Last month I sponsored the reappointment of a local citizen to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board, one of the state’s many boards or commissions. Throughout the legislative session, there are numerous citizens of this great state that are appointed and then sponsored to serve on boards and commissions that help guide and govern industries and practices throughout the state.

Just last week there were 21 people appointed and three reappointed to various boards and commissions. While senators sponsor the appointments, it is up to the Senate as whole to confirm the appointments. The overall process is different for each person, some nominees are confirmed quickly, others, usually in more well known positions, find themselves involved in Senate debate before they are or are not confirmed. The Missouri Constitution says “the governor shall fill all vacancies in public offices unless otherwise provided by law, and the governor shall commission all officers unless otherwise provided by law all subject to Senate confirmation.” However, the governor has repeatedly failed to bring appointees before the Senate, in some cases for well over a year.  Even when the governor does bring forward nominations to the Senate, he simply has been negligent on bringing enough nominations forward to allow critical boards and commissions to function properly.

Legislation passed by the Senate this week will increase accountability and clarity in the appointment and confirmation process. Senate Bill 507, sponsored by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, outlines a process to fill a vacancy in the office of the lieutenant governor and fill vacant House and Senate seats. Currently, the governor allows tens of thousands of Missourians to go months or more than a year without representation in the Legislature. The bill also lays out a clear path to ensure timely appointments to vacancies on boards and commissions and curtail “temporary” appointments without Senate confirmation. If a vacancy should occur, the governor can appoint the deputy head to serve as an acting director for no more than 120 days.

Senate Joint Resolution 30, also sponsored by Sen. Dixon, specifies a 90-day time limit for the governor to fill administrative boards and director vacancies. The lieutenant governor will then make the appointment if the governor fails to perform his or her constitutional duty.

I think each and every position on our state’s boards and commissions has its merits and needs to be filled in order to best represent that subsection of need within our state. Whether it is a vacancy on the Missouri Film Commission, the Missouri Genetic Advisory Committee, the Missouri Medal of Valor Review Board, the Missouri State Board of Nursing or the Public Service Commission, each needs to be filled in a timely manner, to ensure the work of the board or commission is not negatively affected.

The measures will now go to the House for consideration. If approved, constituents will have the chance to vote on this important issue at the general election in November.

If you are interested in serving on one of the state’s more than 120 boards or commissions, you can apply at www.boards.mo.gov. Don’t forget to let my office know if you apply, so I can be involved in the process and potentially sponsor your appointment.