JEFFERSON CITY — Today (5-17), the Missouri General Assembly overwhelmingly approved HBs 374 & 434, handled in the upper chamber by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield.  The final version of HBs 374 & 434 includes several provisions found in bills sponsored by Sen. Dixon to improve the administration of the judiciary and provide greater access to justice (SB 21, SB 22, SB 45, and SB 327). 

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” stated Sen. Dixon.  “I want to make sure the courts can meet the demands placed on them, so citizens have their day in court, as our constitution requires.  In Greene County, this legislation will authorize an additional associate circuit judge and maintain our current number of family court commissioners.  That means the routine matters of life and work are resolved quickly, allowing families to move forward with their lives and business owners or entrepreneurs to concentrate on what they do best — creating jobs.  I want to thank Rep. Kevin Elmer, R-Nixa, and Rep. Stan Cox, R-Sedalia, for their partnership and great work in the House.”  

HBs 374 & 434 also include several provisions of statewide significance.  For the first time since 1959, it provides a framework for the state’s judicial circuit boundaries to be redrawn to reflect population changes and other factors.  It delegates the authority to realign the circuit boundaries every 20 years to the Judicial Conference, which consists of Missouri’s judges and judicial commissioners, with the Legislature retaining oversight of the process.  It also sets out clearer guidelines for the allocation of new judges throughout the state.    

“Keeping our courts open and administering justice efficiently and effectively are core functions of state government,” said Sen. Dixon.  “This bill provides greater flexibility in tight fiscal times, allowing the judiciary to make the best use of its existing resources where they are needed most.  At the same time, ultimate responsibility still rests with elected representatives in the General Assembly.” 

For more information on this bill or other work done by Sen. Dixon, visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon.