MO voters to decide on Amendment 6

by Melanie Chance

Missouri voters will be facing a number of amendments on November 5, including the lesser-known but significant Amendment 6. This amendment focuses on the levying of costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of law enforcement personnel, including sheriffs, former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, former prosecuting attorneys, circuit attorneys, and former circuit attorneys. While some argue that this amendment could lead to the reinstatement of incentives tied to pension contributions based on the volume of arrests and prosecutions, others believe that it could have potential impacts on the administration of justice and the criminal justice system. Voters must be informed about all aspects of the amendments on the ballot in order to make well-considered decisions. Missouri Amendment 6, Levying of Fees to Support Salaries of Law Enforcement Personnel Amendment, was passed by the voters once. However, the Missouri Supreme Court felt that it was too vague and wanted it to be brought back to the voters for further consideration. This amendment has sparked significant debate, and it is crucial for voters to thoroughly understand its implications before making their decision at the polls.

Missouri Amendment 6, Levying of Fees to Support Salaries of Law Enforcement Personnel Amendment

A “no” vote opposes amending the Missouri Constitution to define the administration of justice to include the levying of costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of sheriffs, former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, former prosecuting attorneys, circuit attorneys, and former circuit attorneys.

A “yes” vote supports amending the Missouri Constitution to define the administration of justice to include the levying of costs and fees to support the salaries and benefits of sheriffs, former sheriffs, prosecuting attorneys, former prosecuting attorneys, circuit attorneys, and former circuit attorneys.

Ballot Question

Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to preserve funding of law enforcement personnel for the administration of justice?

Arguments against

The Reason Foundation:

“Senate Joint Resolution 71 would reinstate a set of perverse incentives that tie pension contributions to the volume of arrests, prosecutions, and other aspects of the criminal justice system.”

Arguments in favor

State Sen. Rusty Black (R):

“Senate Joint Resolution 71, a resolution that I filed, would ask voters to enshrine into the state’s constitution that sheriffs play a crucial role in the administration of justice, which would ensure a robust retirement fund for sheriffs as they approach the end of their careers.”

Refercences:https://ballotpedia.org/Sample_Ballot_Lookup