State constitution

Constitution of Missouri

Full 14-article structure with every section's official catchline heading and condensed text. Missouri's constitution is long (~400 sections, many with lettered subsections); the very long articles (III, IV, VI, X) are abbreviated to their headline sense. Read the complete, verbatim text at the source link.

Article I Bill of Rights

§ 1 Source of political power — origin, basis and aim of government

That all political power is vested in and derived from the people; that all government of right originates from the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.

§ 2 Promotion of general welfare — natural rights of persons — equality under the law — purpose of government

That all constitutional government is intended to promote the general welfare of the people; that all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and the enjoyment of the gains of their own industry; that all persons are created equal and are entitled to equal rights and…

§ 3 Powers of the people over internal affairs, constitution and form of government

That the people of this state have the inherent, sole and exclusive right to regulate the internal government and police thereof, and to alter and abolish their constitution and form of government whenever they may deem it necessary to their safety and happiness, provided such change be not…

§ 4 Independence of Missouri — submission of certain amendments to Constitution of the United States

That Missouri is a free and independent state, subject only to the Constitution of the United States; that all proposed amendments to the Constitution of the United States qualifying or affecting the individual liberties of the people or which in any wise may impair the right of local…

§ 5 Religious freedom — liberty of conscience and belief — limitations — right to pray — academic religious freedoms and prayer

That all men and women have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no person shall, on account of his or her religious persuasion or belief, be…

§ 6 Practice and support of religion not compulsory — contracts therefor enforceable

That no person can be compelled to erect, support or attend any place or system of worship, or to maintain or support any priest, minister, preacher or teacher of any sect, church, creed or denomination of religion; but if any person shall voluntarily make a contract for any such object, he shall…

§ 7 Public aid for religious purposes — preferences and discriminations on religious grounds

That no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, sect or denomination of religion, or in aid of any priest, preacher, minister or teacher thereof, as such; and that no preference shall be given to nor any discrimination made against any…

§ 8 Freedom of speech — evidence of truth in defamation actions — province of jury

That no law shall be passed impairing the freedom of speech, no matter by what means communicated: that every person shall be free to say, write or publish, or otherwise communicate whatever he will on any subject, being responsible for all abuses of that liberty; and that in all suits and…

§ 9 Rights of peaceable assembly and petition

That the people have the right peaceably to assemble for their common good, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances by petition or remonstrance.

§ 10 Due process of law

That no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law.

§ 11 Imprisonment for debt

That no person shall be imprisoned for debt, except for nonpayment of fines and penalties imposed by law.

§ 12 Habeas corpus

That the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall never be suspended.

§ 13 Ex post facto laws — impairment of contracts — irrevocable privileges

That no ex post facto law, nor law impairing the obligation of contracts, or retrospective in its operation, or making any irrevocable grant of special privileges or immunities, can be enacted.

§ 14 Open courts — certain remedies — justice without sale, denial or delay

That the courts of justice shall be open to every person, and certain remedy afforded for every injury to person, property or character, and that right and justice shall be administered without sale, denial or delay.

§ 15 Unreasonable search and seizure prohibited — contents and basis of warrants

That the people shall be secure in their persons, papers, homes, effects, and electronic communications and data, from unreasonable searches and seizures; and no warrant to search any place, or seize any person or thing, or access electronic data or communication, shall issue without describing the…

§ 16 Grand juries — composition — jurisdiction to convene — powers

That a grand jury shall consist of twelve citizens, any nine of whom concurring may find an indictment or a true bill: Provided, that no grand jury shall be convened except upon an order of a judge of a court having the power to try and determine felonies; but when so assembled such grand jury…

§ 17 Indictments and informations in criminal cases — exceptions

That no person shall be prosecuted criminally for felony or misdemeanor otherwise than by indictment or information, which shall be concurrent remedies, but this shall not be applied to cases arising in the land or naval forces or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public…

§ 18(a) Rights of accused in criminal prosecutions

That in criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to appear and defend, in person and by counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation; to meet the witnesses against him face to face; to have process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his behalf; and a speedy public…

§ 18(b) Depositions in felony cases

Upon a hearing and finding by the circuit court in any case wherein the accused is charged with a felony, that it is necessary to take the deposition of any witness within the state, other than defendant and spouse, in order to preserve the testimony, and on condition that the court make such…

§ 18(c) Admissibility of evidence

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 17 and 18(a) of this article to the contrary, in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim under eighteen years of age, relevant evidence of prior criminal acts, whether charged or uncharged, is admissible for the purpose of…

§ 19 Self-incrimination and double jeopardy

That no person shall be compelled to testify against himself in a criminal cause, nor shall any person be put again in jeopardy of life or liberty for the same offense, after being once acquitted by a jury; but if the jury fail to render a verdict the court may, in its discretion, discharge the…

§ 20 Bail guaranteed — exceptions

That all persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses, when the proof is evident or the presumption great.

§ 21 Excessive bail and fines — cruel and unusual punishment

That excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.

§ 22(a) Right of trial by jury — qualification of jurors — two-thirds verdict

That the right of trial by jury as heretofore enjoyed shall remain inviolate; provided that a jury for the trial of criminal and civil cases in courts not of record may consist of less than twelve citizens as may be prescribed by law, and a two-thirds majority of such number concurring may render a…

§ 22(b) Female jurors — optional exemption

No citizen shall be disqualified from jury service because of sex, but the court shall excuse any woman who requests exemption therefrom before being sworn as a juror.

§ 23 Right to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and certain accessories — exception — rights to be unalienable

That the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and accessories typical to the normal function of such arms, in defense of his home, person, family and property, or when lawfully summoned in aid of the civil power, shall not be questioned. The rights guaranteed by this section…

§ 24 Subordination of military to civil power — quartering soldiers

That the military shall be always in strict subordination to the civil power; that no soldier shall be quartered in any house without the consent of the owner in time of peace, nor in time of war, except as prescribed by law.

§ 25 Elections and right of suffrage

That all elections shall be free and open; and no power, civil or military, shall at any time interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of suffrage.

§ 26 Compensation for property taken by eminent domain — condemnation juries — payment — railroad property

That private property shall not be taken or damaged for public use without just compensation. Such compensation shall be ascertained by a jury or board of commissioners of not less than three freeholders, in such manner as may be provided by law; and until the same shall be paid to the owner, or…

§ 27 Acquisition of excess property by eminent domain — disposition under restrictions

That in such manner and under such limitations as may be provided by law, the state, or any county or city may acquire by eminent domain such property, or rights in property, in excess of that actually to be occupied by the public improvement or used in connection therewith, as may be reasonably…

§ 28 Limitation on taking of private property for private use — exceptions — public use a judicial question

That private property shall not be taken for private use with or without compensation, unless by consent of the owner, except for private ways of necessity, and except for drains and ditches across the lands of others for agricultural and sanitary purposes, in the manner prescribed by law; and that…

§ 29 Organized labor and collective bargaining

That employees shall have the right to organize and to bargain collectively through representatives of their own choosing.

§ 30 Treason — attainder — corruption of blood and forfeitures — estate of suicides — death by casualty

That treason against the state can consist only in levying war against it, or in adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort; that no person can be convicted of treason, unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on his confession in open court; that no person can…

§ 31 Fines or imprisonments fixed by administrative agencies

That no law shall delegate to any commission, bureau, board or other administrative agency authority to make any rule fixing a fine or imprisonment as punishment for its violation.

§ 32 Crime victims' rights

1. Crime victims, as defined by law, shall have the following rights, as defined by law: (1) The right to be present at all criminal justice proceedings at which the defendant has such right, including juvenile proceedings where the offense would have been a felony if committed by an adult; (2)…

§ 33 Marriage, validity and recognition

That to be valid and recognized in this state, a marriage shall exist only between a man and a woman.

§ 34 English to be the official language in this state

That English shall be the language of all official proceedings in this state. Official proceedings shall be limited to any meeting of a public governmental body at which any public business is discussed, decided, or public policy formulated, whether such meeting is conducted in person or by means…

§ 35 Right to farm

That agriculture which provides food, energy, health benefits, and security is the foundation and stabilizing force of Missouri's economy. To protect this vital sector of Missouri's economy, the right of farmers and ranchers to engage in farming and ranching practices shall be forever guaranteed in…

§ 36 Right to reproductive freedom initiative — fundamental right, limitations on restrictions — regulation permitted, when — no penalty, adverse actions or discrimination, when — severability clause — definitions

1. This Section shall be known as "The Right to Reproductive Freedom Initiative". 2. The Government shall not deny or infringe upon a person's fundamental right to reproductive freedom, which is the right to make and carry out decisions about all matters relating to reproductive health care…

Article II The Distribution of Powers

§ 1 Three departments of government — separation of powers

The powers of government shall be divided into three distinct departments—the legislative, executive and judicial—each of which shall be confided to a separate magistracy, and no person, or collection of persons, charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of those departments…

Article III Legislative Department

§ 1 Legislative power — general assembly

The legislative power shall be vested in a senate and house of representatives to be styled "The General Assembly of the State of Missouri."

§ 2 Prohibited activities by General Assembly members and employees — campaign contribution limits and restrictions

(a) After December 6, 2018, no person serving as a member of or employed by the general assembly shall act or serve as a paid lobbyist, register as a paid lobbyist, or solicit prospective employers or clients to represent as a paid lobbyist during the time of such service until the expiration of…

§ 3 Election of representatives — legislative redistricting methods — house independent bipartisan citizens commission, appointment, duties, compensation — court actions, procedure

(a) The house of representatives shall consist of one hundred sixty-three members elected at each general election and redistricted as provided in this section. (b) The house independent bipartisan citizens commission shall redistrict the house of representatives using the following methods, listed…

§ 4 Qualifications of representatives

Each representative shall be twenty-four years of age, and next before the day of his election shall have been a qualified voter for two years and a resident of the county or district which he is chosen to represent for one year, if such county or district shall have been so long established, and…

§ 5 Senators — number — senatorial districts

The senate shall consist of thirty-four members elected by the qualified voters of the senatorial districts for a term of four years. Senatorial districts shall be apportioned as provided for in Article III, Section 7.

§ 6 Qualifications of senators

Each senator shall be thirty years of age, and next before the day of his election shall have been a qualified voter of the state for three years and a resident of the district which he is chosen to represent for one year, if such district shall have been so long established, and if not, then of…

§ 7 Senate independent bipartisan citizens commission, appointment, duties, compensation — court actions, procedure

(a) Within sixty days after the population of this state is reported to the President for each decennial census of the United States, or within sixty days after a redistricting plan has been invalidated by a court of competent jurisdiction, the state committee and the congressional district…

§ 8 Term limitations for members of General Assembly

No one shall be elected to serve more than eight years total in any one house of the General Assembly nor more than sixteen years total in both houses of the General Assembly. In applying this section, service in the General Assembly resulting from an election prior to December 3, 1992, or service…

§ 9 Apportionment of representatives

Until the convening of the Seventy-fourth General Assembly the House of Representatives shall consist of one hundred sixty-three members elected from the one hundred sixty-three representative districts, as they existed January 1, 1965.

§ 10 Basis of apportionment — alteration of districts

The last decennial census of the United States shall be used in apportioning representatives and determining the population of senatorial and representative districts. Such districts may be altered from time to time as public convenience may require.

§ 11 Time of election of senators and representatives

The first election of senators and representatives under this constitution, shall be held at the general election in the year one thousand nine hundred and forty-six when the whole number of representatives and the senators from the districts having even numbers, who shall compose the first class…

§ 12 Members of general assembly disqualified from holding other offices

No person holding any lucrative office or employment under the United States, this state or any municipality thereof shall hold the office of senator or representative. When any senator or representative accepts any office or employment under the United States, this state or any municipality…

§ 13 Vacation of office by removal of residence

If any senator or representative remove his residence from the district or county for which he was elected, his office shall thereby be vacated.

§ 14 Writs of election to fill vacancies

Writs of election to fill vacancies in either house of the general assembly shall be issued by the governor.

§ 15 Oath of office of members of assembly — administration — effect of refusal to take oath and conviction of violation

Every senator or representative elect, before entering upon the duties of his office, shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will support the Constitution of the United States and of the state of Missouri, and faithfully perform the…

§ 16 Compensation, mileage allowance and expenses of general assembly members

Senators and representatives shall receive from the state treasury as salary such sums as are provided by law. No law fixing the compensation of members of the general assembly shall become effective until the first day of the regular session of the general assembly next following the session at…

§ 17 Limitation on number of legislative employees

Until otherwise provided by law, the house of representatives shall not employ more than one hundred twenty-five and the senate shall not employ more than seventy-five employees elective, appointive or any other at any time during any session.

