Missouri House Bill HB1999

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/26
• Refer: 1/22/26

Caption

Prohibits paying circulators for initiative petitions

Impact

The introduction of HB1999 impacts Missouri state law by establishing stricter requirements for those who wish to circulate petitions. Circulators will now be required to register with the Secretary of State and must personally swear an affidavit regarding their signature collection. Anyone who is found to have a past conviction for forgery will be disqualified from serving as a circulator. These requirements aim to enhance the accountability of petition circulators and reduce the risk of fraudulent signature collection, thus bolstering public trust in the initiative process.

Summary

House Bill 1999 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding initiative petition circulators in the state of Missouri. The bill aims to repeal existing statutory provisions in sections 116.040 and 116.080, replacing them with new regulations that emphasize the integrity of signature collection processes. One of the key provisions of HB1999 makes it illegal for petition circulators to be compensated financially for their work, effectively requiring all petitioners to gather signatures on a volunteer basis. This change is likely to impact the dynamics of how initiatives are proposed and pushed forward in the state.

Contention

There has been contention surrounding HB1999 as critics argue it may hinder the ability of grassroots organizations to effectively mobilize support for initiatives. By prohibiting payment to circulators, the bill is seen by some as an effort to restrict access to the initiative process, particularly disadvantaging groups that rely on paid circulators to gather necessary signatures efficiently. Supporters, however, argue that the bill is a necessary measure to prevent fraudulent practices within the petition process, protecting the democratic process from manipulation.