Judge blocks Amendment 6 from Missouri November ballot, supporters vow appeal

A Missouri judge has blocked a proposed constitutional amendment that would have made it significantly more difficult for state lawmakers to change voter-approved initiatives.

Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green ruled Wednesday that the proposal, known as Amendment 6, violates the Missouri Constitution’s single-subject requirement. Green upheld Secretary of State Denny Hoskins’ decision not to certify the measure for the November ballot.

The proposal, backed by Respect Missouri Voters, would have required support from at least 80% of lawmakers before the Legislature could repeal or amend a law or constitutional amendment approved through the initiative process.

It also would have prevented lawmakers from increasing signature requirements, shortening collection periods or otherwise making it more difficult to qualify citizen initiatives for the ballot.

Green wrote that the proposal made sweeping reforms affecting multiple provisions of the Missouri Constitution.

The judge also agreed Hoskins acted within his authority in determining the measure was legally insufficient.

Respect Missouri Voters launched the effort after lawmakers repealed a voter-approved paid sick leave law and advanced a separate constitutional amendment seeking to overturn abortion rights approved by voters in 2024. The group says it plans to appeal Wednesday’s ruling.

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway called the decision “another victory for democracy,” saying Hoskins acted appropriately by refusing to certify the proposal.

She described Amendment 6 as a “radical proposal” and said the ruling protects Missouri’s republican form of government.

Gov. Mike Kehoe praised the ruling as well.