Incoming Missouri Senate President Cindy O’Laughlin, R-Shelbina, is aiming to change the state’s selection process for Supreme Court judges by requiring them to run for election. O’Laughlin believes that recent decisions made by the court, such as allowing the abortion-rights Amendment 3 to stay on the ballot, indicate a need for judges who align more closely with citizens. Under the current system, known as the Missouri Plan, the governor appoints judges from a list of finalists provided by a commission. O’Laughlin’s plan would involve electing the chief justice of the Supreme Court by a statewide vote, with judges from three appellate districts being elected as well.
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow judges to run on a nonpartisan basis for six-year terms, giving voters the final say on who serves on the bench. O’Laughlin faces opposition from the legal community, which largely supports the current system. A political action committee, Citizens for Missouri Courts, has been collecting donations to defend the nonpartisan court plan. Critics argue that O’Laughlin’s proposed changes could politicize the judiciary and undermine the current system’s fairness and independence.
O’Laughlin’s efforts come after years of disagreements between the court and legislative Republicans on issues such as funding for Planned Parenthood and Medicaid expansion. If approved by both legislative chambers, O’Laughlin’s resolution could appear on the ballot in 2026. However, Democrats and opponents of the change point to the overwhelming voter rejection of a similar measure in 2012 as a sign that the current system is here to stay. Aune, D-Kansas City, emphasized that the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan is essential for ensuring fair and impartial judges.
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