Nixon signs bill creating new local judicial district

Gov. Jay Nixon yesterday signed a bill into law creating a new judicial district for Taney County.

Senate Bill 585, sponsored by Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, and handled in the House of Representatives by Rep. Lynn Morris, R-Nixa, creates the 46th Judicial Circuit, which covers Taney County, according to news release.

The legislation splits the 38th Judicial Circuit, which previously comprised both Christian and Taney counties. The 38th now only handles Christian County.

Under the terms of the bill, a 46th Judicial Circuit judge will be elected this year for a two-year term, and starting in 2018, the official would be elected for a full six-year term.

The bill contained an emergency clause that puts it into effect upon approval because it is “deemed necessary for the immediate preservation of the public health, welfare, peace and safety.”