§ 18 Appointment of officers of houses — jurisdiction to determine membership — power to make rules, punish for contempt and disorderly conduct and expel members

Each house shall appoint its own officers; shall be sole judge of the qualifications, election and returns of its own members; may determine the rules of its own proceedings, except as herein provided; may arrest and punish by fine not exceeding three hundred dollars, or imprisonment in a county…

§ 19 Legislative privileges — legislative records — legislative proceedings public

(a) Senators and representatives shall, in all cases except treason, felony, offenses under this Article, or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during the session of the general assembly, and for the fifteen days next before the commencement and after the termination of each session…

§ 20 Regular sessions of assembly — quorum — compulsory attendance — public sessions — limitation on power to adjourn

The general assembly shall meet on the first Wednesday after the first Monday in January following each general election. The general assembly may provide by law for the introduction of bills during the period between the first day of December and the first Wednesday after the first Monday of…

§ 20(a) Automatic adjournment — tabling of bills, when

The general assembly shall adjourn at midnight on May thirtieth until the first Wednesday after the first Monday of January of the following year, unless it has adjourned prior thereto. All bills in either house remaining on the calendar after 6:00 p.m. on the first Friday following the second…

§ 20(b) Special session, procedure to convene — limitations — automatic adjournment

Upon the filing with the secretary of state of a petition stating the purpose for which the session is to be called and signed by three-fourths of the members of the senate and three-fourths of the members of the house of representatives, the president pro tem of the senate and the speaker of the…

§ 20(c) Political fundraising prohibited on state property

No political fundraising activities or political fundraising event by any member of or candidate for the general assembly, including but not limited to the solicitation or delivery of contributions, supporting or opposing any candidate, initiative petition, referendum petition, ballot measure…

§ 20(d) Severability provision

If any provision of sections 2, 3, 7, 19, or 20(c) or the application thereof to anyone or to any circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of those provisions and the application of such provisions to others or other circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

§ 21 Style of laws — bills — limitation on amendments — power of each house to originate and amend bills — reading of bills

The style of the laws of this state shall be: "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri, as follows." No law shall be passed except by bill, and no bill shall be so amended in its passage through either house as to change its original purpose. Bills may originate in either…

§ 22 Referral of bills to committees — recall of referred bills — records of committees — provision for interim meetings

Every bill shall be referred to a committee of the house in which it is pending. After it has been referred to a committee, one-third of the elected members of the respective houses shall have power to relieve a committee of further consideration of a bill and place it on the calendar for…

§ 23 Limitation of scope of bills — contents of titles — exceptions

No bill shall contain more than one subject which shall be clearly expressed in its title, except bills enacted under the third exception in section 37 of this article and general appropriation bills, which may embrace the various subjects and accounts for which moneys are appropriated.

§ 24 Printing of bills and amendments

No bill shall be considered for final passage in either house until it, with all amendments thereto, has been printed and copies distributed among the members. If a bill passed by either house be returned thereto, amended by the other, the house to which the same is returned shall cause the…

§ 25 Limitation on introduction of bills

No bill other than an appropriation bill shall be introduced in either house after the sixtieth legislative day unless consented to by a majority of the elected members of each house or the governor shall request a consideration of the proposed legislation by a special message. No appropriation…

§ 26 Legislative journals — demand for yeas and nays — manner and record of vote

Each house shall publish a journal of its proceedings. The yeas and nays on any question shall be taken and entered on the journal on the motion of any five members. Whenever the yeas and nays are demanded, or required by this constitution, the whole list of members shall be called and the names of…

§ 27 Concurrence in amendments — adoption of conference committee reports — final passage of bills

No amendments to bills by one house shall be concurred in by the other, nor shall reports of committees of conference be adopted in either house, nor shall a bill be finally passed, unless a vote by yeas and nays be taken and a majority of the members elected to each house be recorded as voting…

§ 28 Form of reviving, reenacting and amending bills

No act shall be revived or reenacted unless it shall be set forth at length as if it were an original act. No act shall be amended by providing that words be stricken out or inserted, but the words to be stricken out, or the words to be inserted, or the words to be stricken out and those inserted…

§ 29 Effective date of laws — exceptions — procedure in emergencies and upon recess

No law passed by the general assembly, except an appropriation act, shall take effect until ninety days after the adjournment of the session in either odd-numbered or even-numbered years at which it was enacted. However, in case of an emergency which must be expressed in the preamble or in the body…

§ 30 Signing of bills by presiding officers — procedure on objections — presentation of bills to governor

No bill shall become a law until it is signed by the presiding officer of each house in open session, who first shall suspend all other business, declare that the bill shall now be read and that if no objection be made he will sign the same. If in either house any member shall object in writing to…

§ 31 Governor's duty as to bills — time limitations — failure to return, bill becomes law

Every bill which shall have passed the house of representatives and the senate shall be presented to and considered by the governor, and, within fifteen days after presentment, he shall return such bill to the house in which it originated endorsed with his approval or accompanied by his objections.…

§ 32 Vetoed bills reconsidered, when

Every bill presented to the governor and returned with his objections shall stand as reconsidered in the house to which it is returned. If the governor returns any bill with his objections on or after the fifth day before the last day upon which a session of the general assembly may consider bills…

§ 34 Revision of general statutes — limitation on compensation

In the year 1949 and at least every ten years thereafter all general statute laws shall be revised, digested and promulgated as provided by law. No senator or representative shall receive any compensation in addition to his salary as a member of the general assembly for any services rendered in…

§ 35 Committee on legislative research

There shall be a permanent joint committee on legislative research, selected by and from the members of each house as provided by law. The general assembly, by a majority vote of the elected members, may discharge any or all of the members of the committee at any time and select their successors.…

§ 36 Payment of state revenues and receipts to treasury — limitation of withdrawals to appropriations — order of appropriations

All revenue collected and money received by the state shall go into the treasury and the general assembly shall have no power to divert the same or to permit the withdrawal of money from the treasury, except in pursuance of appropriations made by law. All appropriations of money by successive…

§ 37 Limitation on state debts and bond issues

The general assembly shall have no power to contract or authorize the contracting of any liability of the state, or to issue bonds therefor, except (1) to refund outstanding bonds, the refunding bonds to mature not more than twenty-five years from date, (2) on the recommendation of the governor…

§ 37(a) State building bond issue authorized — interest rate — payment from income tax and other funds

In addition to the exceptions made in Section 37, the General Assembly shall have power to contract, or to authorize the contracting of, a debt or liability on behalf of the state, and to issue bonds or other evidence of indebtedness therefor, not exceeding in the aggregate Seventy-five Million…

§ 37(b) Water pollution control fund established — bonds authorized — funds to stand appropriated

The general assembly may authorize the contracting of an indebtedness on behalf of the state of Missouri and the issuance of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of one hundred fifty million dollars for the purpose of providing funds for use in this state…

§ 37(c) Additional water pollution control bonds authorized — procedure

The general assembly may authorize the contracting of an indebtedness on behalf of the state of Missouri and the issuance of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of two hundred million dollars for the purpose of providing funds for use in this state for…

§ 37(d) Third state building bond issue authorized — procedures — use of funds

The general assembly may authorize the contracting of an indebtedness on behalf of the state of Missouri and the issuance of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness in the aggregate sum of six hundred million dollars for the purpose of providing funds for improvements of state buildings and…

§ 37(e) Water pollution control, improvement of drinking water systems and storm water control — amount of indebtedness, bonds authorized, procedure

1. The general assembly may authorize the contracting of an indebtedness on behalf of the state of Missouri and the issuance of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of two hundred seventy-five million dollars for the purpose of providing funds for use in…

§ 37(f) Fourth state building bond and interest fund created — bond issue authorized, procedure — use of funds

1. The general assembly may authorize the contracting of an indebtedness on behalf of the state of Missouri and the issuance of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness not exceeding in the aggregate the sum of two hundred fifty million dollars for the purpose of providing funds for rebuilding…

§ 37(g) Rural water and sewer grants and loans — bonds authorized, procedure — appropriation of funds, limitations

1. In addition to any other indebtedness authorized under this constitution or the laws of this state, the general assembly may authorize the contracting of an indebtedness on behalf of the state of Missouri and the issuance of bonds or other evidences of indebtedness not exceeding in the aggregate…

§ 37(h) Storm water control plans, studies and projects — bonds authorized, procedure — storm water control bond and interest fund created, administration (includes St. Louis City and counties of the first classification)

§ 38(a) Limitation on use of state funds and credit — exceptions — public calamity — blind pensions — old age assistance — aid t

Limitation on use of state funds and credit — exceptions — public calamity — blind pensions — old age assistance — aid to children — direct relief — adjusted compensation for veterans — rehabilitation — participation in federal aid. — The general assembly shall have no power to grant public money…

§ 38(b) Tax levy for blind pension fund

The general assembly shall provide an annual tax of not less than one-half of one cent nor more than three cents on the one hundred dollars valuation of all taxable property to be levied and collected as other taxes, for the purpose of providing a fund to be appropriated and used for the pensioning…

§ 38(c) Neighborhood improvement districts, cities and counties may be authorized to establish, powers and duties — limitation on indebtedness

1. The general assembly may authorize cities and counties to create neighborhood improvement districts and incur indebtedness and issue general obligation bonds to pay for all or part of the cost of public improvements within such districts. The cost of all indebtedness so incurred shall be levied…

§ 38(d) Stem cell research — title of law — permissible research — violations, penalty — report required, when — prohibited acts — definitions

1. This section shall be known as the "Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative." 2. To ensure that Missouri patients have access to stem cell therapies and cures, that Missouri researchers can conduct stem cell research in the state, and that all such research is conducted safely and…

§ 39 Limitation of power of general assembly

The general assembly shall not have power: (1) To give or lend or to authorize the giving or lending of the credit of the state in aid or to any person, association, municipal or other corporation; (2) To pledge the credit of the state for the payment of the liabilities, present or prospective, of…

§ 39(a) Bingo may be authorized — requirements

The game commonly known as bingo when conducted by religious, charitable, fraternal, veteran or service organizations is not a lottery or gift enterprise within the meaning of subdivision (9) of section 39 of this article if the general assembly authorizes by law that religious, charitable…

§ 39(b) State lottery, authority to establish — lottery proceeds fund established, purpose

1. The general assembly shall have authority to authorize a Missouri state lottery by law. If such legislation is adopted, there shall be created a "State Lottery Commission" consisting of five members who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate and who may be…

§ 39(c) Pari-mutuel wagering may be authorized by general assembly — horse racing commission established, election procedure to adopt or reject horse racing

1. The general assembly may authorize on track pari-mutuel betting on horse racing in a manner provided by law. There is hereby created the Missouri Horse Racing Commission which shall consist of five members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. Members of the…

§ 39(d) Gaming revenues to be appropriated to public institutions of elementary, secondary and higher education

All state revenues derived from the conduct of all gaming activities as are now or hereafter authorized by this constitution or by law, unless otherwise provided by law on the effective date of this section, shall be appropriated beginning July 1, 1993, solely for the public institutions of…

§ 39(e) Riverboat gambling authorized on Missouri and Mississippi Rivers — boats in moats authorized

The general assembly is authorized to permit upon the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers only, which shall include artificial spaces that contain water and that are within 1000 feet of the closest edge of the main channel of either of those rivers, lotteries, gift enterprises and games of chance to be…

§ 39(f) Raffles and sweepstakes, charitable or religious organizations may sponsor, standards and conditions

Any organization recognized as charitable or religious pursuant to federal law may sponsor raffles and sweepstakes in which a person risks something of value for a prize. The general assembly may, by law, provide standards and conditions to regulate or guarantee the awarding of prizes provided for…

§ 39(g) Sports wagering — licensure, requirements — rulemaking authority — wagering tax, amount — online sports wagering — fund created, use of monies — definitions — severability clause

1. The people of the state of Missouri hereby find and declare that the interests of the public are best served by a well-regulated sports wagering industry that will provide substantial tax revenue to support educational institutions in Missouri. 2. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to…

§ 40 Limitations on passage of local and special laws

The general assembly shall not pass any local or special law: (1) authorizing the creation, extension or impairment of liens; (2) granting divorces; (3) changing the venue in civil or criminal cases; (4) regulating the practice or jurisdiction of, or changing the rules of evidence in any judicial…

§ 41 Indirect enactment of local and special laws — repeal of local and special laws

The general assembly shall not indirectly enact a special or local law by the partial repeal of a general law; but laws repealing local or special acts may be passed.

