MO HJR18

Increases the number of judicial nominees submitted to the governor from three to five persons for vacancies in the state Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and circuit courts in St. Louis, Jackson County, and other circuits that elect to participate in the system.

Allows the governor to veto the first list of nominees and request a second list of five new candidates, with authority to appoint from either list or have the commission appoint if the governor fails to act within 60 days of the second list submission.

Changes the Appellate Judicial Commission from a judge-led body to seven members consisting of bar-elected representatives from each court of appeals district, governor-appointed citizens (not bar members or their spouses), and one additional at-large citizen appointment, with senate confirmation required for governor appointments.

Requires Circuit Judicial Commissions to have five members including two bar-elected judges and three (instead of two) governor-appointed citizens who are not bar members or spouses of bar members, with senate confirmation required and four-year terms established.

Mandates increased transparency including public posting of applicant names on the Supreme Court website, open commission hearings with 72-hour notice, and public access to all information except background checks, internal deliberations, and allegations of criminal conduct.