MO HB1278

Allows county municipal court judges to appoint an acting judge temporarily when a judge becomes ill or unavailable, provided the acting judge already serves as a municipal court judge within the same judicial circuit.

Exempts acting county municipal court judges from the requirement to be licensed to practice law in Missouri and be residents of the county.

Permits counties with charters to establish county municipal courts with jurisdiction over county ordinance violations and municipal ordinance violations under contract with municipalities.

Requires county municipal court judges to be licensed attorneys and county residents, and prohibits them from handling cases that conflict with their judicial duties or serving as judges or prosecutors in other courts.

Establishes procedures for remote plea entry and fine payment by telephone, mail, or electronic transfer, and allows jury trials on request with recorded proceedings.