MO HB1492

Authorizes first-class counties with 92,000-101,000 inhabitants to establish a county municipal court by ordinance to prosecute violations of county ordinances pertaining to building codes, on-site sewer treatment, and zoning orders.

Allows the county municipal court to also prosecute municipal ordinance violations under contract with municipalities within the county.

Requires county municipal court judges to be appointed by the county commission, licensed to practice law in Missouri, and residents of the county; prohibits judges from handling cases inconsistent with their judicial duties.

Establishes provisions for defendants to enter pleas and pay fines by telephone, mail, or electronic transfer without personal appearance, and allows court costs not to exceed amounts permitted for municipal violations.

Provides that proceedings must be recorded, with unrecorded proceedings allowing trial de novo and recorded proceedings appealable to the appellate court; defendants have the right to request jury trials.