The challenge to the constitutionality of a law passed and signed into law in 2006 has had its day in the State Supreme Court. It’s a challenge to House Bill 1900, which impacts campaign contributions including a ban on statewide office, state representative or state senator from accepting contributions during the legislative session. It also disqualifies tax delinquents from candidacy.
Former and perhaps future General Assembly candidate James Trout claims the legislation violates the original purpose rule and single-subject rule in the Missouri Constitution. That’s his main complaint, and attorney Chuck Hatfield told the Supreme Court that’s really the big issue in this case.
Assistant Attorney General Alana Barragan-Scott, arguing for the state, insisted the single-subject rule is flexible enough to take into account subjects that, while not identical, are similar enough to avoid a violation. She adds the law being challenged is not even close to a violation, which would only happen if it contained provisions not fairly related to the subject expressed in the title, if it did not have a natural connection to it, or is not a means to accomplish the law’s purpose.
Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)
