Missouri Measure Would Raise Bar On Constitutional Changes

Missouri Republicans are trying to raise the bar for amending the state Constitution.

A bill debated Wednesday in a state House committee would require support from at least two-thirds of voters to amend Missouri's Constitution.

The current threshold is a majority of voters. Republicans have been trying to make the initiative petition process harder following the recent passage of several Democratic-backed policies, including expanding eligibility for Medicaid.

The proposal discussed Wednesday would also require signatures from 10% of voters in all eight congressional districts to put an issue before voters.

The current standard is 8% of voters from six districts.