HCS/HJR 3 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, establishes the "Protect Missouri Voters" amendment, which creates new provisions relating to ballot measures.Foreign Activity
(Section 54.3)
New restrictions on foreign activity with respect to ballot measures are created. Specifically, a political committee that makes expenditures or contributions in support of or in opposition to a statewide ballot measure, as that term is defined in the amendment, shall not knowingly or willfully receive, solicit, or accept, whether directly or indirectly, contributions from a foreign adversary of the United States or a foreign national, as those terms are defined in the amendment. Furthermore, a foreign adversary of the United States or foreign national shall not make any contribution or expenditure in support of or in opposition to a statewide ballot measure.
Any violation of this provision is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one thousand dollars or both, plus an amount equal to three times the illegal contributions. The Attorney General has exclusive jurisdiction to prosecute this crime.
The General Assembly is given authority to enact certain laws with respect to this provision, as provided in the act.
Signature Fraud
(Section 54.4)
The crime of petition signature fraud is established, which includes any of the following acts committed by any person:
• aSigning any name other than his or her own to any petition, knowingly signing his or her name more than once for the same measure for the same election, or signing a petition knowing he or she is not, at the time of signing or circulating the petition, a Missouri registered voter and a resident of this state;
• Intentionally submitting petition signature sheets with the knowledge that one or more persons whose name appears on the signature sheet did not actually sign the petition;
• Causing a voter to sign a petition other than the one the voter intended to sign;
• Forging or falsifying signatures; or
• Knowingly accepting or offering money or anything of value to another person in exchange for a signature on a petition.
The crime of petition signature fraud is punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one thousand dollars or both. The Attorney General has exclusive jurisdiction to prosecute this crime.
Public Comment Period
(Section 54.5)
The Secretary of State is required to conduct one or more in-person or web-based hearings to receive public comment regarding the purpose and effect of each proposed initiative petition that has submitted signatures. Transcripts or summaries of the hearings shall be made publicly available no later than 7 days after the hearing is conducted and before the petition is placed on the ballot.
Voter Approval of Initiatives
(Section 54.6)
Currently, all initiatives take effect at the end of 30 days following being approved by a majority of the votes cast thereon. This amendment requires approval for constitutional amendments proposed by the initiative by a simple majority in each of the Congressional districts in the state.
SCOTT SVAGERA