Missouri measure would raise bar on constitutional changes

By SUMMER BALLENTINE
Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Republicans are trying to raise the bar for amending the state Constitution. A bill debated Wednesday in a state House committee would require support from at least two-thirds of voters to amend Missouri’s Constitution. The current threshold is a majority of voters. Republicans have been trying to make the initiative petition process harder following the recent passage of several Democratic-backed policies, including expanding eligibility for Medicaid. The proposal discussed Wednesday would also require signatures from 10% of voters in all eight congressional districts to put an issue before voters. The current standard is 8% of voters from six districts.