§ 42 Notice of proposed local or special laws

No local or special law shall be passed unless a notice, setting forth the intention to apply therefor and the substance of the contemplated law, shall have been published in the locality where the matter or thing to be affected is situated at least thirty days prior to the introduction of the bill…

§ 43 Title and control of lands of United States — exemption from taxation — taxation of lands of nonresidents

The general assembly shall never interfere with the primary disposal of the soil by the United States, nor with any regulation which Congress may find necessary for securing the title in such soil to bona fide purchasers. No tax shall be imposed on lands the property of the United States; nor shall…

§ 44 Uniform interest rates

No law shall be valid fixing rates of interest or return for the loan or use of money, or the service or other charges made or imposed in connection therewith, for any particular group or class engaged in lending money. The rates of interest fixed by law shall be applicable generally and to all…

§ 45 Congressional apportionment

When the number of representatives to which the state is entitled in the House of the Congress of the United States under the census of 1950 and each census thereafter is certified to the governor, the general assembly shall by law divide the state into districts corresponding with the number of…

§ 45(a) Term limitations for members of U.S. Congress — effective when — voluntary observance required, when

(1) No United States Senator from Missouri shall serve more than two terms in the United States Senate, and no United States Representative from Missouri shall serve more than four terms in the United States House of Representatives. This limitation on the number of terms shall apply to terms of…

§ 46 Militia

The general assembly shall provide for the organization, equipment, regulations and functions of an adequate militia, and shall conform the same as nearly as practicable to the regulations for the government of the armed forces of the United States.

§ 46(a) Emergency duties and powers of assembly on enemy attack

The General Assembly, in order to insure continuity of state and local governmental operations in periods of emergency only resulting from disasters occurring in this state caused by enemy attack on the United States, shall have the power to such extent as the General Assembly deems advisable. In…

§ 47 State parks — appropriations for, required

For twelve years beginning with the year 1961, the general assembly shall appropriate for each year out of the general revenue fund, an amount not less than that produced annually at a tax rate of one cent on each one hundred dollars assessed valuation of the real and tangible personal property…

§ 48 Historical memorials and monuments — acquisition of property

The general assembly may enact laws and make appropriations to preserve and perpetuate memorials of the history of the state by parks, buildings, monuments, statues, paintings, documents of historical value or by other means, and to preserve places of historic or archaeological interest or scenic…

§ 49 Reservation of power to enact and reject laws

The people reserve power to propose and enact or reject laws and amendments to the constitution by the initiative, independent of the general assembly, and also reserve power to approve or reject by referendum any act of the general assembly, except as hereinafter provided.

§ 50 Initiative petitions — signatures required — form and procedure

Initiative petitions proposing amendments to the constitution shall be signed by eight percent of the legal voters in each of two-thirds of the congressional districts in the state, and petitions proposing laws shall be signed by five percent of such voters. Every such petition shall be filed with…

§ 51 Appropriations by initiative — effective date of initiated laws — conflicting laws concurrently adopted

The initiative shall not be used for the appropriation of money other than of new revenues created and provided for thereby, or for any other purpose prohibited by this constitution. Except as provided in this constitution, any measure proposed shall take effect when approved by a majority of the…

§ 52(a) Referendum — exceptions — procedure

A referendum may be ordered (except as to laws necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health or safety, and laws making appropriations for the current expenses of the state government, for the maintenance of state institutions and for the support of public schools) either by…

§ 52(b) Veto power — elections — effective date

The veto power of the governor shall not extend to measures referred to the people. All elections on measures referred to the people shall be had at the general state elections, except when the general assembly shall order a special election. Any measure referred to the people shall take effect…

§ 53 Basis for computation of signatures required

The total vote for governor at the general election last preceding the filing of any initiative or referendum petition shall be used to determine the number of legal voters necessary to sign the petition. In submitting the same to the people the secretary of state and all other officers shall be…

Article IV Executive Department

§ 1 Executive power — the governor

The supreme executive power shall be vested in a governor.

§ 2 Duties of governor

The governor shall take care that the laws are distributed and faithfully executed, and shall be a conservator of the peace throughout the state.

§ 3 Qualifications of governor

The governor shall be at least thirty years old and shall have been a citizen of the United States for at least fifteen years and a resident of this state at least ten years next before election.

§ 4 Power of appointment to fill vacancies — tenure of appointees

The governor shall fill all vacancies in public offices unless otherwise provided by law, and his appointees shall serve until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

§ 5 Commissions of state officers

The governor shall commission all officers unless otherwise provided by law. All commissions shall be issued in the name of the state, signed by the governor, sealed with the great seal of the state and attested by the secretary of state.

§ 6 Commander in chief of militia — authority

The governor shall be the commander in chief of the militia, except when it is called into the service of the United States, and may call out the militia to execute the laws, suppress actual and prevent threatened insurrection, and repel invasion.

§ 7 Reprieves, commutations and pardons — limitations on power

The governor shall have power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons, after conviction, for all offenses except treason and cases of impeachment, upon such conditions and with such restrictions and limitations as he may deem proper, subject to provisions of law as to the manner of applying…

§ 8 Concurrent resolutions — duty of governor — exceptions — limitation of effect

Every resolution to which the concurrence of the senate and house of representatives may be necessary, except on questions of adjournment, going into joint session, and of amending this constitution, shall be presented to the governor, and before the same shall take effect, shall be proceeded upon…

§ 9 Governor's messages and recommendations to assembly — call of extra sessions

The governor shall, at the commencement of each session of the general assembly, at the close of his term of office, and at such other times as he may deem necessary, give to the general assembly information as to the state of the government, and shall recommend to its consideration such measures…

§ 10 Lieutenant governor — qualifications, powers and duties

There shall be a lieutenant governor who shall have the same qualifications as the governor and shall be ex officio president of the senate. In committee of the whole he may debate all questions, and shall cast the deciding vote on equal division in the senate and on joint vote of both houses.

§ 11(a) Order of succession to governorship, when

If the governor-elect dies before taking office, the lieutenant governor-elect shall take the term of the governor-elect. On the death, conviction or impeachment, or resignation of the governor, the lieutenant governor shall become governor for the remainder of the term. If there be no lieutenant…

§ 11(b) Governor's declaration of disability, effect of — disability board, membership, duties — governor to resume office, when — disputed illness, supreme court to decide

Whenever the governor transmits to the president pro tempore of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers…

§ 11(c) Acting as governor not to vacate regular office

If any state officer other than the lieutenant governor is acting as governor, his regular elective office shall not be deemed vacant and all duties of that office shall be performed by his chief administrative assistant.

§ 12 Executive department, composition of — elective officials — departments and offices enumerated

The executive department shall consist of all state elective and appointive officials and employees except officials and employees of the legislative and judicial departments. In addition to the governor and lieutenant governor there shall be a state auditor, secretary of state, attorney general, a…

§ 13 State auditor — qualifications and duties — limitations on duties

The state auditor shall have the same qualifications as the governor. He shall establish appropriate systems of accounting for all public officials of the state, post-audit the accounts of all state agencies and audit the treasury at least once annually. He shall make all other audits and…

§ 14 Secretary of state — duties — state seal — official register — limitation on duties

The secretary of state shall be custodian of the seal of the state, and authenticate therewith all official acts of the governor except the approval of laws. The seal shall be called the "Great Seal of the State of Missouri," and its present emblems and devices shall not be subject to change. He…

§ 15 State treasurer — duties — custody, investment and deposit of state funds — duties limited — nonstate funds to be in custody and invested by department of revenue — nonstate funds defined

The state treasurer shall be custodian of all state funds and funds received from the United States government. The department of revenue shall take custody of and invest nonstate funds as defined herein, and other moneys authorized to be held by the department of revenue. All revenue collected and…

§ 16 Filing of administrative rules and regulations

All rules and regulations of any board or other administrative agency of the executive department, except those relating to its organization and internal management, shall take effect not less than ten days after the filing thereof in the office of the secretary of state.

§ 17 Elective state officers — time of election and terms — limitation on reelection — selection of department heads — removal and qualifications of appointive officers

The governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer and attorney general shall be elected at the presidential elections for terms of four years each. The state auditor shall be elected for a term of two years at the general election in the year 1948, and his successors shall be…

§ 18 Election returns — board of state canvassers — time of meeting and duties — requirement for election — tie votes

The returns of every election for governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state auditor, state treasurer and attorney general shall be sealed and transmitted by the returning officers to the secretary of state, who shall appoint two disinterested judges of a court of record of the state…

§ 19 Department personnel — selection and removal — merit system — veterans' preference

The head of each department may select and remove all appointees in the department except as otherwise provided in this constitution, or by law. All employees in the state eleemosynary and penal institutions, and other state employees as provided by law, shall be selected on the basis of merit…

§ 20 Location of executive and administrative offices

The executive and administrative officials and departments herein provided for shall establish their principal offices and keep all necessary public records, books and papers at the City of Jefferson.

§ 21 Limitation on changes of salaries — fees, costs

The officers named in this article shall receive for their services salaries fixed by law, which shall not be increased or diminished during their terms. After the expiration of the terms of those now in office the officers named shall not receive to their own use any fees, costs, perquisites of…

§ 22 Department of revenue, duties of — director, appointment of

The department of revenue shall be in charge of a director of revenue appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The department shall have divisions as provided by law. The department shall collect all taxes and fees payable to the state as provided by law.

§ 23 Fiscal year — limitations on appropriations — specification of amount and purpose

The fiscal year of the state and all its agencies shall be the twelve months beginning on the first day of July in each year. The general assembly shall make appropriations for one or two fiscal years, and the sixty-third general assembly shall also make appropriations for the six months ending…

§ 24 Governor's budget and recommendations as to revenue — proposed legislation not enacted not to be included in projection of new revenues

The governor shall, within thirty days after it convenes in each regular session, submit to the general assembly a budget for the ensuing appropriation period, containing the estimated available revenues of the state and a complete and itemized plan of proposed expenditures of the state and all its…

§ 25 Limitation of governor's budget on power of appropriations

Until it acts on all the appropriations recommended in the budget, neither house of the general assembly shall pass any appropriation other than emergency appropriations recommended by the governor.

