Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends provisions for initiative petitions and referendums in Missosuri.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the state Secretary of State to have greater power to rewrite any challenged ballot language before the courts could intervene (Sec. A).

• Requires challenges for all measures, except for initiative petitions, to be brought to the Cole County Circuit Court by no later than the 22nd Tuesday before the general election (Sec. A).

• Specifies that if a court finds the ballot language to be unfair, the court can provide suggested changes, but it is the Secretary of State's office that would prepare the new summary (Sec. Aa).

• Specifies that the state Secretary of State's office would get 3 chances to write language considered sufficient and fair before the court could put forth its language (Sec. ).

• Extends and expands how long a summary statement for ballot measures can be from 50 to 100 words (Sec. A).

• Amends how long before an election that litigation on ballot summaries must be completed, from currently requiring litigation must be completed 56 days before an election to now being 70 days before an election (Sec. A).

• Authorizes the Attorney General's office the ability to appeal preliminary injunctions that limit the state from enforcing a statute or the constitution (Sec. A).

• Authorizes the Attorney General to appeal decisions that were made by a judge before this bill goes into law and gives the Attorney General until September 12, 2025, to issue that appeal for those earlier injunctions (Sec. A).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor (Sec. A).

Full Bill Text