A House bill is back this session that would toughen Missouri’s initiative petition process.
State Rep. Brad Banderman, R- St. Clair, is pushing a bill that would tighten signature‑gathering rules, add stricter formatting requirements, and increase penalties for fraud.
He said the measure would also require petition circulators to meet new residency requirements.
“By requiring our circulators to be a citizen, at least 18 years of age, a resident of the state of Missouri, or present in the state for at least 30 days, and register to circulate with the Secretary of State’s office,” said Bonderman.
Kay Park with the League of Women Voters of Missouri opposes the bill. During a House hearing on Monday, she said petitions can already be thrown out under existing restrictions.
“What really matters is how many Missourians want to sign that petition. And when people sign that, it does go back to be evaluated,” said Park. “The current initiative petition process is already very arduous and prohibitive. This bill makes it even more difficult.”
Rep. Dean Van Schoiack, R-Savannah, and Park had this exchange over whether petition circulators should be paid.
“So, you’re fine with someone out of state coming in here and circling petitions and being paid by the signature to do so?” asked Van Schoiack.
“Yes, I would be,” answered Park.
“I find that pretty disgusting. Thank you,” replied Van Schoiack.
The bill was heard in the House committee on elections but has not received a vote yet.
https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2124&year=2026&code=R&style=new
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