JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri Senate committee has advanced legislation that would prevent temporary leaders from having extended stays at executive departments.
The bill would limit designated acting directors to 120 days in office. Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey says the bill could be debated on the floor next week.
Permanent department directors chosen by the governor require Senate confirmation while acting leaders don't.
The panel also adopted a measure that would let the lieutenant governor fill state government positions if the governor does not do so within 90 days of a vacancy.
The Republican-led Senate has criticized Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon for currently having two acting department directors. State Auditor Tom Schweich also issued a report this month that was critical of the number of vacancies on state boards.
Department directors is SB 507 and SJR 30
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov