Legislative Action

Missouri's legislative session is in full gear with over 400 bills filed in the Senate and 800 bills filed in the House. Missouri has a model judicial selection system adopted in some version by 32 states across the country. Despite this system, which removes undue political influence from our courts, politicians in Jefferson City are once again considering drastic changes to inject politics into our courts.

Politicizing Judicial Selection

HJR 49 (Cox, Stanley) proposes a constitutional amendment increasing the number of Governor-appointed citizens serving on the Appellate Judicial Commission. The result of this bill would allow a sitting Governor to control 5 of 9 appointees, thus effectively giving the Governor complete control of the judicial selection process. This bill also eliminates the current provision for geographic diversity among commission members.

Bill Status: House Committee: SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON GENERAL LAWS
02/05/2008 - Public Hearing Continued (H)

Next Hearing: Tuesday, 02/12/2008, 8:00 a.m.
Hearing Room 6

Click here to contact the members of the committee.

HJR 52 (Lembke, Jim) proposes a constitutional amendment abolishing the nonpartisan Judicial Commission and establishing a judicial selection commission controlled entirely by politicians. This bill also gives the state Senate veto power over any nominee further politicizing the process.

The very basic premise for the Missouri Plan is to maintain a competent, independent and unbiased judiciary, which is not beholden to or reliant upon any particular political party or interest group. HJR 52 undermines this purpose and is not in the best interest of the citizens of Missouri.

Bill Status: House Committee: SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON GENERAL LAWS
02/05/2008 - Public Hearing Continued (H)

Next Hearing: Tuesday, 02/12/2008, 8:00 a.m.
Hearing Room 6

Click here to contact the members of the committee.

Politicizing Judicial Impeachment

HJR 56 (Emery, Edgar G. H.) proposes a constitutional amendment requiring all impeachments to be tried by the Senate, instead of the State Supreme Court. The result would inject an undue influence of the judiciary by the legislative branch of government.

Bill Status: Net yet assigned to committee

If you have any question, comments or suggestions regarding legislation or a bill not listed, email us at info@protectjustice.org.