State Rep. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) has brought a bill before the Alabama House of Representatives that would change how vacancies are filled in the Shelby County Court system.

Currently, the governor fills any openings.

As an alternative, Ward is suggesting using a five-member board, called a judicial commission to recommend nominees.

The board would be made up of all local people — specifically two members of the Alabama State Bar, two non-bar members appointed by the county’s legislative delegation and the county’s presiding judge.

Should a vacancy ever arise in the 18th Judicial Circuit, the commission would provide three nominees to the governor to fill the position.

Board members would serve staggered, six years terms, receive no compensation and couldn’t serve has officer in any political party.

While the bill doesn’t take politics completely out of judicial appointments, it does ensure that local leaders will have a say in who presides over the county’s courtrooms. As Ward said this week: “It would be really scary for a governor to come in and make an appointment based on political patronage rather than professional qualifications.”

If passed by the State Senate and signed by Gov. Riley, the bill would go before voters during the next statewide election.