HJR 153 Missouri House · 2026 Regular Session

Proposes a constitutional amendment changing various provisions relating to judges

HJR 153 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how judges are selected in Missouri courts. It would replace current election-based selection with a system where the governor appoints judges (with Senate approval) from a list of nominees recommended by a nonpartisan judicial commission. The amendment also establishes a new seven-year term for all judges, including circuit and associate circuit judges, instead of varying terms under current law. Voters in certain counties could later choose through a ballot measure whether to maintain this appointment system or revert to elections. This change would affect all judges serving in Missouri's circuit courts, associate circuit courts, and higher courts, with the proposal requiring voter approval in the 2026 election.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 5, 2026 Last action May 4, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → House Committee Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to combine two separate resolutions (HJR 153 and HJR 119) into a single substitute, significantly altering the proposed constitutional changes to Missouri's judicial system. The new version repeals fewer sections of the existing constitution and introduces a new 'Joint Committee on Judicial Appointments' to evaluate candidates for statewide judgeships, replacing the previous system of direct voter selection for most judges. Additionally, the retirement age for judges was raised from 70 to 75, and new restrictions were added prohibiting judges from making political contributions or accepting gifts from lobbyists.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from repealing nine specific sections to repealing only three sections (25(a), 25(f), and 26), while adding a new section 28 to create a legislative committee for judicial appointments. The applicability of judicial selection changed from a mix of elected and appointed judges to a system where all statewide judges are appointed by the governor based on a list provided by the new Joint Committee.

REQUIREMENT

A new 'Joint Committee on Judicial Appointments' was created, consisting of ten members (five from the House and five from the Senate), to evaluate and nominate candidates for judicial vacancies.

The retirement age for all judges (except municipal judges) was increased from 70 to 75 years old.

New restrictions were added prohibiting judges from making political contributions, holding office in political parties, or accepting gifts from paid lobbyists.

Judges appointed under the new system are prohibited from directly or indirectly making any political contributions or holding office in a political party.

SCOPE

The bill now repeals only Sections 25(a), 25(f), and 26 of the Constitution, whereas the original version repealed nine sections including those governing judge selection in specific counties.

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

May 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

Voted Do Pass (H)

lower

Apr 30, 2026

Committee

Referred: Rules - Legislative(H)

lower

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 6 PRESENT: 0

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Lower · Passed

HCS Voted Do Pass (H)

lower

Mar 9, 2026

Committee

Referred: General Laws(H)

lower

Jan 5, 2026

Introduced

Prefiled (H)

lower

1 primary · 20 co-sponsors