Senate Substitute

VOTER APPROVAL THRESHOLD

(Sections 2(b) and 3(c))

Current law provides that any constitutional amendment proposed by the initiative or constitutional convention or new constitution shall take effect at the end of 30 days after the election when approved by a simple majority of the votes cast on the measure. This amendment requires all such proposed constitutional amendments and new constitutions to receive a majority of the votes cast statewide as well as a majority of the votes cast in at least a majority of the Congressional districts, such approved amendments to take effect at the end of 31 days after the election.

PROHIBITING FOREIGN ACTIVITY IN INITIATIVE PETITIONS

(Section 2(c))

The amendment creates new restrictions relating to foreign government activity with respect to constitutional amendments. Specifically, it shall be unlawful for:

· A government of a foreign country or a foreign political party to sponsor an initiative petition proposing a constitutional amendment;

· A government of a foreign country or a foreign political party to directly or indirectly make contributions in connection with an election on a constitutional amendment or contributions in support of or opposition to a constitutional amendment;

· A government of a foreign country or a foreign political party to directly or indirectly make an expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication, whether print, broadcast, or digital media, or otherwise, related to a constitutional amendment; or

· A person to solicit, accept, or receive a contribution or donation from a government of a foreign country or a foreign political party, in connection with a constitutional amendment.

LEGAL VOTERS AND ELECTORS

(Section 2(d))

No person shall be eligible to vote on any measure submitted to the people that amends, repeals, or replaces the constitution, whether submitted through the initiative petition process, by the General Assembly, or by a constitutional convention, unless such person is a legal resident of the state of Missouri and a citizen of the United States of America.

EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO ENACT LAWS RELATING TO INITIATIVES

(Section 2(e))

The amendment gives the General Assembly the exclusive authority to enact laws enforcing provisions in the Constitution relating to initiative petitions proposing constitutional amendments.

SCOTT SVAGERA