Bill > HJR5

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the judicial selection process in Missouri. Specifically, it would change how judges are appointed to the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and circuit and associate circuit judges in St. Louis and Jackson County. Under the proposed amendment, the governor would now directly appoint judges with the advice and consent of the senate, removing the previous requirement of selecting from a list provided by a nonpartisan judicial commission. For judicial circuits outside of St. Louis and Jackson County, the resolution allows voters in each circuit to elect whether they want circuit and associate circuit judges to be appointed by the governor. The amendment would be submitted to voters at the next general election in November 2026 or at a special election called by the governor. The resolution also removes the existing provisions detailing the composition and operation of nonpartisan judicial commissions, effectively eliminating their role in judicial nominations. Voters in each judicial circuit can choose to adopt or discontinue the governor's appointment method, with such a vote allowed no more than once every four years.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HJR5&year=2025&code=R