Bill > HB2124

This bill modifies provisions related to initiative petitions and referendums in Missouri by making several key changes. It establishes new requirements for petition circulators, including that they must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, a state resident or physically present in the state for 30 consecutive days prior to collecting signatures, and registered with the secretary of state. The bill prohibits paying circulators based on the number of signatures collected and sets stricter guidelines for petition forms, including specific formatting requirements like font size and margins. It also expands the grounds for petition signature fraud, making it illegal to accept or offer money for signatures, and creates more detailed verification processes for petition signatures. The bill changes who can challenge ballot titles (now limited to Missouri registered voters) and establishes more precise timelines for legal challenges to petition language, including expedited court review processes. Additionally, it modifies requirements for submitting and approving petition sample sheets, including mandating that the secretary of state post proposed measure texts on their website and allow a 15-day public comment period. The legislation aims to increase transparency, prevent signature manipulation, and ensure more rigorous standards for the initiative and referendum petition processes in Missouri.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2124&year=2026&code=R