To amend chapter 483, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to certain judicial personnel.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:

     Section A. Chapter 483, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 483.243, to read as follows:

     483.243. 1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the circuit clerks of each county shall be appointed by the judges of each circuit court, en banc, beginning on January 1, 1999; provided that the circuit clerk originally appointed pursuant to this section shall be the circuit clerk holding office on December 31, 1998. Each circuit clerk shall continue to receive, on and after January 1, 1999, the same amount of salary that he or she was entitled to receive as of December 31, 1998, in addition to any annual salary adjustment approved pursuant to section 476.405, RSMo, for employees of the judicial department, due and payable on and after January 1, 1999. On and after January 1, 1999, such circuit clerks shall serve subject to the administrative rules of the supreme court relating to the circuit court personnel system.

     2. In those counties where the offices of circuit clerk and recorder of deeds are combined prior to January 1, 1999, the county commission may transfer, prior to January 1, 1999, the duties of recorder of deeds to another county officer. If the county commission fails to transfer the duties of recorder of deeds as provided in this subsection, the assessor shall be the ex officio recorder of deeds on and after January 1, 1999.