Changes provisions governing the compensation of circuit clerks
Summary
HB756 repeals and reenacts Missouri’s statute governing compensation for circuit clerks. The bill replaces the current salary schedule with substantially higher base salaries effective September 1, 2025, with different amounts depending on county classification and whether court is held in two cities. It also preserves annual salary adjustments tied to judicial department employee raises under section 476.405 and adds a floor that a circuit clerk’s annual salary cannot be less than the previous year’s compensation.
The bill continues to provide that circuit clerks are paid by the state and are treated as state employees for most purposes, while keeping the existing exceptions for the circuit clerks of the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and the court administrator of Jackson County, who remain paid by their local governments. It also maintains the rule that the compensation is in lieu of fees, with collected fees remitted to the state or local governments as otherwise provided by law. The bill includes a funding condition stating that the salary increases do not take effect unless the General Assembly and governor approve the initial appropriation needed to fully fund them.
Impact
HB756 would significantly increase statutory salaries for circuit clerks across Missouri and update the compensation structure for different county classes. It would amend section 483.083, RSMo, while leaving in place the broader framework that circuit clerks are state-paid officials, except in the specified local jurisdictions that remain locally funded. The bill would also remove an obsolete child-support fee provision for Marion County and make the new salary schedule contingent on appropriations, meaning the practical effect depends on future budget action.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or recorded vote information was provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be a compensation adjustment and administrative update rather than a controversial policy change. The inclusion of a future effective date and an appropriation trigger suggests the bill is structured to address funding concerns while advancing salary increases.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is fiscal: the bill raises circuit clerk salaries substantially and makes the increases dependent on an initial appropriation, indicating concern about state budget impact. Another possible issue is the differing treatment of clerks in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Jackson County, which remain locally funded while other clerks are state-paid. No specific objections, supporters, or amendments are documented in the provided context.