Bill > SJR3

This joint resolution proposes significant changes to the Missouri judicial selection process, primarily for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges. The resolution would transition these judicial positions from the current merit-based selection system to nonpartisan elections, allowing voters to directly elect judges while prohibiting political party nominations. Key provisions include establishing six-year terms for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals judges, limiting judges to no more than two consecutive terms, and creating a detailed election process with primary and general election stages. The resolution specifies that judicial candidates can be supported by political parties but cannot have party designations on ballots, and establishes rules for candidate declarations, petition signatures, and election procedures. Additionally, the resolution maintains restrictions on judicial political activities, allowing judges to express views on legal issues without making specific campaign promises, and permits judges to participate in their own campaign fundraising and activities. The proposed changes aim to increase judicial accountability to citizens while maintaining judicial independence, and would be implemented through a constitutional amendment to be voted on in the 2026 general election.

Budget and Finance

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=145