§ 26 Power of partial veto of appropriation bills — procedure — limitations

The governor may object to one or more items or portions of items of appropriation of money in any bill presented to him, while approving other portions of the bill. On signing it he shall append to the bill a statement of the items or portions of items to which he objects and such items or…

§ 27 Power of governor to control rate of and reduce expenditures — notification to general assembly, when

1. The governor may control the rate at which any appropriation is expended during the period of the appropriation by allotment and may reduce the expenditures of the state or any of its agencies below their appropriations whenever the actual revenues are less than the revenue estimates upon which…

§ 27(a) Budget Reserve Fund established — investment — excess transfer to general revenue, when

1. There is hereby established within the state treasury a fund to be known as the "Budget Reserve Fund". The balances in the cash operating reserve fund and the budget stabilization fund shall be transferred to the budget reserve fund. 2. The commissioner of administration may, throughout any…

§ 27(b) Facilities maintenance and review fund created, purpose — state facilities, defined — transfer of moneys into fund, reduction or elimination of transfer by governor

1. The "Facilities Maintenance Reserve Fund" is hereby created in the state treasury for use in maintaining, repairing and renovating state facilities. "State facilities" shall include all improvements to real property owned by the state except real property owned or possessed by the conservation…

§ 28 Treasury withdrawals, how made, certified how — appropriation, period of

No money shall be withdrawn from the state treasury except by warrant drawn in accordance with an appropriation made by law, nor shall any obligation for that payment of money be incurred unless the commissioner of administration certifies it for payment and certifies that the expenditure is within…

§ 29 Highways and transportation commission — qualifications of members and employees — authority over state highways and other transportation programs

The highways and transportation commission shall be in charge of the department of transportation. The number, qualifications, compensation and terms of the members of the highways and transportation commission shall be fixed by law, and not more than one-half of its members shall be of the same…

§ 30(a) Apportionment of motor vehicle fuel tax — director of revenue responsible for apportionment — limitation on local fuel taxes — fuel taxes not part of total state revenues or expenses of state government

1. A tax upon or measured by fuel used for propelling highway motor vehicles shall be levied and collected as provided by law. Any amount of the tax collected with respect to fuel not used for propelling highway motor vehicles shall be refunded by the state in the manner provided by law. The…

§ 30(b) Source and application of state road fund — sales tax imposed on sale of motor vehicles, apportionment, how, use of reve

Source and application of state road fund — sales tax imposed on sale of motor vehicles, apportionment, how, use of revenue — distribution of increases — sales taxes not part of total state revenues or expenses of state government. — 1. For the purpose of constructing and maintaining an adequate…

§ 30(c) Transportation programs and facilities, administration of by commission, use of moneys

The highways and transportation commission shall have authority to plan, locate, relocate, establish, acquire, construct, maintain, control, and as provided by law to operate, develop and fund public transportation facilities as part of any state transportation system or program such as but not…

§ 30(d) Prohibition against diverting revenue for nonhighway purposes — severability of provisions — effective date

1. No state revenues derived from highway users which are to be allocated, distributed or deposited in the state road fund pursuant to either section 30(a) or section 30(b) shall be diverted from the highway purposes and uses specified in subsection 1 of section 30(b). No state revenues derived…

§ 31 State highways in municipalities

Any state highway authorized herein to be located in any municipality may be constructed without limitations concerning the distance between houses or other buildings abutting such highway or concerning the width or type of construction. The commission may enter into contracts with cities, counties…

§ 32 Apportionment of funds for supplementary state highways

The funds which are allotted by the commission to the construction or acquisition of supplementary state highways and bridges in each of the counties of the state shall be apportioned to the several counties as follows: One-fourth in the ratio that the area of each county bears to the area of the…

§ 33 Retirement benefits not changed

Any transfer of employees made pursuant to the provisions of this article shall not affect or abridge any rights or benefits accrued under any retirement system in which such employees are members on the effective date of this article, and the employees may continue coverage under such retirement…

§ 34 Recognition of outstanding bonds — determination, certification and collection of annual state highway bond tax

All bonds issued under or recognized by section 44a of article IV of the previous constitution, which remain unpaid shall be valid obligations of the state and shall be paid according to the tenor thereof. On or before the first day of July of each year the state auditor shall determine the rate of…

§ 35 Agriculture, department of — director, how appointed — funds to be provided, how

The department of agriculture shall be in charge of a director appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The general assembly shall provide the department of agriculture with funds adequate for administration of its functions; and shall enact such laws and provide…

§ 36 Forestry and forest fires

The general assembly may enact laws to encourage forestry, and prevent and suppress forest fires on private lands.

§ 36(a) Economic development, department of — duties of department — director, how appointed

The department of economic development shall be in charge of a director appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The department shall administer all programs provided by law relating to the promotion of the economy of the state, the economic development of the…

§ 36(b) Department of insurance, established — director, appointment — office of consumer affairs to be established within department, duties

The department of insurance shall be headed by a director of the department of insurance who shall be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. The organization and duties of the department of insurance shall be determined by law. All references to the division of…

§ 36(c) MO HealthNet expansion — eligibility — state plan amendments — maximization of federal participation — limitation on burdens or restrictions

1. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, beginning July 1, 2021, individuals nineteen years of age or older and under sixty-five years of age who qualify for MO HealthNet services under 42 U.S.C. Section 1396a(a)(10)(A)(i)(VIII) and as set forth in 42 C.F.R. 435.119, and who have…

§ 37 Social services, department of — duties of department — director, how appointed

The health and general welfare of the people are matters of primary public concern; and to secure them there shall be established a department of social services in charge of a director appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, charged with promoting improved…

§ 37(a) Mental health, department of — duties of department — director, how appointed

The department of mental health shall be in charge of a director who shall be appointed by the commission, as provided by law, and by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The department shall provide treatment, care, education and training for persons suffering from mental illness or…

§ 39 Cooperation with federal and other state governments

In all matters of public welfare the general assembly may provide by law for cooperation with the United States, or other states.

§ 40(a) Conservation commission, members, qualifications, terms, how appointed — duties of commission — expenses of members

The control, management, restoration, conservation and regulation of the bird, fish, game, forestry and all wildlife resources of the state, including hatcheries, sanctuaries, refuges, reservations and all other property owned, acquired or used for such purposes and the acquisition and…

§ 40(b) Incumbent members

The members of the present conservation commission shall serve out the terms for which they were appointed, with all their powers and duties.

§ 41 Acquisition of property — eminent domain

The commission may acquire by purchase, gift, eminent domain, or otherwise, all property necessary, useful or convenient for its purposes, and shall exercise the right of eminent domain as provided by law for the highway commission.

§ 42 Director of conservation and personnel of commission

The commission shall appoint a director of conservation who, with its approval, shall appoint the assistants and other employees deemed necessary by the commission. The commission shall fix the qualifications and salaries of the director and all appointees and employees, and none of its members…

§ 43(a) Sales tax, use for conservation purposes

For the purpose of providing additional moneys to be expended and used by the conservation commission, department of conservation, for the control, management, restoration, conservation and regulation of the bird, fish, game, forestry and wildlife resources of the state, including the purchase or…

§ 43(b) Use of revenue and funds of conservation commission

The moneys arising from the additional sales and use taxes provided for in section 43(a) hereof and all fees, moneys or funds arising from the operation and transactions of the conservation commission, department of conservation, and from the application and the administration of the laws and…

§ 43(c) Effective date — self-enforceability

The effective date of this amendment * shall be July 1, 1977. All laws inconsistent with this amendment shall no longer remain in full force and effect after July 1, 1977. All of the provisions of sections 43(a)-(c) shall be self-enforcing except that the general assembly shall adjust brackets for…

§ 44 Self-enforceability — enabling clause — repealing clause

Sections 40-43, inclusive, of this article shall be self-enforcing, and laws not inconsistent therewith may be enacted in aid thereof. All existing laws inconsistent with this article shall no longer remain in force or effect.

§ 45 Rules and regulations — filing — review

The rules and regulations of the commission not relating to its organization and internal management shall become effective not less than ten days after being filed with the secretary of state as provided in section 16 of this article, and such final rules and regulations affecting private rights…

§ 46 Distribution of rules and regulations

The commission shall supply to all persons on request, printed copies of its rules and regulations not relating to organization or internal management.

§ 47 Natural resources, department of — duties of department — director, how appointed

The department of natural resources shall be in charge of a director appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The department shall administer the programs of the state as provided by law relating to environmental control and the conservation and management of…

§ 47(a) Sales and use tax levied for soil and water conservation and for state parks — distribution of parks sales tax fund to counties, purpose, limitation

For the purpose of providing additional monies to be expended and used by the department of natural resources through the state soil and water districts commission as defined in Section 278.070, RSMo, for the saving of the soil and water of this state for the conservation of the productive power of…

§ 47(b) Disbursement of revenue, purposes

Fifty percent of the monies arising from the additional sales and use taxes provided for in Section 47(a) hereof shall be deposited in the Soil and Water Sales Tax Fund and fifty percent shall be deposited in the State Park Sales Tax Fund, and the monies in both funds shall be expended pursuant to…

§ 47(c) Provisions self-enforcing, exception — not part of general revenue or expense of state — effective and expiration dates

All laws inconsistent with this amendment shall no longer remain in full force and effect after the effective date of this section. All of the provisions of Sections 47(a), 47(b) and 47(c) shall be self-enforcing except that the General Assembly shall adjust brackets for the collection of the sales…

§ 48 Public safety, department of — duties of department — director, how appointed

The department of public safety shall be in charge of a director to be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate, and shall administer the programs provided by law to protect and safeguard the lives and property of the people of the state.

§ 49 Labor and industrial relations, department of — duties — commission members, how appointed, terms, qualifications

The department of labor and industrial relations shall be in charge of a "Labor and Industrial Relations Commission" consisting of three members appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. One member of the commission shall be a person who, on account of his previous…

§ 50 Administration, office of — commissioner, how appointed

The office of administration shall be in charge of a commissioner of administration. The commissioner shall be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate.

§ 51 Appointments, how made — failure to confirm, effect of

The appointment of all members of administrative boards and commissions and of all department and division heads, as provided by law, shall be made by the governor. All members of administrative boards and commissions, all department and division heads and all other officials appointed by the…

§ 52 Higher education, department of established — coordinating board for higher education established, members, terms, qualifications

There shall be established a department of higher education. A "Coordinating Board for Higher Education" which shall consist of nine members appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate shall be established within the department. The qualifications and terms of the…

§ 53 Discrimination as to race, creed, color or national origin prohibited

The appointment of all members of administrative boards and commissions and of all departments and division heads and all the employees thereof shall be made without regard to race, creed, color or national origin.

§ 54 Establishes a Missouri Department of the National Guard

There shall be established a Missouri Department of the National Guard in charge of the adjutant general appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, who shall provide for the state militia, uphold the Constitution of the United States…

Article V Judicial Department

§ 1 Judicial power — constitutional courts

The judicial power of the state shall be vested in a supreme court, a court of appeals consisting of districts as prescribed by law, and circuit courts.

§ 2 Supreme court — controlling decisions — number of judges — sessions

The supreme court shall be the highest court in the state. Its jurisdiction shall be coextensive with the state. Its decisions shall be controlling in all other courts. It shall be composed of seven judges, who shall hold their sessions in Jefferson City at times fixed by the court.

§ 3 Jurisdiction of the supreme court

The supreme court shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction in all cases involving the validity of a treaty or statute of the United States, or of a statute or provision of the constitution of this state, the construction of the revenue laws of this state, the title to any state office and in all…

§ 4 Superior courts to control inferior courts — courts administrator, salary — reapportionment commission, appointment

1. The supreme court shall have general superintending control over all courts and tribunals. Each district of the court of appeals shall have general superintending control over all courts and tribunals in its jurisdiction. The supreme court and districts of the court of appeals may issue and…

§ 5 Rules of practice and procedure — duty of supreme court — power of legislature

The supreme court may establish rules relating to practice, procedure and pleading for all courts and administrative tribunals, which shall have the force and effect of law. The rules shall not change substantive rights, or the law relating to evidence, the oral examination of witnesses, juries…

§ 6 Assignment of judges — authority of supreme court — eligible judges

The supreme court may make temporary transfers of judicial personnel from one court or district to another as the administration of justice requires, and may establish rules with respect thereto. Any judge shall be eligible to sit temporarily on any court upon assignment by the supreme court or…

§ 7 Supreme court and court of appeals may sit in divisions

The supreme court may sit en banc or in divisions as the court may determine. Any district of the court of appeals may sit at such places within the district and in divisions as the judges of such district may determine. Each division of the supreme court or of the court of appeals shall be…

§ 8 Chief justice and chief judges, election, terms — authority of chief justice

The judges of the supreme court shall elect from their number a chief justice to preside over the court en banc, and the judges of the court of appeals in each district shall elect from their number a chief judge of the district. The terms of the chief justice and chief judges shall be fixed by the…

§ 9 Transfer of causes to supreme court en banc

A cause in the supreme court shall be transferred to the court en banc when the members of a division are equally divided in opinion, or when the division shall so order, or on application of the losing party when a member of the division dissents from the opinion therein, or pursuant to supreme…

§ 10 Transfer of cases from court of appeals to supreme court — scope of review

Cases pending in the court of appeals shall be transferred to the supreme court when any participating judge dissents from the majority opinion and certifies that he deems said opinion to be contrary to any previous decision of the supreme court or of the court of appeals, or any district of the…

§ 11 Want of jurisdiction, effect — transfers

In all proceedings reviewable on appeal by the supreme court or the court of appeals, appeals shall go directly to the court or district having jurisdiction, but want of jurisdiction shall not be ground for dismissal, and the proceeding shall be transferred to the appellate court having…

§ 12 Judicial opinions — filing and publication — memorandum decisions and orders

The opinions of the supreme court and court of appeals and all divisions or districts of said courts shall be in writing and filed in the respective causes, and shall become a part of the records of the court, be available for publication, and shall be public records. The supreme court and the…

§ 13 Court of appeals, districts, judges

The court of appeals shall be organized into separate districts, the number, not less than three, geographical boundaries, and territorial jurisdiction of which shall be prescribed by law. Each district of the court of appeals shall be composed of such number of judges, not less than three, as may…

§ 14 Circuit courts — jurisdiction — sessions

(a) The circuit courts shall have original jurisdiction over all cases and matters, civil and criminal. Such courts may issue and determine original remedial writs and shall sit at times and places within the circuit as determined by the circuit court. (b) Procedures for the adjudication of small…

§ 15 Judicial circuits — establishment and changes — general terms and divisions — judges — presiding judge — court personnel

1. The state shall be divided into convenient circuits of contiguous counties. In each circuit there shall be at least one circuit judge. The circuits may be changed or abolished by law as public convenience and the administration of justice may require, but no judge shall be removed from office…

§ 16 Associate circuit judges, selection

Each county shall have such number of associate circuit judges as provided by law. There shall be at least one resident associate circuit judge in each county. Associate circuit judges shall be selected or elected in each county. In those circuits where the circuit judge is selected under section…

§ 17 Associate circuit judges, jurisdiction

Associate circuit judges may hear and determine all cases, civil or criminal and all other matters as now provided by law for magistrate or probate judges and may be assigned such additional cases or classes of cases as may be provided by law. In probate matters the associate circuit judge shall…

§ 18 Judicial review of action of administrative agencies — scope of review

All final decisions, findings, rules and orders on any administrative officer or body existing under the constitution or by law, which are judicial or quasi-judicial and affect private rights, shall be subject to direct review by the courts as provided by law; and such review shall include the…

§ 19 Terms of judges

Judges of the supreme court and of the court of appeals shall be selected for terms of twelve years, judges of the circuit courts for terms of six years, and associate circuit judges for terms of four years.

