Bill > SB198

This bill creates a legal mechanism called the "Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act" that allows Missouri to review and potentially reject federal actions deemed unconstitutional. The bill defines a "federal action" broadly to include laws, agency rules, executive orders, court decisions, and treaties, and establishes a detailed process for determining whether such actions exceed the federal government's constitutional authority. When evaluating constitutionality, the state legislature would consider historical sources like ratifying debates, constitutional convention participants' understanding, early state constitutions, and the perspectives of the first Supreme Court justices. If a federal action is determined to be beyond the Constitution's enumerated powers, the state can formally "nullify" it, which means officially declaring the action void within Missouri, prohibiting state and local officials from enforcing it, and preventing the use of state funds to support its implementation. The nullification process can be initiated either through a legislative bill or a court ruling, with the general assembly having sole authority to establish specific penalties for violations. The bill limits nullification attempts to once per year for any given federal action and requires a comprehensive review process that emphasizes a strict, originalist interpretation of constitutional powers.

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https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=498