Creates a process for nullification of federal actions
If enacted, SB870 would enable the Missouri legislature to assert state sovereignty by declaring specific federal actions null and void within the state. This could lead to significant changes in how federal laws are enforced in Missouri, as state officials would be prohibited from assisting in the enforcement of federal actions deemed unconstitutional. The bill grants the General Assembly the responsibility to determine the consequences for individuals or offices that violate the provisions of a bill of nullification.
Senate Bill 870, known as the 'Restoring State Sovereignty Through Nullification Act,' introduces a formal process for the state of Missouri to nullify federal actions deemed unconstitutional. This legislation seeks to empower the Missouri General Assembly to evaluate and declare federal laws, policies, and executive orders as exceeding the authority granted to the federal government under the U.S. Constitution. The bill outlines the criteria for such evaluations and stipulates that any federal action not explicitly authorized by the Constitution may be considered unconstitutional.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB870 include concerns about its implications for federal authority and the potential disruption of federal-state relations. Critics argue that this bill could lead to a fragmented enforcement of laws, where designated federal policies might be disregarded within Missouri, thereby undermining the uniformity of federal law across states. Supporters, on the other hand, promote the bill as a necessary step to reclaim state power and uphold constitutional limits on federal authority, reflecting broader national discussions on states’ rights versus federal governance.