To repeal section 115.646, RSMo 1994, relating to prohibiting certain uses of public funds, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,

AS FOLLOWS:

Section A. Section 115.646, RSMo 1994, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 115.646, to read as follows:

115.646. 1. No contribution or expenditure of public funds shall be made by any officer, employee or agent of the state or any political subdivision to advocate, support or oppose any candidate for public office.

2. No contribution or expenditure of public funds shall be made directly by any officer, employee or agent of the state or any political subdivision to advocate, support, or oppose any ballot measure [or candidate for public office]. This section shall not be construed to prohibit any public official [of a political subdivision] from making public appearances or from issuing press releases concerning any such ballot measure.

3. No officer or employee of the state or any political subdivision shall circulate an initiative petition or participate in any way on behalf of or in opposition to an initiative petition during normal working hours unless such officer or employee takes annual leave.

4. A member of the general assembly shall not use public funds in any mass mailing, as defined by the committee of jurisdiction of the senate and house of representatives, respectively, to advocate that constituents either support or oppose any initiative petition.