SJR 27 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, would modify the way in which Missouri supreme court judges, appellate judges, and circuit court and associate circuit court judges in certain counties are selected. These judges would be appointed by the Governor, but have no authority to act until confirmed by the Senate. If the Senate is in session when the Governor appoints the prospective judge and it is more than sixty days before the end of session, the Senate is required to vote on the appointment within sixty days. If the appointment is made in the last sixty days of the regular session, or prior to the veto session, the senate shall vote on the appointment at the veto session in September. If the appointment is made after the September session, the senate shall vote on the appointment at the next regular session. In addition to the retention election after the first year of each judge's term, each judge under this plan would be subject to a retention election after ten years in office.
EMILY KALMER