JEFFERSON CITY — Today, the Missouri Senate voted overwhelmingly to advance the Executive Branch Accountability Act, sponsored by Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield. Senate Bill 507 and Senate Joint Resolution 30, a proposed constitutional amendment, would ensure timely appointments to fill vacancies on boards and commissions, curtail “temporary” appointments without Senate confirmation, and empower the people to fill vacancies in elected offices at the earliest opportunity.

“Neglecting a principal executive duty to fill vacancies by appointment or calling special elections does a disservice to the people of Missouri,” stated Sen. Dixon. “We must restore balance to this important constitutional partnership. The Senate acted swiftly to protect our constitutional structure and the integrity of the appointments process, and I know my colleagues in the House share these same concerns about constitutional principles and effective government.” 

As recently as last December, six of the 10 executive department directors appointed directly by the governor were "acting" directors, serving without the "advice and consent" of the Senate. Since SJR 30 and SB 507 were prefiled, director nominees for four departments have been submitted to the Senate as required by the state constitution. However, more than 200 Missouri boards and commissions have a total of 1,269 positions that remain vacant or are filled by members whose terms have expired.  A recent report from the Missouri State Auditor on the Division of Professional Registration underscored the troubled state of the state’s professional licensing boards.

At the same time, Sen. Dixon also filed Senate Bill 575, which repeals a number of expired or obsolete boards, commissions or committees, to begin a process of reviewing the state’s numerous boards and commissions. 

For more information on SJR 30, SB 507, SB 575 or other legislative work done by Sen. Dixon, visit his website at www.senate.mo.gov/dixon.