Amendment 3

A Florida circuit court judge ruled that the ballot title and summary language for Amendment 3 are misleading and violate state law by using political slogans and omitting key information. The judge ordered Attorney General James Uthmeier to revise the language, which claims the amendment 'benefits' taxpayers and 'protects small businesses,' before the Aug. 14 deadline.

The Florida Sheriffs Association has expressed significant concern over Amendment 3, a proposed property tax cut that could reduce local government funding by billions annually, potentially impacting law enforcement, road maintenance, and emergency services. Multiple public safety groups and advocacy organizations oppose the amendment, citing risks to public safety funding and quality of life, while a court decision on the ballot language is pending.

A Florida circuit court judge, David Frank, is evaluating challenges to the wording of Amendment 3, a property tax cut proposal that could cost local governments $12 billion annually. Lawsuits argue the ballot summary uses impermissible political language and misleads voters. The judge has not ruled yet but ordered final legal arguments by August 3, with potential implications for the November ballot.

A Planned Parenthood clinic in Springfield, Missouri, began offering medication abortion services after over 21 years without local access. The clinic became the fifth in Missouri to do so following a June court decision that invalidated several state abortion regulations, marking a return of in-clinic medication abortion access in the region.

The Florida Democratic Party has voted to oppose Amendment 3, which seeks to expand the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes and reduce property taxes. The party argues the amendment would cut local government funding for services like public safety and infrastructure. The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association and other groups also oppose the measure, citing concerns over reduced emergency services funding.

Florida counties will pay nearly $420 million for Medicaid this year, with projections showing an increase to $452 million if Amendment 3 passes. The amendment, which raises homestead exemptions for non-school taxes, could reduce county revenues by $5 billion, prompting opposition from the Florida Association of Counties.

Florida business groups and political leaders remain inactive in supporting a property tax phase-out amendment (Amendment 3) ahead of the November vote. Gov. Ron DeSantis declined to lead a campaign for the measure, which he did not propose, while opposition groups argue it would harm local budgets. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida TaxWatch suggest the issue should be addressed by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission instead of direct voter approval.

A campaign led by Bryan Desloge, Stop Unfair Tax Shifts, opposes Florida's Amendment 3, which would increase homestead property tax exemptions. The amendment, approved by the Florida Legislature, could reduce local government property tax revenue by billions, prompting concerns over potential service cuts or tax shifts.

A campaign called Stop the Ban Missouri is opposing Amendment 3, a proposed 2026 ballot measure in Missouri that would reinstate a near-total abortion ban. The campaign, which has raised nearly $4 million, argues the amendment is a 'bait and switch' attempt to overturn a 2024 vote that ended the state’s abortion ban. Supporters of the amendment claim it would restore restrictions removed by the 2024 vote while preserving exceptions for medical emergencies, rape, and incest.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry traveled to Greenland after voters rejected his supported constitutional amendments, including a plan to provide K-12 teachers with a permanent pay increase. Landry declared no state employees would receive raises unless teachers got one first, but the legislature is proceeding with raises for some state workers despite his stance.

Missouri voters may face up to nine ballot measures in 2026, including proposals on abortion, taxes, state parks, and redistricting. Seven measures are already confirmed, with two pending decisions. Amendment 3, which would repeal 2024 abortion rights and ban gender-affirming care for minors, faces a campaign with significant financial backing.