In case a Judge of the Court of Civil Appeals dies, retires, resigns, or is removed from office, the Governor shall fill the vacancy by appointment from the congressional district where the vacancy exists of a person having the required qualifications. The Judicial Nominating Commission shall choose and submit to the Governor and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court three nominees, each of whom has previously notified the Commission in writing that he or she will serve as a Judge if appointed. The Governor shall appoint one of the nominees to fill the vacancy, but if he fails to do so within sixty (60) days the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall appoint one of the nominees, the appointment to be certified by the Secretary of State.
Added by Laws 1987, c. 33, § 3, emerg. eff. April 20, 1987. Amended by Laws 1996, c. 97, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1996.