Initiative petition legislation championed by Missouri Republicans is heard in committee

Legislation that would change the requirement for passage for constitutional amendments proposed by lawmakers or the initiative petition process has been heard by a Missouri House committee.

The bill from State Rep. David Evans (R-West Plains), the powerful House Judiciary Committee chairman, was heard by the House Elections and Elected Officials Committee on Wednesday.

Chairman Evans’ House Joint Resolution 102 is a top priority for Missouri GOP lawmakers, who say a simple majority is too easy for special interest groups to change the state Constitution. Democratic lawmakers oppose the change, saying that initiative petitions are necessary when citizens can’t get the Legislature to act on an issue.