§ 20 Salaries and compensation of judges — provision against other special compensation and practice of law — travel and other expenses

All judges shall receive as salary the total amount of their present compensation until otherwise provided by law, but no judge's salary shall be diminished during his term of office. No judge shall receive any other or additional compensation for any public service. No supreme, appellate, circuit…

§ 21 Judges — qualifications — age requirements — license to practice law

Judges of the supreme court and of the court of appeals shall have been citizens of the United States for at least fifteen years, and qualified voters of the state for nine years next preceding their selection. Such judges shall be at least thirty years of age. Except as provided by section 6…

§ 22 Court of appeals clerks and personnel — salaries

Each district of the court of appeals shall appoint a clerk of the court and other personnel to aid in the administration of the business of the court. Their salaries shall be within the limit of the legislative appropriation for that purpose.

§ 23 Municipal judges and court personnel — selection — terms — compensation — jurisdiction — appeals — role of associate circuit judges

Each circuit may have such municipal judges as provided by law and the necessary non-judicial personnel assisting them. The selection, tenure and compensation of such judges and such personnel shall be as provided by law, or in cities having a charter form of government as provided by such charter.…

§ 24 Retirement, removal and discipline of judges, commission on — composition, terms, duties, procedures, reimbursement of expenses — additional duties prohibited

1. There shall be a commission on retirement, removal, and discipline, composed of two citizens who are not members of the bar, appointed by the governor, two lawyers appointed by the board of governors of The Missouri Bar, one judge of the court of appeals to be selected by a majority of the…

§ 25(a) Nonpartisan selection of judges — courts subject to plan — appointments to fill vacancies

Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the office of judge of any of the following courts of this state, to wit: The supreme court, the court of appeals, or in the office of circuit or associate circuit judge within the city of St. Louis and Jackson county, the governor shall fill such vacancy by…

§ 25(b) Adoption of plan in other circuits — petitions and elections — form of petition ballots

At any general election the qualified voters of any judicial circuit outside of the city of St. Louis and Jackson county, may by a majority of those voting on the question elect to have the circuit and associate circuit judges appointed by the governor in the manner provided for the appointment of…

§ 25(d) Nonpartisan judicial commissions — number, qualifications, selection and terms of members — majority rule — reimbursement of expenses — rules of supreme court

Nonpartisan judicial commissions whose duty it shall be to nominate and submit to the governor names of persons for appointment as provided by sections 25(a)-(g) are hereby established and shall be organized on the following basis: For vacancies in the office of judge of the supreme court or of the…

§ 25(e) Payment of expenses

All expenses incurred in administering sections 25(a)-(g), when approved by the supreme court, shall be paid out of the state treasury. The supreme court shall certify such expense to the commissioner of administration, who shall draw his warrant therefor payable out of funds not otherwise…

§ 25(f) Prohibition of political activity by judges

No judge of any court in this state, appointed to or retained in office in the manner prescribed in sections 25(a)-(g), shall directly or indirectly make any contribution to or hold any office in a political party or organization, or take part in any political campaign.

§ 25(g) Self-enforceability

All of the provisions of sections 25(a)-(g) shall be self-enforcing except those as to which action by the general assembly may be required.

§ 26 Retirement — assignment as senior judge or commissioner

1. All judges other than municipal judges shall retire at the age of seventy years, except as provided in the schedule to this article, under a retirement plan provided by law. 2. All judges may retire at an earlier age authorized by law and may participate in a retirement plan provided by law. 3.…

§ 27 Effective date and transition provisions

Except as otherwise provided in this article, the effective date of this article shall be January 2, 1979. 1. All judges elected in 1978 shall be sworn into office on January 1, 1979. 2. All magistrate courts, probate courts, courts of common pleas, the St. Louis court of criminal correction, and…

Article VI Local Government

§ 1 Recognition of existing counties

The existing counties are hereby recognized as legal subdivisions of the state.

§ 2 Continuation of existing organization of counties

The existing organization of counties shall continue until further provisions applicable thereto shall be provided, as authorized in this constitution.

§ 3 Consolidation of counties — allocation of liabilities

Two or more counties may be consolidated by vote of a majority of the qualified electors voting thereon in each county affected, but no such vote shall be taken more than once in five years. The former areas shall be held responsible for their respective outstanding liabilities as provided by law.

§ 4 Division or diminution of counties

No county shall be divided or have any portion stricken therefrom except by vote of a majority of the qualified electors voting thereon in each county affected.

§ 5 Dissolution of counties — annexation

A county may be dissolved by vote of two-thirds of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon, and when so dissolved all or portions thereof may be annexed to the adjoining county or counties as provided by law.

§ 6 Removal of county seats

No county seat shall be removed except by vote of two-thirds of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon at a general election, but no such vote shall be taken more than once in five years.

§ 7 County courts — number of members — powers and duties

In each county not framing and adopting its own charter or adopting an alternative form of county government, there shall be elected a county court of three members which shall manage all county business as prescribed by law, and keep an accurate record of its proceedings. The voters of any county…

§ 8 Classification of counties — revisions to article VI passed by the 88th general assembly to be retroactive

Provision shall be made by general laws for the organization and classification of counties except as provided in section 18(a) or section 18(m) of this article or otherwise in this constitution. The number of classes shall not exceed four, and the organization and powers of each class shall be…

§ 9 Alternative forms of county government

Alternative forms of county government for the counties of any particular class and the method of adoption thereof may be provided by law.

§ 10 Terms of city and county offices

The terms of city or county offices shall not exceed four years.

§ 11 Compensation of county officers — increases in compensation not to require additional services — statement of fees and salaries

1. Except in counties which frame, adopt and amend a charter for their own government, the compensation of all county officers shall either be prescribed by law or be established by each county pursuant to law adopted by the general assembly. A law which would authorize an increase in the…

§ 12 Officers compensated only by salaries in certain counties

All public officers in the city of St. Louis and all state and county officers in counties having 100,000 or more inhabitants, excepting public administrators and notaries public, shall be compensated for their services by salaries only.

§ 13 Compensation of officers in criminal matters — fees

All state and county officers, except constables and justices of the peace, charged with the investigation, arrest, prosecution, custody, care, feeding, commitment, or transportation of persons accused of or convicted of a criminal offense shall be compensated for their official services only by…

§ 14 Joint participation by counties in common enterprises

By vote of a majority of the qualified electors voting thereon in each county affected, any contiguous counties, not exceeding ten, may join in performing any common function or service, including the purchase, construction and maintenance of hospitals, almshouses, road machinery and any other…

§ 15 Classification of cities and towns — uniform laws — change from special to general law

The general assembly shall provide by general laws for the organization and classification of cities and towns. The number of such classes shall not exceed four; and the powers of each class shall be defined by general laws so that all such municipal corporations of the same class shall possess the…

§ 16 Cooperation by local governments with other governmental units

Any municipality or political subdivision of this state may contract and cooperate with other municipalities or political subdivisions thereof, or with other states or their municipalities or political subdivisions, or with the United States, for the planning, development, construction, acquisition…

§ 17 Consolidation and separation as between municipalities and other political subdivisions

The government of any city, town or village not in a county framing, adopting and amending a charter for its own government, may be consolidated or separated, in whole or in part, with or from that of the county or other political subdivision in which such city, town or village is situated, as…

§ 18(a) County government by special charter — limitations — counties adopting charter or constitutional form shall be a separate class of counties from classification system

Any county having more than 85,000 inhabitants, according to the census of the United States, may frame and adopt and amend a charter for its own government as provided in this article, and upon such adoption shall be a body corporate and politic. In addition and as an alternative to the foregoing…

§ 18(b) Provisions required in county charters — exception

The charter shall provide for its amendment, for the form of the county government, the number, kinds, manner of selection, terms of office and salaries of the county officers, and for the exercise of all powers and duties of counties and county officers prescribed by the constitution and laws of…

§ 18(c) Provisions authorized in county charters — participation by county in government of other local units

The charter may provide for the vesting and exercise of legislative power pertaining to any and all services and functions of any municipality or political subdivision, except school districts, in the part of the county outside incorporated cities; and it may provide, or authorize its governing…

§ 18(d) Taxation under county charters

The county shall only impose such taxes as it is authorized to impose by the constitution or by law.

§ 18(e) Laws affecting charter counties — limitations

Laws shall be enacted providing for free and open elections in such counties, and laws may be enacted providing the number and salaries of the judicial officers therein as provided by this constitution and by law, but no law shall provide for any other office or employee of the county or fix the…

§ 18(f) Petitions for charter commissions — signatures required — procedure

Whenever a petition for a commission, signed by qualified electors of the county numbering ten percent of the total vote for governor in the county at the last preceding general election, is filed with the county commission or other governing body, the officer or body canvassing election returns…

§ 18(g) Charter commission — appointment, number and qualification of members

Within sixty days thereafter said judges shall appoint a commission to frame the charter, consisting of fourteen qualified electors who shall serve without pay and be equally divided between the two political parties casting the greater number of votes for governor at the last preceding general…

§ 18(h) Adoption of charter — special election — manner of submission

The charter framed by the commission shall take effect on the day fixed therein and shall supersede any existing charter or government, if approved by vote of a majority of the qualified electors of the county voting thereon at a special election held on a day fixed by the commission and not less…

§ 18(i) Notice of special charter election

The body canvassing election returns shall publish notice of the election at least once a week for at least three weeks in at least two newspapers of general circulation in the county, the last publication to be not more than three nor less than two weeks next preceding the election.

§ 18(j) Certificates of adoption of charter — recordation and deposit — judicial notice

Duplicate certificates shall be made, setting forth the charter adopted and its ratification, signed by the officer or members of the body canvassing election returns; one of such certified copies shall be deposited in the office of the secretary of state and the other, after being recorded in the…

§ 18(k) Amendments of county charters

All amendments to such charter approved by the voters shall become a part of the charter at the time and under the conditions fixed in the amendment.

§ 18(l) Limitation on resubmission after defeat of charter

No charter shall be submitted to the electors within the two years next following the election at which a charter was defeated.

