COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
OVERSIGHT DIVISION
FISCAL NOTE
L.R. NO.: 3005-01
BILL NO.: SJR 32
SUBJECT: Judges, Boards, Commissions, Committees, Councils.
TYPE: Original
DATE: January 3, 2000
FISCAL SUMMARY
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| General Revenue | (Unknown)* to
Unknown |
(Unknown) to Unknown | (Unknown) to Unknown |
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All State Funds |
(Unknown)* to
Unknown |
(Unknown) to Unknown | (Unknown) to Unknown |
* Costs will at least be $43,800.
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| None | |||
| Total Estimated
Net Effect on All Federal Funds |
$0 | $0 | $0 |
| FUND AFFECTED | FY 2001 | FY 2002 | FY 2003 |
| Local Government | (Unknown) to
Unknown |
(Unknown) to Unknown | (Unknown) to Unknown |
Numbers within parentheses: ( ) indicate costs or losses
This fiscal note contains 3 pages.
ASSUMPTION
Officials from the Office of State Courts Administrator (CTS) assume the proposed joint resolution would require the Commission on Judicial Resources, or some other body, to determine the number of associate circuit judges and circuit judges necessary in each circuit and in each county. Until specific recommendations regarding the number and placement of judges are put forth, CTS has no way of estimating any costs or savings resulting from this joint resolution.
Officials from the Office of the Secretary of State (SOS) assume the proposed joint resolution would change the procedures for assessing and assigning the number of circuit and associate circuit judges per circuit. The amendment would be submitted to the voters of Missouri for approval or rejection. Statewide newspaper publication of constitutional amendments costs approximately $1,455 per inch, which would result in a cost of $4,380 per column inch for three printings. SOS estimates the total number of inches for this proposal would be ten inches, which includes the title, header, and certification paragraph. Therefore, the total cost would be $43,800 ($4,380 times ten inches). For purposes of this joint resolution, SOS assumes the amendment would be put to the voters at the general election in November 2000. However, if the governor would call a special election, the fiscal impact could exceed $1,000,000 depending on the date of the special election.
FISCAL IMPACT - State Government FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003
GENERAL REVENUE FUND
Costs - Secretary of State
Publication ($43,800) $0 $0
Costs/Savings - State Courts Administrator (Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown)
to Unknown to Unknown to Unknown
ESTIMATED NET EFFECT ON (Unknown)* (Unknown) (Unknown)
GENERAL REVENUE FUND to Unknown to Unknown to Unknown
* Costs will at least be $43,800.
FISCAL IMPACT - Local Government FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003
POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS
(Unknown) (Unknown) (Unknown)
Costs/Savings - Political Subdivisions to Unknown to Unknown to Unknown
FISCAL IMPACT - Small Business
No direct fiscal impact to small businesses would be expected as a result of this joint resolution.
DESCRIPTION
This joint resolution, if adopted by Missouri voters, would authorize the Commission on Judicial Resources to determine the number of associate and circuit court judges needed in each judicial circuit for the efficient administration of justice. This joint resolution would grant the Commission the power to add or remove associate and circuit court judge positions based upon the caseloads in various circuits, unless the General Assembly nullifies such action. Voters in each county would have the right to vote on at least one associate circuit judge in their circuit. The judgeships of incumbent and sitting judges would not be subject to the review of the Commission. This joint resolution would become effective after voter approval.
This legislation is not federally mandated, would not duplicate any other program, and would not require additional capital improvements or rental space.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Office of State Courts Administrator
Office of the Secretary of State
Jeanne Jarrett, CPA
Director
January 3, 2000