Bill > SJR65

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the Missouri Constitution that modifies the rules for initiative petitions, which are formal written requests that allow citizens to propose new laws or constitutional amendments directly through voting. The resolution would require initiative petitions for constitutional amendments to be signed by 8% of legal voters in two-thirds of congressional districts, and petitions for laws to be signed by 5% of such voters. Additionally, the resolution introduces stricter guidelines about the "single subject" rule for petitions, specifying that a petition must not extend beyond one sole purpose and must only include changes necessary to effectuate that legislative change. A new provision would also require each initiative petition to have a summary statement of no more than 100 words that is complete, concise, clear, and accurate. If a court determines that the summary statement does not meet these criteria and cannot be revised within the word limit, the court can prohibit the petition from being circulated or remove it from the ballot. The proposed amendment would be submitted to Missouri voters at the next general election in November 2026 or at a special election called by the governor.

Government Affairs

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=77