Updated 4: 14 p.m.
Missouri senators have endorsed changes in the procedure for nominating candidates for the state Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.
A seven-member commission screens applicants for vacancies on the state's high court and the three districts of the Court of Appeals. The panel recommends three finalists, from which the governor makes the appointment.
The commission is currently made up of a judge, three lawyers and three people selected by the governor.
A proposed constitutional amendment approved Thursday by the Senate would let the governor name four people to the panel, while the courts would appoint a retired judge who could not vote. Also, the commission would nominate four finalists instead of three.
The measure needs another Senate vote before moving to the House, where approval would put it on the ballot.
