If you are amused by Missouri politics, there are plenty of reasons to sit up and take notice.

A new lawsuit has been filed in Cole County challenging the ballot summary for a proposed constitutional amendment that would change how citizen-led initiative petitions are approved in Missouri. The proposed amendment, approved by lawmakers earlier in the year, will appear on the statewide ballot in 2026 unless the courts direct otherwise. The Supreme Court could ultimately determine the final language voters see on the ballot.

The Cole County courts have also struck down a wide-ranging state law that included provisions on issues ranging from property regulations to business development incentives. The ruling means that at least 11 different measures will need to be reintroduced when we return to Jefferson City in January.

A third lawsuit filed in Cole County raises questions about how far state lawmakers can go in changing laws that affect local governments. The lawsuit argues the state went beyond its authority to regulate unfunded mandates and revenue restrictions imposed by the state on local governments. The courts are expected to take several months to review this case and the outcome could have far-reaching implications.

This third lawsuit could potentially influence future debates in the legislature on subjects like eliminating sales tax on groceries and changing property tax laws. New limits on the legislature’s ability to alter local revenue sources would be a welcome guideline for this law maker.

As your Representative, I am part of this imperfect system of government. With time and experience we get better at our jobs, or at least we should. Unfortunately, after each election cycle we begin the legislative session saying goodbye to the most experienced members of the legislature. At the beginning of each new cycle, the most senior member will begin their final term with only six years of lawmaking experience. The average number of years of experience of all legislators is less than three.

Members are now preparing new legislation for filing and consideration in the next legislative session. The first day of filing is December 1st. Session begins January 7, 2026. Because of the approaching election cycle, legislative debates will be more guarded. Every year I hope we do better than the year before.

If you would like to get in touch with us, your best option is my email Bruce.Sassmann@House.MO.Gov. You can also give us a call. My legislative assistant is Jill Ryals and the office number is 573-751-6668.