The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 478.550 of Missouri law and replace it with a new section that outlines the structure and election of judges in the twenty-third judicial circuit, which includes Jefferson County. The new section establishes that there will be four circuit judges, with an increase to six circuit judges starting January 1, 2007. It specifies that the positions of the division eleven and division twelve associate circuit judges will transition to circuit judge positions, and it details the election schedule for these judges. Additionally, it designates the family court commissioner and treatment court commissioner positions as associate circuit judge positions, with elections set for 2006. Furthermore, the bill introduces a new provision that creates an additional associate circuit judge position in the twenty-third judicial circuit, which will not be counted in the statutory formula for additional judgeships. The governor will appoint this judge, who will serve until January 1, 2029, with an election for a new associate circuit judge scheduled for 2028. This addition aims to enhance the judicial capacity in the circuit while maintaining the existing framework for judicial appointments and elections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (4718H.01): 478.550