Bill > HB373

This bill modifies existing Missouri state law regarding the use of public funds in election-related activities. Specifically, the bill amends Section 115.646 to clarify restrictions on how public funds can be used during elections. The law prohibits officers, employees, or agents of political subdivisions (including special districts and charter schools) from using public funds to directly support or oppose ballot measures or political candidates. The bill removes specific language mentioning school districts and charter schools from the original text, but then reinserts them in a different context. While the law still allows public officials to make public appearances or issue press releases about ballot measures, it maintains strict prohibitions on using public funds to directly influence elections. Any intentional violation of this provision would be classified as a class four election offense, which typically involves legal penalties designed to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. The bill aims to prevent the misuse of taxpayer money in election campaigning and maintain a clear separation between government resources and political activities.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB373&year=2025&code=R