Kehoe calls Missouri Legislature into special session on redistricting, initiative petition reform

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — Gov. Mike Kehoe on Wednesday called Missouri lawmakers into a special session to consider new congressional district boundaries and changes to the state’s initiative petition process.

The Second Extraordinary Session of the 103rd General Assembly is scheduled to begin at noon Wednesday in Jefferson City.

Kehoe unveiled what he called the “Missouri First Map,” a redistricting plan drawn by his office. He said the proposal is more compact, splits fewer counties and municipalities, and keeps all current members of Missouri’s congressional delegation in their districts.

“Today, I am calling on the General Assembly to take action on congressional redistricting and initiative petition reform to ensure our districts and Constitution truly put Missouri values first,” Kehoe said in a statement. “This is about clarity for voters and ownership of our future.”

In addition to redistricting, Kehoe is asking lawmakers to approve legislation tightening rules on the initiative petition process. The proposals include banning contributions from foreign nationals, criminalizing fraudulent signature gathering, and requiring ballot measures to pass with a majority of voters both statewide and in each congressional district.

Other provisions would mandate a public comment period before signature collection begins and require the full text of ballot measures to be available to voters at polling places.

“For far too long, Missouri’s Constitution has been the victim of out-of-state special interests who deceive voters to pass out-of-touch policies,” Kehoe said. “It’s time we give voters a chance to protect our Constitution.”