Missouri voters say ‘yes’ to more Kansas City police oversight; other amendments still undecided

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri voters gave the state the ability to require Kansas City to give more money to its police force but the state's decisions on other constitutional amendments were still up in the air at 11 p.m.

Vote counting was still going on a little before 11 p.m. Most of the other amendments were close, with Amendment 1, which would change state investments, losing 55%-45%. Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana, was winning 53%-47%. And Amendment 5, which would change who manages the National Guard, was winning 62%-38%.

Amendment 4 passed with 63% yes votes and 37% no votes.

Voters were also leaning toward calling for a constitutional convention. The Missouri Constitution has been rewritten five times since it was created in 1820. Since then, 119 amendments have been added.

The four amendments up for a vote this year would decide: Investing state funds, legalizing marijuana, funding for Kansas City Police and the National Guard possibly changing departments.

Amendment 1

Amendment 1 would change the way state funds are allocated, if passed.

Right now, the state treasurer has to hold a vote from the general public to change the use of state money. If passed, Amendment 1 would change that to allow the Missouri House of Representatives and Missouri Senate to make those decisions instead of a vote.

Amendment 3

Amendment 3 if passed, will amend the Missouri Constitution to remove state prohibitions on the purchase, possession, consumption, use, delivery, manufacture and sale of marijuana for personal use for adults 21 years old and older.

The amendment would also allow individuals with certain marijuana-related offenses to have their records expunged. It would also include a 6% tax on the retail price of recreational marijuana.

Amendment 4

Amendment 4 if passed would allow the Missouri General Assembly to increase the minimum funding for a police force established by the state board of police commissioners.

The only police force this is expected to impact is the Kansas City Police Department, as Kansas City does not have local jurisdiction over its department.

Amendment 5

If passed, Amendment 5 would see Missouri's National Guard move from its current position with Missouri's Department of Public Safety, to an administrative department within Missouri's Executive Branch. The General for the National guard would become a member of the governor's cabinet.