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SB 995

SB 995 - Currently, the sheriff of the City of St. Louis is elected. This act instead provides that a majority of the circuit and associate circuit judges of the 22nd Judicial Circuit, consisting of the City of St. Louis, shall appoint the sheriff. The sheriff is removable for cause by a majority of the judges pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court rules. The elected sheriff holding office on August 28, 2026, shall continue to hold office for the remainder of his or her term. This act is identical to HB 3224 (2026), and is similar to SB 484 (2017), HCS/HB 878 (2017), and SB 527 (2015). TRISTAN BENSON, JR.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Gregory

Replaces St. Louis City Sheriff election with judicial appointment, removing voter selection of this law enforcement leader.

Voted Do Pass S Local Government, Elections and Pensions Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 995

Legislative bill overview

SB 995 would change how St. Louis City's Sheriff is selected by replacing the elected position with an appointment system controlled by judges of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. This fundamentally alters the governance structure for this law enforcement leadership role from democratic election to judicial selection.

Why is this important

The Sheriff is a significant law enforcement position responsible for court security, jail operations, and service of legal documents in St. Louis City. This change would remove direct voter input from selecting this official, shifting accountability from constituents to the judicial system instead.

Potential points of contention

  • Democratic representation: Replacing elected positions with appointed ones reduces voter influence over law enforcement leadership and could be viewed as undemocratic by those favoring direct elections
  • Judicial independence concerns: Giving judges appointment power over the Sheriff could create conflicts of interest or perception of bias, since sheriffs interact frequently with courts
  • Accountability mechanisms: Appointed officials may have different accountability structures than elected ones, potentially making it harder for constituents to remove underperforming officials
  • Precedent: This change could set an example for converting other elected positions to appointed ones, with broader governance implications

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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