Mo. proposal would alter standards for initiatives

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri lawmakers are considering whether initiative petition canvassers should have to collect signatures from throughout state to qualify for the ballot.

Currently, initiative supporters must get signatures equal to 5 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, from two-thirds of the congressional districts. That threshold rises to 8 percent if they are proposing a change to the state constitution. Supporters often concentrate on districts with the largest cities.

A proposed constitutional amendment that has passed the House and faces a Monday hearing in a Senate committee would require signatures from all congressional districts. But the number needed would drop to 3.25 percent of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election for a statutory measure and 5.25 percent for a constitutional amendment.

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Initiative is HJR47.

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov