SJR 002 - Fiscal Note

Fiscal Note - SJR 002 - Commission on Judicial Resources may evaluate need for judicial positions

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH

OVERSIGHT DIVISION

FISCAL NOTE

L.R. NO.: 0496-01

BILL NO.: SJR 2

SUBJECT: Judges, boards, commissions, committees, councils.

TYPE: Original

DATE: February 2, 1999

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FISCAL SUMMARY

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON STATE FUNDS
FUND AFFECTED	FY 2000	FY 2001	FY 2002
General Revenue	$0	(Unknown)* to Unknown	(Unknown) to Unknown
Total Estimated Net Effect on All State Funds	$0	(Unknown)* to Unknown	(Unknown) to Unknown

* Costs will at least be $39,900.

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON FEDERAL FUNDS
FUND AFFECTED	FY 2000	FY 2001	FY 2002
None
Total Estimated Net Effect on All Federal Funds	$0	$0	$0

ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON LOCAL FUNDS
FUND AFFECTED	FY 2000	FY 2001	FY 2002
Local Government	$0	(Unknown) to Unknown	(Unknown) to Unknown

Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses

This fiscal note contains 3 pages.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

ASSUMPTION

The Office of the State Courts Administrator (CTS) assumes the proposal would require the Commission on Judicial Resources, or some other body, to determine the number of associate circuit judges and circuit judges necessary in each circuit and in each county. Until specific recommendations regarding the number and placement of judges are put forth, CTS has no way of estimating any costs or savings resulting from this amendment.

The Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) assumes the proposed amendment would change the procedures for assessing and assigning the number of circuit and associate circuit judges per circuit. The proposed amendment would be submitted to the voters of Missouri for approval or rejection. Statewide newspaper publication of constitutional amendments cost approximately $1,330 per inch x 3 printings = $3,990 per inch. SOS estimates the total number of inches for this amendment to be 10 inches, which includes title, header, and certification paragraph. Total costs would be $39,900 ($3,990 x 10 inches). SOS further assumes that the question will be put to the voters at the next general election in the year 2000. If the governor calls a special election, fiscal impact could exceed $1,000,000 depending on the date of the special election.

FISCAL IMPACT - State Government	FY 2000	FY 2001	FY 2002
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
Costs - Secretary of State
Publication	$0	($39,900)	$0
Costs/Savings - State Courts Administrator	$0	(Unknown)	(Unknown)
		to Unknown	to Unknown
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON	$0	(Unknown)*	(Unknown)
GENERAL REVENUE FUND		to Unknown	to Unknown
* Costs will at least be $39,900.
FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government	FY 2000	FY 2001	FY 2002
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS
		(Unknown)	(Unknown)
Costs/Savings - Political Subdivisions	$0	to Unknown	to Unknown
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this proposal.

DESCRIPTION

This joint resolution, if adopted by Missouri voters, authorizes the Commission on Judicial Resources to determine the number of associate and circuit court judges needed in each judicial circuit for the efficient administration of justice. This joint resolution grants the Commission the power to add or remove circuit court judge positions based upon the caseloads in various circuits, unless the General Assembly nullifies such action. Voters in each county will have the right to vote on at least one associate circuit judge in their circuit. The judgeships of incumbent and sitting judges are not subject to review of the Commission. This joint resolution becomes effective after voter approval.

This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program, and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of the State Courts Administrator

Office of the Secretary of State

Jeanne Jarrett, CPA

Director

February 2, 1999