Provides that, before making recommendations to the governor, each commission shall conduct investigations, hold public hearings, and take public testimony. An executive session as prescribed by rule may be held upon a two-thirds vote of the members of the commission in a public hearing. Final decisions as to recommendations shall be made without regard to political affiliation in an impartial and objective manner. Each commission shall consider the diversity of the population and the geographical diversity of the residences of the applicants; the primary consideration, however, shall be merit. Voting shall be in a public hearing.

Takes effect if the proposed amendment to Article IV, section 3 of the state Constitution requiring the governor to fill vacancies in the supreme court in accordance with statute is validly submitted to and is approved and ratified by the voters at the next general election. If the proposed amendment is not approved and ratified, this act is void in its entirety.