SJR20: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-3127/1

PJD&JTK:jlg:mrc

1999 - 2000 LEGISLATURE

1999 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 20

July 13, 1999 - Introduced by Senators Breske, Grobschmidt, Huelsman, Risser, Farrow, Roessler, Wirch and Drzewiecki, cosponsored by Representatives Ryba, Handrick, Turner, Grothman, Montgomery, Bock, Goetsch, F. Lasee, Musser, Olsen, Plale, Porter, Spillner and Sykora. Referred to Committee on Economic Development, Housing and Government Operations.

SJR20,1,3 To renumber and amend section 12 of article VII; and to create section 12 (2) of article VII of the constitution; relating to: 4-year terms of office for clerks of the circuit courts (first consideration).

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

This proposed constitutional amendment, proposed to the 1999 legislature on first consideration, extends the terms of office of clerks of the circuit courts from two years to four years. The change first applies to the clerks of circuit court who are elected at the first general election at which the governor is elected which occurs after the ratification of this amendment.

A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by 2 successive legislatures, and ratification by the people, before it can become effective.

SJR20,1,4 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That:

SJR20, s. 1 Section 1. Section 12 of article VII of the constitution is renumbered section 12 (1) of article VII and amended to read:

SJR20,2,5 [Article VII] Section 12 (1) There Except as provided in sub. (2), there shall be a clerk of the circuit court chosen in each county organized for judicial purposes by the qualified electors thereof, who shall hold his office for two years, subject to removal as shall be provided by law; in case of a vacancy, the judge of the circuit court shall have power to appoint a clerk until the vacancy shall be filled by an election; the clerk thus elected or appointed shall give such security as the legislature may require. The supreme court shall appoint its own clerk, and a clerk of the circuit court may be appointed a clerk of the supreme court.

SJR20, s. 2 Section 2. Section 12 (2) of article VII of the constitution is created to read:

SJR20,2,9 [Article VII] Section 12 (2) Beginning with the first general election at which the governor is elected which occurs after the ratification of this subsection, clerks of circuit court shall hold office for 4 years.

SJR20,2,12 Be it further resolved, That this proposed amendment be referred to the legislature to be chosen at the next general election and that it be published for 3 months previous to the time of holding such election.

SJR20,2,13 (End)