Bill > SB742

This bill provides for the conversion of the county prosecuting attorney system to a circuit court district attorney system, beginning in 2026. The key provisions include establishing district attorneys who will be elected in each judicial circuit for counties that choose to join the system. District attorneys must be licensed attorneys who have been residents of their judicial circuit for at least 12 months. The bill outlines that counties can opt into the district attorney system through a county commission resolution or, for charter counties, through a charter amendment. District attorneys will have the same responsibilities as current prosecuting attorneys, including prosecuting criminal cases and handling changes of venue. The state will gradually reimburse counties for district attorney office expenses, starting with 5-10% reimbursement and increasing to 50% after several years. The bill also makes consequential changes to various statutes related to prosecutorial duties, retirement systems, and record expungement to reflect the new district attorney system. District attorneys will receive the same salary as circuit judges, with potential additional compensation from counties with a charter form of government. The transition will occur in stages, with initial implementation in 2026 and full adoption by 2030, providing a gradual pathway for counties to adapt to the new prosecutorial structure.

Justice

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=5768634