Missouri Constitution

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe signed the 'Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act' into law, making it first-degree murder for healthcare providers to kill a born-alive child during an abortion. Democrats and medical professionals criticized the law as unnecessary and potentially harmful to providers, while sponsors argued it addresses rare cases of failed abortions. The law comes amid an upcoming November vote on a proposed abortion amendment.

A Missouri proposal to replace the state individual income tax with expanded sales taxes will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot as Amendment 5, according to a Cole County judge's ruling. Opponents challenged the measure, arguing it violates constitutional requirements, but the judge dismissed these claims, allowing the initiative to proceed.

A Missouri judge will decide by Monday whether Amendment 5, a proposal to replace income tax with sales taxes, remains on the August ballot. Opponents argue the measure violates the state constitution’s single-subject rule, while supporters claim it complies by focusing solely on tax provisions. The ruling must allow time for appeals before the June 9 deadline for ballot changes.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) and National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) filed a lawsuit defending Missouri's new congressional map, claiming it complies with the state constitution. The lawsuit challenges Democratic efforts to block the map through court action, with Republicans asserting that opponents seek to 'rig congressional districts' and override voter will. The case follows a Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana's congressional map and involves ongoing disputes over redistricting processes in Missouri.

The Missouri Supreme Court unanimously upheld Governor Mike Kehoe's authority to call lawmakers into a special session for congressional redistricting and initiative petition changes. The court ruled the Missouri Constitution grants the governor unlimited discretion to convene the General Assembly on 'extraordinary occasions.' The NAACP of Missouri had challenged the session's legitimacy, arguing it lacked urgency, but the court rejected the challenge.

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.