Missouri Legislation Expands Powers for Attorney General and Secretary of State
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A bill enhancing the authority of Missouri’s Attorney General and Secretary of State has been sent to the governor, prompting significant debate. The House approved the measure Monday with a 109-46 vote, amid accusations from Democrats of an overreach targeting ongoing abortion-related litigation in Jackson County.
The legislation allows Attorney General Andrew Bailey to appeal judicial decisions that temporarily block state laws, specifically regarding Missouri’s strict abortion regulations, which recently enabled clinics to resume surgical abortions. Critics argue that retroactive measures targeting existing injunctions present constitutional issues. "This legislation is a power grab," stated Democratic Rep. David Tyson Smith, asserting that it aims to influence pending court cases.
Proponents, including Republican Rep. Darin Chappell, dismissed these claims, emphasizing the focus is on a single case affecting abortion regulations. The bill includes an emergency clause that would activate the legislation immediately upon the governor’s ratification, citing the necessity to "ensure judicial efficiency." Supporters justify this clause by stating that it could protect women’s health related to abortion services.
In addition to the Attorney General’s new powers, the bill also alters how ballot measures are processed. The Secretary of State will receive three attempts to rephrase ballot language after challenges, with courts advising but no longer holding ultimate approval. Critics like Democratic Rep. Eric Woods claim this upends current checks on potentially misleading language.
Despite partisan divides, proponents defend the modifications as necessary for streamlining the ballot process, asserting that courts will still play a crucial role in overseeing legislative actions. The bill, pushed by Republican Senator Rick Brattin, awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
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