Adds an associate circuit judge in the twentieth judicial circuit
Summary
HB 2386 amends Missouri law governing the twentieth judicial circuit, which covers Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage counties. The bill repeals and reenacts section 478.630 to provide for one additional associate circuit judge in that circuit. Under the bill, the new associate circuit judge would be appointed by the governor and would serve until January 1, 2029, at which point the position would be filled by election in 2028.
The measure does not change the number of circuit judges in the circuit, but it does expand the judicial capacity of the circuit by adding an associate circuit judge position outside the usual statutory formula used to authorize additional associate judges by county. In practical terms, it would increase the local judiciary’s ability to handle caseloads in the twentieth judicial circuit and would alter the staffing structure for that circuit under Missouri’s court statutes.
Impact
HB 2386 would directly amend section 478.630, RSMo, by creating a new associate circuit judge position for the twentieth judicial circuit and exempting that position from the standard formula in section 478.320. The bill affects the administration of justice in Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage counties by increasing judicial resources and changing how the judge is initially selected and later elected. It would also require gubernatorial appointment of the first judge in the new seat, followed by a transition to an elected position in 2028.
Sentiment
The available record shows little overt controversy or debate around the bill, and there are no recorded votes or committee transcript excerpts indicating opposition. The bill’s caption and structure suggest a straightforward judicial administration measure, likely intended to address workload or staffing needs in the twentieth judicial circuit. Its referral to the Emerging Issues committee indicates it was being considered as a policy or structural court issue rather than a partisan or highly contentious proposal.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the creation of an additional judgeship outside the normal statutory formula, which could raise questions about judicial expansion, cost, and whether the circuit truly needs an extra seat. Another possible issue is the temporary appointment process, since the governor would fill the new position until the next election cycle. No specific objections, supporters, or opposing arguments are included in the provided materials, so any contention is inferred from the bill’s structure rather than documented debate.