§ 18(m) County of the first classification may provide a county constitution — content, procedure, limitations

Any county of the first classification may adopt an alternative form of government to that provided in sections 18(a)-(g) of this article and frame a county constitution as provided in sections 18(m)-(r) of this article. The constitution may provide for the vesting of any and all powers the general…

§ 18(n) Circuit judges may appoint constitution commission, members, qualifications

If the question is approved, the circuit judges of the circuit where such county is located shall, within sixty days after certification of the election results by the election authority, appoint a commission to frame the county constitution, consisting of fourteen residents of the county who shall…

§ 18(o) County constitution, effective when — submission to electorate for separate vote on any part or alternative sections

The county constitution framed by the commission shall take effect on the day fixed therein and shall supersede any existing charter, county constitution or government, if approved by the majority of the qualified voters of the county voting thereon. The county constitution shall be submitted by…

§ 18(p) Publication requirements for text of constitution — election to adopt procedure

In addition to notices required under the election laws of the state, the election authority shall publish the full text of the county constitution in each newspaper of general circulation in the county at least once a week for at least three weeks, the last publication to be not more than three…

§ 18(q) Constitution may be adopted or rejected by voters — resubmission procedure

If a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters voting on the county constitution are in favor of the proposal, then the county constitution shall be adopted. If a majority of the votes cast by the qualified voters voting thereon are opposed to the proposal, the county constitution shall…

§ 18(r) Certified copies of county constitution to be filed, where — amendments to constitution, procedure

Duplicate certificates shall be made, setting forth the adopted county constitution, and its ratification signed by the election authority of the county after canvassing election returns. One of the certified copies shall be deposited in the office of the secretary of state and the other, after…

§ 19 Certain cities may adopt charter form of government — procedure to frame and adopt — notice required — effect of

Any city having more than five thousand inhabitants or any other incorporated city as may be provided by law may frame and adopt a charter for its own government. The legislative body of the city may, by ordinance, submit to the voters the question: "Shall a commission be chosen to frame a…

§ 19(a) Power of charter cities, how limited

Any city which adopts or has adopted a charter for its own government, shall have all powers which the general assembly of the state of Missouri has authority to confer upon any city, provided such powers are consistent with the constitution of this state and are not limited or denied either by the…

§ 20 Amendment to city charters — procedure to submit and adopt

Amendments of any city charter adopted under the foregoing provisions may be submitted to the electors by a commission as provided for a complete charter. Amendments may also be proposed by the legislative body of the city or by petition of not less than ten percent of the registered qualified…

§ 21 Reclamation of blighted, substandard or insanitary areas

Laws may be enacted, and any city or county operating under a constitutional charter may enact ordinances, providing for the clearance, replanning, reconstruction, redevelopment and rehabilitation of blighted, substandard or insanitary areas, and for recreational and other facilities incidental or…

§ 22 Laws affecting charter cities — officers and employees

No law shall be enacted creating or fixing the powers, duties or compensation of any municipal office or employment, for any city framing or adopting its own charter under this or any previous constitution, and all such offices or employments heretofore created shall cease at the end of the terms…

§ 23 Limitation on ownership of corporate stock, use of credit and grants of public funds by local governments

No county, city or other political corporation or subdivision of the state shall own or subscribe for stock in any corporation or association, or lend its credit or grant public money or thing of value to or in aid of any corporation, association or individual, except as provided in this…

§ 23(a) Cities may acquire and furnish industrial plants — indebtedness for

By vote of two-thirds of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, any county, city or incorporated town or village in this state may become indebted for and may purchase, construct, extend or improve plants to be leased or otherwise disposed of pursuant to law to private persons or…

§ 24 Annual budgets and reports of local government and municipally owned utilities — audits

As prescribed by law all counties, cities, other legal subdivisions of the state, and public utilities owned and operated by such subdivisions shall have an annual budget, file annual reports of their financial transactions, and be audited.

§ 25 Limitation on use of credit and grant of public funds by local governments — pensions and retirement plans for employees of certain cities and counties

No county, city or other political corporation or subdivision of the state shall be authorized to lend its credit or grant public money or property to any private individual, association or corporation except as provided in Article VI, Section 23(a) and except that the general assembly may…

§ 26(a) Limitation on indebtedness of local governments without popular vote

No county, city, incorporated town or village, school district or other political corporation or subdivision of the state shall become indebted in an amount exceeding in any year the income and revenue provided for such year plus any unencumbered balances from previous years, except as otherwise…

§ 26(b) Limitation on indebtedness of local government authorized by popular vote

Any county, city, incorporated town or village or other political corporation or subdivision of the state, by vote of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, may become indebted in an amount not to exceed five percent of the value of taxable tangible property therein as shown by the last…

§ 26(c) Additional indebtedness of counties and cities when authorized by popular vote

Any county or city, by vote of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, may incur an additional indebtedness for county or city purposes not to exceed five percent of the taxable tangible property shown as provided in section 26(b). For elections referred to in this section the vote required…

§ 26(d) Additional indebtedness of cities for public improvements — benefit districts — special assessments

Any city, by vote of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, may become indebted not exceeding in the aggregate an additional ten percent of the value of the taxable tangible property shown as provided in section 26(b), for the purpose of acquiring rights-of-way, constructing, extending and…

§ 26(e) Additional indebtedness of cities for municipally owned water and light plants — limitations

Any city, by vote of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, may incur an indebtedness in an amount not to exceed an additional ten percent of the value of the taxable tangible property shown as provided in section 26(b), for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of purchasing or…

§ 26(f) Annual tax to pay and retire obligations within twenty years

Before incurring any indebtedness every county, city, incorporated town or village, school district, or other political corporation or subdivision of the state shall provide for the collection of an annual tax on all taxable tangible property therein sufficient to pay the interest and principal of…

§ 26(g) Contest of elections to authorize indebtedness

All elections under this article may be contested as provided by law.

§ 27 Political subdivision revenue bonds for utility, industrial and airport purposes — restrictions

Any city or incorporated town or village in this state, by vote of a majority of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, and any joint board or commission, established by a joint contract between municipalities or political subdivisions in this state, by compliance with then applicable…

§ 27(a) Political subdivision revenue bonds issued for utilities and airports, restrictions

Any county, city or incorporated town or village in this state, by vote of a majority of the qualified electors thereof voting thereon, may issue and sell its negotiable interest bearing revenue bonds for the purpose of paying all or part of the cost of purchasing, constructing, extending or…

§ 27(b) Political subdivision revenue bonds issued for industrial development, restriction

Any county, city or incorporated town or village in this state, by a majority vote of the governing body thereof, may issue and sell its negotiable interest bearing revenue bonds for the purpose of paying all or part of the cost of purchasing, constructing, extending or improving any facility to be…

§ 27(c) Revenue bonds defined

As used in article VI, sections 27(a) and 27(b), the term "revenue bonds" means bonds neither the interest nor the principal of which is an indebtedness or obligation of the issuing county, city or incorporated town or village.

§ 28 Refunding bonds

For the purpose of refunding, extending, and unifying the whole or any part of its valid bonded indebtedness any county, city, school district, or other political corporation or subdivision of the state, under terms and conditions prescribed by law may issue refunding bonds not exceeding in amount…

§ 29 Application of funds derived from public debts

The moneys arising from any loan, debt, or liability contracted by the state, or any county, city, or other political subdivision, shall be applied to the purposes for which they were obtained, or to the repayment of such debt or liability, and not otherwise.

§ 30(a) Powers conferred with respect to intergovernmental relations — procedure for selection of board of freeholders

The people of the city of St. Louis and the people of the county of St. Louis shall have power (1) to consolidate the territories and governments of the city and county into one political subdivision under the municipal government of the city of St. Louis; or, (2) to extend the territorial…

§ 30(b) Appointment of member by governor — meetings of board — vacancies — compensation and reimbursement of members — preparat

Appointment of member by governor — meetings of board — vacancies — compensation and reimbursement of members — preparation of plan — taxation of real estate affected — submission at special elections — effect of adoption — certification and recordation — judicial notice. — Upon certification of…

§ 31 Recognition of city of St. Louis as now existing both as a city and as a county

The city of St. Louis, as now existing, is recognized both as a city and as a county unless otherwise changed in accordance with the provisions of this constitution. As a city it shall continue for city purposes with its present charter, subject to changes and amendments provided by the…

§ 32(a) Amendment of charter of St. Louis

The charter of the city of St. Louis now existing, or as hereafter amended or revised, may be amended or revised for city or county purposes from time to time by proposals therefor submitted by the lawmaking body of the city to the qualified voters thereof, at a general or special election held at…

§ 32(b) Revision of charter of St. Louis — officers to complete terms and staff given opportunity for city employment

In the event of any amendment or revision of the charter of the city of St. Louis which shall reorganize any county office and/or transfer any or all of the duties, powers and functions of any county officer who is then in office, the officer shall serve out the remainder of his or her term, and…

§ 32(c) Effect of revision on retirement

An amendment or revision adopted pursuant to section 32(a) of this article shall not deprive any person of any right or privilege to retire and to retirement benefits, if any, to which he or she was entitled immediately prior to the effective date of that amendment or revision.

§ 33 Certification, recordation and deposit of amendments and revised charter — judicial notice

Copies of any new or revised charter of the city of St. Louis or of any amendments to the present, or to any new or revised charter, with a certificate thereto appended, signed by the chief executive and authenticated by the seal of the city, setting forth the submission to and ratification…

Article VII Public Officers

§ 1 Impeachment — officers liable — grounds

All elective executive officials of the state, and judges of the supreme court, courts of appeals and circuit courts shall be liable to impeachment for crimes, misconduct, habitual drunkenness, willful neglect of duty, corruption in office, incompetency, or any offense involving moral turpitude or…

§ 2 Power of impeachment — trial of impeachments

The house of representatives shall have the sole power of impeachment. All impeachments shall be tried before the supreme court, except that the governor or a member of the supreme court shall be tried by a special commission of seven eminent jurists to be elected by the senate. The supreme court…

§ 3 Effect of judgment of impeachment

Judgment of impeachment shall not extend beyond removal from office, but shall not prevent punishment of such officer by the courts on charges growing out of the same matter.

§ 4 Removal of officers not subject to impeachment

Except as provided in this constitution, all officers not subject to impeachment shall be subject to removal from office in the manner and for the causes provided by law.

§ 5 Election contests — executive state officers — other election contests

Contested elections for governor, lieutenant governor and other executive state officers shall be had before the supreme court in the manner provided by law, and the court may appoint one or more commissioners to hear the testimony. The trial and determination of contested elections of all other…

§ 6 Penalty for nepotism

Any public officer or employee in this state who by virtue of his office or employment names or appoints to public office or employment any relative within the fourth degree, by consanguinity or affinity, shall thereby forfeit his office or employment.

§ 7 Appointment of officers

Except as provided in this constitution, the appointment of all officers shall be made as prescribed by law.

§ 8 Qualifications for public office — nonresidents

No person shall be elected or appointed to any civil or military office in this state who is not a citizen of the United States, and who shall not have resided in this state one year next preceding his election or appointment, except that the residence in this state shall not be necessary in cases…

§ 9 Disqualification by federal employment — exceptions

No person holding an office of profit under the United States shall hold any office of profit in this state, members of the organized militia or of the reserve corps excepted.

§ 10 Equality of sexes in public service

No person shall be disqualified from holding office in this state because of sex.

§ 11 Oath of office

Before taking office, all civil and military officers in this state shall take and subscribe an oath or affirmation to support the Constitution of the United States and of this state, and to demean themselves faithfully in office.

§ 12 Tenure of office

Except as provided in this constitution, and subject to the right of resignation, all officers shall hold office for the term thereof, and until their successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.

§ 13 Limitation on increase of compensation and extension of terms of office

The compensation of state, county and municipal officers shall not be increased during the term of office; nor shall the term of any officer be extended.

§ 14 Statement of actuary required before retirement benefits substantially changed

The legislative body which stipulates by law the amount and type of retirement benefits to be paid by a retirement plan covering elected or appointed public officials or both, shall, before taking final action of any substantial proposed change in future benefits, cause to be prepared a statement…

Article VIII Suffrage and Elections

§ 1 Time of general elections

The general election shall be held on the Tuesday next following the first Monday in November of each even year, unless a different day is fixed by law, two-thirds of all members of each house assenting.

§ 2 Qualifications of voters — disqualifications

Only citizens of the United States, including occupants of soldiers' and sailors' homes, over the age of eighteen who are residents of this state and of the political subdivision in which they offer to vote are entitled to vote at all elections by the people, if the election is one for which…

§ 3 Methods of voting — single vote for each issue or candidate, no ranking — secrecy of ballot — exceptions

1. All elections by the people shall be by paper ballot or by any mechanical method prescribed by law. 2. Voters shall have only a single vote for each issue on which such voter is eligible to vote. Voters shall have the same number of votes for an office as the number of open seats to be elected…

§ 4 Privilege of voters from arrest — exceptions

Voters shall be privileged from arrest while going to, attending and returning from elections, except in cases of treason, felony or breach of the peace.

