JEFFERSON CITY – Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, was signed by the governor earlier today. Currently, Missouri’s 38th Judicial Circuit is comprised of both Christian and Taney counties. Senate Bill 585 divides the 38th Judicial Circuit, which will now consist of only Christian County, and moves Taney County under a newly created 46th Judicial Circuit.
“At the time the 38th Circuit was created, Taney County heard very few cases. In the years since, Taney County’s case load has more than caught up to Christian County’s, due in large part to increased tourism in Branson,” said Sen. Wasson. “Today, it is one of the most backlogged and overworked circuits in the state.
“For two sessions, I have been working to alleviate some of the strain on Missouri’s 38th Judicial Circuit. All along, it was my goal to get Senate Bill 585 to the governor’s desk before candidate filing for the 2016 election cycle opens on Feb. 23. I’m proud we were able to meet that deadline so Taney County residents will have the opportunity to elect their new circuit judge come November.”
Senate Bill 585 contains an emergency clause. It immediately took effect upon the governor’s approval.
