MO HB1489

General Assembly authorized to remove department directors, deputy directors, or board/commission members appointed by governor or lieutenant governor if removal is deemed necessary for betterment of public service

Removal process initiated by petition signed by 16 House members filed with House chief clerk; chief clerk notifies Senate secretary and the official of removal intention

House standing ethics committee conducts investigation and at least one closed hearing allowing official to present defense; committee must file findings report within 30 days

Removal requires majority vote in House followed by majority vote in Senate; if both chambers approve, official is immediately removed from employment and ineligible for re-appointment until next general assembly convenes

"Betterment of public service" includes misconduct, perjury, statute violations, criminal conviction, habitual drunkenness, neglect of duty, corruption, incompetency, moral turpitude, or oppression in office