Missouri lawmaker seeks special session over refugees

A Missouri lawmaker is seeking a special legislative session aimed at preventing Gov. Jay Nixon from allowing Syrian refugees to resettle in the state.

Nixon, a Democrat, on Monday called on the federal government to ensure strong safeguards. But he did not say he’d pause refugee relocations as governors in several other states have pledged in the wake of the deadly Paris attacks.

Republican state Rep. Mike Moon has written House Speaker Todd Richardson calling for the special legislative session to “tie the governor’s hands” and stop “the potential Islamization of Missouri.”

ABC 17 News has confirmed that Richardson has received the letter.

Three-fourths of the House and Senate would have to vote in favor of calling a special legislative session.

Messages left with the offices of Richardson and Nixon weren’t immediately returned Wednesday.