While state legislatures have considered similar legislation in the past, several troubling new trends emerged in 2021. First, at least 9 states enacted 12 bills that targetstate courts for the role they played — or will play — in future election cases. Four of these enacted bills, which are part of the broader trend of legislative proposals taking aim at free and fair elections, will make it harder for judges to extend polling hours to accommodate voters (Georgia) or prohibit judges from altering or suspending state election laws (Kansas, Kentucky, and Texas). footnote3_87rohh33 The remaining eight bills that were enacted will impact election cases (and other types of litigation) by changing how judges get selected, which courts hear cases involving the state, or by making it easier for judges to be targeted for unpopular decisions. These laws were enacted across six states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Ohio, and Tennessee). footnote4_0jl5a3s4