MO HJR44

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

Modifies the appellate judicial commission from a judge-led body to nine members: four bar-elected members (one per court of appeals district), four governor-appointed citizens (subject to Senate confirmation), one additional citizen appointed by the Senate President Pro Tem, and one appointed by the House Speaker.

Changes circuit judicial commissions from five to five members with three governor-appointed citizens (subject to Senate confirmation) instead of two, and removes the requirement that the chief judge of the appeals district serve on the commission.

Allows the governor to veto the first list of nominees and receive a second list of five new candidates, with the commission filling the vacancy if the governor fails to appoint within 60 days of the second submission.

Requires public access to applicant lists, open commission hearings with 72-hour notice, and background checks for nominees, while allowing closed sessions only for interviews, internal deliberations, national security matters, and unsubstantiated allegations of criminal conduct.