Amendments to Missouri Constitution: What’s Next?
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office has officially certified the results of the state’s November 2024 general election, paving the way for three voter-approved constitutional amendments to be added to the Missouri Constitution. These amendments address critical issues such as sports betting legalization, abortion protections, and voting rights.
Amendment 2: Legalizing Sports Betting
Amendment 2 grants the Missouri Gaming Commission the authority to regulate sports betting and issue licenses to Missouri casinos, online platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, or professional sports teams such as the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs. The amendment sets a deadline for sports betting to be available to individuals aged 21 and above by December 1, 2025.
While the timeline appears clear, various factors could impact the official launch of sports betting in Missouri, including the establishment of regulations, licensing procedures, and operational guidelines by the Missouri Gaming Commission. Amendment 2 passed by a slim margin in the recent election, with opponents having the option to request a recount within the next seven days.
Amendment 3: Reproductive Health Rights
Amendment 3 aims to repeal Missouri’s near-total abortion ban, granting individuals the fundamental right to make decisions regarding reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives. This amendment could lead to legal challenges and court battles to overturn existing bans, with organizations like Planned Parenthood already taking steps to challenge the current legislation.
The passage of Amendment 3 by a significant margin in the election indicates broad public support for reproductive health rights. However, potential legal hurdles, such as jurisdictional disputes, may delay the implementation of this critical amendment.
Amendment 7: Voting Rights and Ranked-Choice Voting
Amendment 7 seeks to explicitly limit voting rights to U.S. citizens in Missouri and ban ranked-choice voting in future elections. Additionally, it establishes that the candidate with the most votes in a party’s primary will be the sole representative of that party on the general election ballot.
Unlike the other amendments, Amendment 7 faces fewer procedural obstacles due to its origin in the Missouri legislature. The amendment passed with overwhelming support in the election, indicating a clear mandate from voters. With no reported legal challenges, it is expected to take effect in the upcoming Missouri election scheduled for February 4, 2025.
In conclusion, the certification of these amendments marks a significant step forward for Missouri, addressing key issues and reflecting the will of the voters. As Missouri prepares to implement these changes, the impact on sports betting, reproductive health rights, and voting procedures will be closely watched. Stay tuned for updates on the progress and implications of these important constitutional amendments.
