We welcomed a new week in Jefferson City with pleasant temperatures and the annual State of the State address, in which members of the Missouri Senate and House gathered in a joint session to consider the governor’s recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year. It’s vitally important for our state’s executive officials to keep the lines of communication open with citizens and present them with information pertaining to their government in a timely manner. With this concept in mind, I am sponsoring a measure (SB 2) to require the Missouri Secretary of State to post certain initiative and referendum material on the SOS website (www.sos.mo.gov). The bill received a hearing in the Financial and Governmental Organizations and Elections Committee on Monday (1-28). I proposed a similar measure during the 2012 legislative session (SB 774), and I’m determined to see this bill cross the legislative finish line.

Missouri holds an advantage due to the fact that we are only one of 24 states that allow its citizens the opportunity to make changes in state laws and its constitution through the petition process. The voices of the people are what make Missouri’s government tick, and, when it comes time to vote, citizens deserve to have all the facts in front of them regarding proposed initiatives as soon as possible.

Senate Bill 2 would require the Secretary of State to post on the office’s website the full text of an initiative and referendum petition within two days of receiving such a petition, as well as a disclaimer stating that the text of the proposed measure may not constitute the full and correct text as required by law to qualify for circulation. The name of the individual or organization submitting the petition would also be included in the information.

The Secretary of State recognized the need for such transparency, and announced this week that his office will post all submitted initiative petitions after the form of the petition is approved and include a five-day comment period on these petitions. I’m glad that Missourians will have more transparency with regard to the initiative petition process; however, my legislation will go even further to help citizens stay as involved and informed as possible in their government. Senate Bill 2 would codify the policy for future administrations.

President James Madison once said, “Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” For those in office, it’s our jobs to serve our constituents and allow them the opportunity to make the best choices possible for themselves and their families. If you have any questions about SB 2, please don’t hesitate to contact my Capitol office. Thank you and God bless.