§ 5 Registration of voters

Registration of voters may be provided for by law.

§ 6 Retention of residence for voting purposes

For the purpose of voting, no person shall be deemed to have gained or lost a residence by reason of his presence or absence while engaged in the civil or military service of this state or of the United States, or in the navigation of the high seas or the waters of the state or of the United…

§ 7 Absentee voting

Qualified electors of the state who are absent, whether within or without the state, may be enabled by general law to vote at all elections by the people.

§ 11 Voter identification, authorized to identify voter and verify citizenship and residency — photo identification permitted

A person seeking to vote in person in public elections may be required by general law to identify himself or herself and verify his or her qualifications as a citizen of the United States of America and a resident of the state of Missouri by providing election officials with a form of…

§ 15 Preamble

The people of Missouri hereby state our intention that this initiative lead to the adoption of the following U.S. Constitutional Amendment.

§ 16 Congressional term limits amendment

(a) No person shall serve in the office of United States Representative for more than three terms, but upon ratification of this amendment no person who has held the office of the United States Representative or who then holds the office shall serve for more than two additional terms. (b) No person…

§ 17 Voter instruction on term limits for members of congress — ballots to include "disregarded voters' instruction on term limits", when

(1) We, the Voters of Missouri, hereby instruct each member of our congressional delegation to use all of his or her delegated powers to pass the Congressional Term Limits Amendment set forth above. (2) All primary and general election ballots shall have printed the information "DISREGARDED VOTERS'…

§ 18 Voter instruction on term limit pledge for non-incumbents

(1) Non-incumbent candidates for United States Senator and Representative shall be given an opportunity to take a "Term Limit" pledge regarding "Term Limits" each time they file to run for such office. Those who decline to take the "Term Limits" pledge shall have the information "DECLINED TO PLEDGE…

§ 19 Secretary of state, duties regarding ballot designations

(1) The Secretary of State shall be responsible to make an accurate determination as to whether a candidate for the federal legislature shall have placed adjacent to his or her name on the election ballot the information "DISREGARDED VOTERS' INSTRUCTION ON TERM LIMITS" or "DECLINED TO PLEDGE TO…

§ 20 Automatic repeal

At such time as the Congressional Term Limits Amendment set forth above has become part of the U.S. Constitution, section 15 through section 22 of this Article automatically shall be repealed.

§ 21 Legal challenges, jurisdiction

Any legal challenge to this Amendment shall be filed as an original action before the Supreme Court of this State.

§ 22 Severability

If any portion, clause, or phrase of this Amendment is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portions, clauses, and phrases shall not be affected, but shall remain in full force and effect.

§ 23 Campaign contribution limits, establishment of — requirements — complaint process — penalties

1. This section shall be known as the "Missouri Campaign Contribution Reform Initiative." 2. The people of the state of Missouri hereby find and declare that excessive campaign contributions to political candidates create the potential for corruption and the appearance of corruption; that large…

§ 24 Plurality winner of primary to be candidate at general election — general election winner, how determined — inapplicability, when

1. The person receiving the greatest number of votes at a primary election as a party candidate for an office shall be the only candidate for that party for the office at the general election. The name of such candidate shall be placed on the official ballot at the general election unless removed…

Article IX Education

§ 1(a) Free public schools — age limit

A general diffusion of knowledge and intelligence being essential to the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people, the general assembly shall establish and maintain free public schools for the gratuitous instruction of all persons in this state within ages not in excess of twenty-one…

§ 1(b) Specific schools — adult education

Specific schools for any contiguous territory may be established by law. Adult education may be provided from funds other than ordinary school revenues.

§ 2(a) State board of education — number and appointment of members — political affiliation — terms — reimbursement and compensation

The supervision of instruction in the public schools shall be vested in a state board of education, consisting of eight lay members appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate; provided, that at no time shall more than four members be of the same political party. The…

§ 2(b) Commissioner of education — qualification, duties and compensation — appointment and compensation of professional staff — powers and duties of state board of education

The board shall select and appoint a commissioner of education as its chief administrative officer, who shall be a citizen and resident of the state, and removable at its discretion. The board shall prescribe his duties and fix his compensation, and upon his recommendation shall appoint the…

§ 3(a) Payment and distribution of appropriations and income

All appropriations by the state for the support of free public schools and the income from the public school fund shall be paid at least annually and distributed according to law.

§ 3(b) Deficiency in provision for eight-month school year — allotment of state revenue for school purposes

In event the public school fund provided and set apart by law for the support of free public schools, shall be insufficient to sustain free schools at least eight months in every year in each school district of the state, the general assembly may provide for such deficiency; but in no case shall…

§ 3(c) Racial discrimination in employment of teachers

No school district which permits differences in wages of teachers having the same training and experience because of race or color, shall receive any portion of said revenue or fund.

§ 4 Public school and seminary funds — certificates of indebtedness — renewals — liquidation — legal investment of funds — tax levy for interest

All certificates of indebtedness of the state to the public school fund and to the seminary fund are hereby confirmed as sacred obligations of the state to said funds, and they shall be renewed as they mature for such time and at such rate of interest as may be provided by law. The general assembly…

§ 5 Public school fund — sources — payment into state treasury — investment — limitation on use of income

The proceeds of all certificates of indebtedness due the state school fund, and all moneys, bonds, lands, and other property belonging to or donated to any state fund for public school purposes, and the net proceeds of all sales of lands and other property and effects that may accrue to the state…

§ 6 Seminary fund — sources — payment into state treasury — investment — limitation on use of income

The proceeds of all certificates of indebtedness due the seminary fund, the net proceeds of all sales of lands granted to the state for the benefit of the state university with its several divisions, as provided by law, and all gifts, grants, bequests, or devises to said seminary fund for the…

§ 7 County and township school funds — liquidation and reinvestment — optional distribution on liquidation — annual distribution of income and receipts

All real estate, loans, and investments now belonging to the various county and township school funds, except those invested as hereinafter provided, shall be liquidated without extension of time, and the proceeds thereof and the money on hand now belonging to said school funds of the several…

§ 8 Prohibition of public aid for religious purposes and institutions

Neither the general assembly, nor any county, city, town, township, school district or other municipal corporation, shall ever make an appropriation or pay from any public fund whatever, anything in aid of any religious creed, church or sectarian purpose, or to help to support or sustain any…

§ 9(a) State university — government by board of curators — number and appointment

The government of the state university shall be vested in a board of curators consisting of nine members appointed by the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate.

§ 9(b) Maintenance of state university and other educational institutions

The general assembly shall adequately maintain the state university and such other educational institutions as it may deem necessary.

§ 10 Free public libraries — declaration of policy — state aid to local public libraries

It is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to promote the establishment and development of free public libraries and to accept the obligation of their support by the state and its subdivisions and municipalities in such manner as may be provided by law. When any such subdivision or…

Article X Taxation

§ 1 Taxing power — exercise by state and local governments

The taxing power may be exercised by the general assembly for state purposes, and by counties and other political subdivisions under power granted to them by the general assembly for county, municipal and other corporate purposes.

§ 2 Inalienability of power to tax

The power to tax shall not be surrendered, suspended or contracted away, except as authorized by this constitution.

§ 3 Limitation of taxation to public purposes — uniformity — general laws — time for payment of taxes — valuation

Taxes may be levied and collected for public purposes only, and shall be uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax. All taxes shall be levied and collected by general laws and shall be payable during the fiscal or calendar…

§ 4(a) Classification of taxable property — taxes on franchises, incomes, excises and licenses

All taxable property shall be classified for tax purposes as follows: class 1, real property; class 2, tangible personal property; class 3, intangible personal property. The general assembly, by general law, may provide for further classification within classes 2 and 3, based solely on the nature…

§ 4(b) Basis of assessment of tangible property — real property — taxation of intangibles — limitations

Property in classes 1 and 2 and subclasses of those classes, shall be assessed for tax purposes at its value or such percentage of its value as may be fixed by law for each class and for each subclass. Property in class 3 and its subclasses shall be taxed only to the extent authorized and at the…

§ 4(c) Assessment, levy, collection and distribution of tax on intangibles

All taxes on property in class 3 and its subclasses, and the tax under any other form of taxation substituted by the general assembly for the tax on bank shares, shall be assessed, levied and collected by the state and returned as provided by law, less two percent for collection, to the counties…

§ 4(d) Income tax laws, may incorporate federal laws by reference — rates, how set

In enacting any law imposing a tax on or measured by income, the general assembly may define income by reference to provisions of the laws of the United States as they may be or become effective at any time or from time to time, whether retrospective or prospective in their operation. The general…

§ 5 Taxation of railroads

All railroad corporations in this state, or doing business therein, shall be subject to taxation for state, county, school, municipal and other purposes, on the real and personal property owned or used by them, and on their gross earnings, their net earnings, their franchises and their capital…

§ 6 Property exempt from taxation

1. All property, real and personal, of the state, counties and other political subdivisions, and nonprofit cemeteries, and all real property used as a homestead as defined by law of any citizen of this state who is a former prisoner of war, as defined by law, and who has a total service-connected…

§ 6(a) Homestead exemption authorized

The general assembly may provide that a portion of the assessed valuation of real property actually occupied by the owner or owners thereof as a homestead, be exempted from the payment of taxes thereon, in such amounts and upon such conditions as may be determined by law, and the general assembly…

§ 6(b) Intangible property exempt from taxation, when — local governments may be reimbursed, when

The general assembly may by general law exempt from taxation all intangible property, including taxation on the yield thereof, when owned by: (1) Individuals; or (2) Labor, agricultural or horticultural organizations; or (3) Corporations or associations organized and operated exclusively for…

§ 7 Relief from taxation — forest lands — obsolete, decadent, or blighted areas — limitations — exception

For the purpose of encouraging forestry when lands are devoted exclusively to such purpose, and the reconstruction, redevelopment, and rehabilitation of obsolete, decadent, or blighted areas, the general assembly by general law may provide for such partial relief from taxation of the lands devoted…

§ 8 Limitation on state tax rate on tangible property

The state tax on real and tangible personal property, exclusive of the tax necessary to pay any bonded debt of the state, shall not exceed ten cents on the hundred dollars assessed valuation.

§ 9 Immunity of private property from sale for municipal debts

Private property shall not be taken or sold for the payment of the corporate debt of a municipal corporation.

§ 10(a) State prohibited from imposing local taxes for local purposes

Except as provided in this constitution, the general assembly shall not impose taxes upon counties or other political subdivisions or upon the inhabitants or property thereof for municipal, county or other corporate purposes.

§ 10(b) State aid for local purposes

Nothing in this constitution shall prevent the enactment of general laws directing the payment of funds collected for state purposes to counties or other political subdivisions as state aid for local purposes.

§ 10(c) Reduction in rates of levy may be required by law

The general assembly may require by law that political subdivisions reduce the rate of levy of all property taxes the subdivisions impose whether the rate of levy is authorized by this constitution or by law. The general assembly may by law establish the method of increasing reduced rates of levy…

§ 11(a) Taxing jurisdiction of local governments — limitation on assessed valuation

Taxes may be levied by counties and other political subdivisions on all property subject to their taxing power, but the assessed valuation therefor in such other political subdivisions shall not exceed the assessed valuation of the same property for state and county purposes.

§ 11(b) Limitations on local tax rates

Any tax imposed upon such property by municipalities, counties or school districts, for their respective purposes, shall not exceed the following annual rates: For municipalities—one dollar on the hundred dollars assessed valuation; For counties—thirty-five cents on the hundred dollars assessed…

§ 11(c) Increase of tax rate by popular vote — further limitation by law — exceptions to limitation

In all municipalities, counties and school districts the rates of taxation as herein limited may be increased for their respective purposes when the rate and purpose of the increase are submitted to a vote and two-thirds of the qualified electors voting thereon shall vote therefor; provided in…

§ 11(d) Tax rate in St. Louis for county purposes

The city of St. Louis may levy for county purposes, in addition to the municipal rates herein provided, a rate not exceeding the rate allowed for county purposes.

§ 11(e) Exclusion of bonded debt from limitations on tax rates

The foregoing limitations on rates shall not apply to taxes levied for the purpose of paying any bonded debt.

