Bill > SJR45

This Joint Resolution amends the Missouri Constitution to assert the state's sovereignty and the rights of its citizens under the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. It prohibits Missouri's government branches from recognizing, enforcing, or acting on any federal action, including laws, executive orders, or court rulings, that exceed the federal government's enumerated powers. Specifically, it lists several federal actions that Missouri will not recognize, such as those restricting gun ownership, legalizing or funding abortions, imposing carbon credit systems or taxes, creating a public healthcare option, mandating end-of-life counseling, restricting medical treatments, collecting medical records into databases, covering illegal immigrants under health insurance, mandating insurance benefits, requiring coverage for abortions, restricting out-of-state insurance purchases, or penalizing employers or individuals for not providing or purchasing health insurance. It also prohibits federal actions mandating recognition of same-sex marriage or civil unions, increasing punishments for crimes based on perpetrator thoughts or "hate crime" designations, establishing a "wall of separation" between church and state, or restricting parental rights in homeschooling or private/parochial school enrollment and curriculum. The resolution also dictates that the U.S. Constitution should be interpreted based on its original language and intent, rejecting interpretations based on evolving awareness or a "living document" theory that expands federal authority without a constitutional amendment. Missouri citizens are granted the right to sue to enforce these provisions, and any court rulings violating these principles will not be recognized in Missouri.