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Read. Follow. Verify.Missouri Creates a Public Constitutional Glossary Process Requiring Voter Approval Starting in 2028
Last action · May 15, 2026: Referred: Emerging Issues(H)Sponsor: Mazzie Christensen
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What This Bill Would Do
Beginning in September 2027, the Missouri Secretary of State will accept public and legislative proposals for constitutional terms, compiling a glossary to appear on the general election ballot starting in 2028 for voter approval.
Residents and lawmakers gain a formal mechanism to propose official, binding definitions for constitutional terms, which will take effect only if approved by a majority of voters in statewide general elections.
- The Missouri Secretary of State administers state elections, oversees the ballot initiative process, and maintains official state records and publications. context
- Constitutional amendments and statewide ballot measures in Missouri require a simple majority of votes cast on the measure to pass. context
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Members of the public
Citizens gain the right to propose terms and definitions for inclusion in the state constitutional glossary.
Secretary of State
The office is required to accept, review, consult on, publish, and place proposed constitutional glossary terms on the ballot.
Attorney General
The office must consult with the secretary of state to review and ensure the neutrality and accuracy of proposed definitions.
Key Facts
- Beginning September 1, 2027, and every odd-numbered year thereafter, the secretary of state must accept public and legislative proposals for constitutional terms.
- Submissions must close on December 31 of each odd-numbered year.
- Proposals must include the precise term, constitutional citations, and a proposed concise, neutral definition.
- The secretary of state, in consultation with the attorney general, must review proposals and ensure definitions are concise, neutral, and accurate, with authority to rewrite them.
Show all 8 facts
- Selected terms must be placed on the general election ballot as ballot measures, beginning with the 2028 general election.
- Terms receiving a simple majority of votes in favor are added to the constitutional glossary.
- Defined terms may be altered or removed through the same proposal and voting process.
- The secretary of state is responsible for maintaining and publishing the final glossary in print and online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can submit terms for the constitutional glossary?
When do submissions open and close?
How are terms officially added to the glossary?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
4 actions- May 15, 2026HouseCommitteeReferred: Emerging Issues(H)
- Jan 8, 2026HouseFloorRead Second Time (H)
- Jan 7, 2026HouseIntroducedRead First Time (H)
- Dec 1, 2025HouseIntroducedPrefiled (H)
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
house.mo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance50How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy25Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment5Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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