HCS/HB 1439 - This act clarifies that members of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will elect from among their members two person who shall serve as chair and vice chair of the Commission. This act clarifies that only the two most senior members of the commission are eligible for leadership positions.

Effective March 1, 2005, the Commission shall select the two most senior members of the Commission to serve as chair and vice-chair of the Commission. At the end of a one-year period, the two members shall switch leadership positions and serve in the new positions for one year. Thereafter, the commission shall continue to use this rotating system for selecting its leadership.

The act also clarifies that if a leadership position becomes vacant due to death, resignation, removal or refusal of service before the one-year leadership term expires, the Commission shall elect one of its members to serve the remainder of the vacating member's term. Such an election shall not prohibit the member from later serving in a leadership position when such member's seniority qualifies that member for a leadership position. The act provides that any commission member reappointed shall only be eligible to serve as chair or vice chair during the final two years of the member's reappointment.

This act is similar to SB 955 (2004).
STEPHEN WITTE