From Ron Calzone:
BREAKING! The first of a series of challenges to unconstitutional multi-subject bills bears fruit in Cole County court.
Judge Stumpe just found 2024 HB 2062 to be unconstitutional on all counts.
That includes clear title, single subject, and original purpose violations. (Article III, Sections 21 & 23) Amazingly, he also found that HB 2062 violates the Missouri and federal constitutions contracts clause.
Mike Moon’s long time position on these log-rolled bills is vindicated. He is quoted in the judgment three or four times (Because of the constitutional objection letter filed at the bill signing.)
The bill started out relating to moratoriums on eviction proceedings, and it ended up including everything from business licenses to electric vehicles, and even deed restrictions that prohibit the ownership or pasturing of up to six chickens.
(It’s a shame that Rep. Chris Brown’s very good underlying bill got loaded up in the Senate. Legislators need to learn how to protect their bills BEFORE they file them. Contact me if you want some tips about how to do so.)
There are a handful of other similar challenges to bills passed in 2024 and 2025, including two that the Article III Institute is financially facilitating.
Here’s the judgment link: https://www.courts.mo.gov/fv/c/Judgment%20-%2024AC-CC07532.PDF?courtCode=19&di=3701045