominees from commission Expiration of terms.

(a)  (1)  When a vacancy occurs in the office of an appellate court after July 1, 2009, by death, resignation or otherwise, the governor shall fill the vacancy by appointing one (1) of the three (3) persons nominated by the judicial nominating commission, or the governor may require the commission to submit one (1) other panel of three (3) additional nominees. Within sixty (60) days following receipt of the additional panel of nominees, the governor shall fill the vacancy by appointing any one (1) of the six (6) nominees certified by the commission.

     (2)  After receiving the commission's panel or panels of nominees, but prior to making an appointment pursuant to subdivision (a)(1), the governor shall direct the Tennessee bureau of investigation or other appropriate agencies to perform appropriate financial and criminal background investigations and inquiries of the prospective appointees, and the governor shall review and assess the results of the background investigations and inquiries.

(b)  The term of a judge appointed under this section shall expire on August 31 after the next regular August election occurring more than thirty (30) days after the vacancy occurs.

[Acts 2009, ch. 517, § 1.]