Catherine Hanaway

Kansas City consultants warned the city that its practice of racial and sex-based preferences in contracting faced serious legal issues, but the Council initially chose not to end the program. After a lawsuit was filed by Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway on July 22, new ordinances were introduced “to begin the process of reimagining” these business enterprise programs. However, the article notes that multiple proposed ordinances appear to be overlapping and competing options.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked public votes on a state's new congressional map and a proposed constitutional amendment, declaring both measures unconstitutional. He argued that the Missouri Constitution does not permit a referendum on redistricting plans, citing violations of federal law. This decision prompted an immediate court challenge from People Not Politicians.

A Missouri campaign seeking a public vote on the state's congressional map is suing to block its use in the November election, arguing the Secretary of State improperly certified it. The lawsuit challenges the map's constitutionality and raises questions about the validity of primary election results under the disputed districts.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins blocked two ballot measures from appearing on the November 2020 ballot, claiming they are unconstitutional. The measures aimed to force a referendum on a congressional redistricting map and to limit legislative power over initiative measures. A political action committee submitted over 300,000 signatures for each proposal, but Hoskins asserted the state constitution does not permit referendums on redistricting and that one amendment violated single-subject requirements.

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins and State Sen. Rick Brattin criticized a 'rainbow story time' at a Columbia library featuring books about LGBTQ+ themes, threatening to cut funding if the event proceeded. The library held the event, spending $26 on materials, while legal experts clarified that discussing LGBTQ+ topics is not a crime under state law.

Missouri withdrew from a multi-state lawsuit challenging federal disability rights protections under the Rehabilitation Act. The lawsuit, initially involving 17 Republican-led states, aimed to overturn a Biden administration rule classifying gender dysphoria as a disability. Advocates for people with disabilities in Missouri expressed relief over the state's exit.

A coalition of Missouri hemp businesses filed a federal lawsuit to block a state ban on intoxicating hemp products, arguing the law contains unconstitutionally vague definitions. The ban, set to take effect in November, aligns with federal restrictions but allows exceptions if Congress revises its stance.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has intensified legal action against 'gray market' gambling machines, leading to felony charges and lawsuits from businesses like Tuners bar and the MOLAG group. Courts, including a 2020 ruling and a 2019 Missouri Gaming Commission review, have previously classified these 'no chance' games as illegal gambling devices under state law, despite features like prize previews.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe will sign a bill requiring pornography websites to verify users are adults before accessing explicit content. The law, effective August 28, mandates third-party age verification and imposes penalties for non-compliance, prompting Pornhub to block access in Missouri rather than implement checks.

Two lawsuits challenge Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway's enforcement of state gambling laws, accusing her of using threats of criminal prosecution to shut down slot machines in bars and gas stations. The cases argue that Hanaway's actions violate legal standards by applying undefined terms like 'good moral character' and targeting 'pre-reveal' games, which a federal judge recently ruled illegal. The lawsuits claim businesses face severe consequences without due process.

A Missouri judge struck down most state abortion regulations, allowing access to medication abortion for the first time since 2018. The ruling upheld requirements for in-person doctor consultations and physician-performed abortions, while the state plans to appeal the decision. Planned Parenthood announced it will resume offering medication abortion appointments next week.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway secured settlements with companies Relax Relief Rejuvenate Trading LLC and CBD American Shaman, halting in-state sales of the concentrated kratom compound 7-OH. The agreements end a legal dispute over whether 7-OH should be classified as a dangerous opioid or a regulated product.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Kansas City-based CBD American Shaman has agreed to stop selling kratom and 7-OH products in Missouri, following a lawsuit alleging deceptive marketing and public health risks. The company must cease in-state sales and advertising within 30 days, with potential penalties for violations.

A lawsuit seeks to compel Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins to decide if a referendum challenging the state's new congressional map qualifies for the November ballot before the August 4 primary. The political action committee People Not Politicians claims Hoskins and Attorney General Catherine Hanaway are delaying a decision, while Hoskins argues he needs the full allotted time to review petitions that may meet constitutional thresholds.