§ 11(f) Authorization of local taxes other than ad valorem taxes

Nothing in this constitution shall prevent the enactment of any general law permitting any county or other political subdivision to levy taxes other than ad valorem taxes for its essential purposes.

§ 11(g) Operating levy for Kansas City school district may be set by school board

The school board of any school district whose operating levy for school purposes for the 1995 tax year was established pursuant to a federal court order may establish the operating levy for school purposes for the district at a rate that is lower than the court-ordered rate for the 1995 tax year.…

§ 12(a) Additional tax rates for county roads and bridges — road districts — reduction in rate may be required, how

In addition to the rates authorized in section 11 for county purposes, the county court in the several counties not under township organization, the township board of directors in the counties under township organization, and the proper administrative body in counties adopting an alternative form…

§ 12(b) Refund of road and bridge taxes

Nothing in this section shall prevent the refund of taxes collected hereunder to cities and towns for road and bridge purposes.

§ 13 Tax sales — limitations — contents of notices

No real property shall be sold for state, county or city taxes without judicial proceedings, unless the notice of sale shall contain the names of all record owners thereof, or the names of all owners appearing on the land tax book, and all other information required by law.

§ 14 Equalization commission — appointment — duties

The general assembly shall establish a commission, to be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate, to equalize assessments as between counties and, under such rules as may be prescribed by law, to hear appeals from local boards in individual cases and, upon such…

§ 15 Definition of "other political subdivision"

The term "other political subdivision," as used in this article, shall be construed to include townships, cities, towns, villages, school, road, drainage, sewer and levee districts and any other public subdivision, public corporation or public quasi-corporation having the power to tax.

§ 16 Taxes and state spending to be limited — state to support certain local activities — emergency spending and bond payments to be authorized

Property taxes and other local taxes and state taxation and spending may not be increased above the limitations specified herein without direct voter approval as provided by this constitution. The state is prohibited from requiring any new or expanded activities by counties and other political…

§ 17 Definitions

As used in sections 16 through 24 of Article X: (1) "Total state revenues" includes all general and special revenues, license and fees, excluding federal funds, as defined in the budget message of the governor for fiscal year 1980-1981. Total state revenues shall exclude the amount of any credits…

§ 18 Limitation on taxes which may be imposed by general assembly — exclusions — refund of excess revenue — adjustments authorized

(a) There is hereby established a limit on the total amount of taxes which may be imposed by the general assembly in any fiscal year on the taxpayers of this state. Effective with fiscal year 1981-1982, and for each fiscal year thereafter, the general assembly shall not impose taxes of any kind…

§ 18(e) Voter approval required for taxes or fees, when, exceptions — compliance procedure, remedies

1. In addition to the revenue limit imposed by section 18 of this article, the general assembly in any fiscal year shall not increase taxes or fees without voter approval that in total produce new annual revenues greater than either fifty million dollars adjusted annually by the percentage change…

§ 19 Limits may be exceeded, when, how

The revenue limit of section 18 of this article may be exceeded only if all of the following conditions are met: (1) The governor requests the general assembly to declare an emergency; (2) the request is specific as to the nature of the emergency, the dollar amount of the emergency, and the method…

§ 20 Limitation on state expenses

No expenses of state government shall be incurred in any fiscal year which exceed the sum of the revenue limit established in sections 18 and 19 of this article plus federal funds and any surplus from a previous fiscal year.

§ 21 State support to local governments not to be reduced, additional activities and services not to be imposed without full state funding

1. The state is hereby prohibited from reducing the state financed proportion of the costs of any existing activity or service required of counties and other political subdivisions. A new activity or service or an increase in the level of any activity or service beyond that required by existing law…

§ 22 Political subdivisions to receive voter approval for increases in taxes and fees — rollbacks may be required — limitation not applicable to taxes for bonds

(a) Counties and other political subdivisions are hereby prohibited from levying any tax, license or fees, not authorized by law, charter or self-enforcing provisions of the constitution when this section is adopted or from increasing the current levy of an existing tax, license or fees, above that…

§ 23 Taxpayers may bring actions for interpretations of limitations

Notwithstanding other provisions of this constitution or other law, any taxpayer of the state, county, or other political subdivision shall have standing to bring suit in a circuit court of proper venue and additionally, when the state is involved, in the Missouri supreme court, to enforce the…

§ 24 Voter approval requirements not exclusive — self-enforceability

(a) The provisions for voter approval contained in sections 16 through 23, inclusive, of this article do not abrogate and are in addition to other provisions of the constitution requiring voter approval to incur bonded indebtedness and to authorize certain taxes. (b) The provisions contained in…

§ 25 Sale or transfer of homes or other real estate, prohibition on imposition of any new taxes, when

After the effective date of this section, the state, counties, and other political subdivisions are hereby prevented from imposing any new tax, including a sales tax, on the sale or transfer of homes or any other real estate.

§ 26 Prohibition on new or local sales, use, or other similar transaction-based tax not subject to such tax as of January 1, 2015

In order to prohibit an increase in the tax burden on the citizens of Missouri, state and local sales and use taxes (or any similar transaction-based tax) shall not be expanded to impose taxes on any service or transaction that was not subject to sales, use or similar transaction-based tax on…

Article XI Corporations

§ 1 Definition of "corporation"

The term "corporation," as used in this article, shall be construed to include all joint stock companies or associations having any powers or privileges not possessed by individuals or partnerships.

§ 2 Organization of corporations by general law — special laws relating to corporations — invalidation of unexercised charters and franchises

Corporations shall be organized only under general laws. No corporation shall be created, nor shall any existing charter be extended or amended by special law; nor shall any law remit the forfeiture of any charter granted by special act. All existing charters, or grants of special or exclusive…

§ 3 Exercise of police power with respect to corporations

The exercise of the police power of the state shall never be surrendered, abridged, or construed to permit corporations to infringe the equal rights of individuals, or the general well-being of the state.

§ 4 Corporations subject to eminent domain — trial by jury

The exercise of the power and right of eminent domain shall never be construed or abridged to prevent the taking by law of the property and franchises of corporations and subjecting them to public use. The right of trial by jury shall be held inviolate in all trials of claims for compensation, when…

§ 6 Cumulative voting authorized unless alternate method provided by law — exceptions

In all elections for directors or managers of any corporation, each shareholder shall have the right to cast as many votes in the aggregate as shall equal the number of shares held by him, multiplied by the number of directors or managers to be elected, and may cast the whole number of votes…

§ 7 Consideration for corporate stock and debts — fictitious issues — antecedent debts — increases of stock or bonds — issuance of preferred stock

No corporation shall issue stock, or bonds or other obligations for the payment of money, except for money paid, labor done or property actually received; and all fictitious issues or increases of stock or indebtedness shall be void; provided, that no such issue or increase made for valid bona fide…

§ 8 Limitation of liability of stockholders

No stockholder or subscriber to stock of a corporation shall be individually liable in any amount in excess of the amount originally subscribed on such stock.

§ 9 Public highways — common carriers — regulations

All railways in this state are hereby declared public highways, and railroad corporations common carriers. Laws shall be enacted to correct abuses and prevent unjust discrimination and extortion in the rates of freight and passenger tariffs on all railroads in this state.

§ 10 Consolidation of domestic with foreign railroad corporations — jurisdiction of Missouri courts — notice of consolidation

If any railroad corporation organized under the laws of this state shall consolidate by sale or otherwise, with any railroad corporation organized under the laws of any other state, or of the United States, the same shall not thereby become a foreign corporation, but the courts of this state shall…

§ 11 Local consent for street railroads

No law shall grant the right to construct and operate a street railroad within any city, town, village, or on any public highway, without first acquiring the consent of the local authorities having control of the street or highway, and the franchises so granted shall not be transferred without…

§ 12 Prohibition of discrimination, favoritism and preferences

No discrimination in charges or facilities in transportation shall be made between transportation corporations and individuals, or in favor of either, by abatement, drawback or otherwise; and no common carrier, or any lessee, manager or employee thereof, shall make any preference in furnishing cars…

§ 13 Exclusion of state from banking

No state bank shall be created, nor shall the state own or be liable for any stock in any corporation, joint stock company, or association for banking purposes.

Article XII Amending the Constitution — Schedule

§ 1 Limitation on revision and amendment

This constitution may be revised and amended only as therein provided.

§ 2 SCHEDULE — Effect on existing laws

All laws in force at the time of the adoption of this constitution and consistent therewith shall remain in full force and effect until amended or repealed by the general assembly. All laws inconsistent with this constitution, unless sooner repealed or amended to conform with this constitution…

§ 2(a) Proposal of amendments by general assembly

Constitutional amendments may be proposed at any time by a majority of the members-elect of each house of the general assembly, the vote to be taken by yeas and nays and entered on the journal.

§ 2(b) Submission of amendments proposed by general assembly or by the initiative

All amendments proposed by the general assembly or by the initiative shall be submitted to the electors for their approval or rejection by official ballot title as may be provided by law, on a separate ballot without party designation, at the next general election, or at a special election called…

§ 3 SCHEDULE — Effect on existing terms of office

The terms of all persons holding public office to which they have been elected or appointed at the time this constitution shall take effect shall not be vacated or otherwise affected thereby.

§ 3(a) Referendum on constitutional convention — qualifications of delegates — selection of nominees for district delegates and delegates-at-large — election procedure

At the general election on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November 1962, and every twenty years thereafter, the secretary of state shall, and at any general or special election the general assembly by law may, submit to the electors of the state the question "Shall there be a…

§ 3(b) Convention of delegates — quarters — oath — compensation — quorum — vote required — organization, employees, printing — public sessions — rules — vacancies

The delegates so elected shall be convened at the seat of government by proclamation of the governor within six months after their election. The facilities of the legislative chambers and legislative quarters shall be made available for the convention and the delegates. Upon convening all delegates…

§ 3(c) Submission of proposal adopted by convention — time of election — effective date

Any proposed constitution or constitutional amendment adopted by the convention shall be submitted to a vote of the electors of the state at such time, in such manner and containing such separate and alternative propositions and on such official ballot as may be provided by the convention, at a…

§ 4 SCHEDULE — Effect on certain existing courts

All courts of common pleas now existing, the St. Louis courts of criminal correction, and all circuit court circuits as now established, shall continue until changed or abolished by law. The justices of the peace shall continue to hold their offices and receive the emoluments thereof until their…

§ 5 SCHEDULE — Effect on existing rights, claims

All rights, claims, causes of action and obligations existing and all contracts, prosecutions, recognizances and other instruments executed or entered into and all indictments which shall have been found and informations which shall have been filed and all actions which shall have been instituted…

§ 6 SCHEDULE — Reimbursement for expenses of constitutional election

The general assembly shall appropriate out of the general revenue fund of the state a sum sufficient to reimburse the various counties for the sums legally and properly paid by them to the judges and clerks of the special election called for the purpose of adopting or rejecting this constitution.

Article XIII Public Employees

§ 1 Medical benefits may be authorized for state officers, employees and their dependents

Other provisions of this constitution to the contrary notwithstanding, the general assembly may provide or contract for health insurance benefits, including but not limited to hospital, chiropractic, surgical, medical, optical, and dental benefits, for officers and employees of the state and their…

§ 2 Medical benefits may be authorized for political subdivision officers, employees and their dependents

Other provisions of this constitution to the contrary notwithstanding, the general assembly may authorize any county, city or other political corporation or subdivision to provide or contract for health insurance benefits, including but not limited to hospital, chiropractic, surgical, medical…

§ 3 Compensation of state elected officials, general assembly members and judges to be set by Missouri Citizens' Commission on Compensation — members qualifications, terms, removal, vacancies, duties — procedure

1. Other provisions of this constitution to the contrary notwithstanding, in order to ensure that the power to control the rate of compensation of elected officials of this state is retained and exercised by the tax paying citizens of the state, after the effective date of this section no elected…

Article XIV Marijuana Use and Regulation

§ 1 Right to access medical marijuana

1. Purposes. This section is intended to permit state-licensed physicians and nurse practitioners to recommend marijuana for medical purposes to patients with serious illnesses and medical conditions. The section allows patients with qualifying medical conditions the right to discuss freely with…

§ 2 Marijuana legalization, regulation, and taxation

1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to make marijuana legal under state and local law for adults twenty-one years of age or older, and to control the commercial production and distribution of marijuana under a system that licenses, regulates, and taxes the businesses involved while…

Full, verbatim text at Missouri Revisor of Statutes