Bill > HB402

This bill modifies the process for creating ballot summary language for constitutional amendments and bills in Missouri. Under the new provisions, when the General Assembly passes a resolution or bill to be voted on by the people, the secretary of state must forward the document to the state auditor and prepare a summary statement within twenty days. The secretary of state can consult with the bill's introducer and legislative leaders in crafting this summary, which can differ from the legislative title. The attorney general must then review and approve the summary's legal content within ten days. The bill adds a significant new provision that if the General Assembly includes an official summary statement with a constitutional amendment or statutory measure, that statement must appear on the ballot exactly as written, and courts will be prohibited from changing or editing the ballot language. The summary statement is limited to 50 words (not counting articles) and must be a true, impartial description of the measure's purposes, avoiding argumentative or prejudicial language.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB402&year=2025&code=R