Over the past two years, the stories about how the federal government is tracking everything you do and say online have become nearly impossible to follow. On top of this, it was revealed last year that the Missouri Department of Revenue was taking personal information from those people applying for conceal-carry permits and releasing it to the feds. Ever since then, Missouri lawmakers have been working toward ending these practices.

On Aug. 5, Missouri voters will have a chance to ensure unreasonable uses of your private information are not made by law enforcement authorities. Constitutional Amendment 9 will ask the question, “Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended so that the people shall be secure in their electronic communications and data from unreasonable searches and seizures as they are now likewise secure in their persons, homes, papers and effects?”

Amendment 9 comes as a result of Senate Joint Resolution 27, which the Missouri General Assembly passed earlier this year. Simply put, passage of this ballot question would require law enforcement agencies to get a warrant in order to access data and communications from computers or cell phones, and be supported by probable cause. Amendment 9 would ensure that the Fourth Amendment would apply to electronic communications, in the same way it does to other methods.

It is sad that lawmakers have to spend time debating these types of resolutions, and then ask voters to set a standard for a law that has been in place for more than 200 years. Unfortunately, this is becoming the “new normal” for a growing number of states, not to mention the country as a whole. But, if the federal government refuses to end questionable practices by the National Security Agency, then it is up to the states to do the work for them. After all, the federal government was formed by the states, not the other way around.

Amendment 9 is one of five ballot questions Missouri voters will see on the Aug. 5 primary ballot. In my most recent column, I discussed Constitutional Amendment 8, which would create a “Veterans Lottery Ticket” that would benefit veterans’ services in our state. We will continue to look at the remaining ballot questions between now and the August primary.

I do support Amendment 9 and hope people will read it thoroughly before going to the polls on Aug. 5. Take the chance to learn everything you can about all of the issues that will be decided in the August primary.

In the meantime, the hot weather has decided to come in a few days before the official start of summer. Fortunately, we have continued to see a good mix of rain, so the crops are doing okay.

Fair season is also underway, and it is always good to see everybody as I travel the 18th Senatorial District to find out what is on people’s minds this year.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.