MO HJR38

Submits to Missouri voters a proposed amendment to Section 7 of Article I of the state Constitution for the general election on Tuesday following the first Monday in November 2012, or at a special election called by the governor.

Repeals the existing constitutional prohibition on public treasury funds being used in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination and replaces it with language allowing the General Assembly to provide grants, scholarships, loans, or other assistance to students and parents for education at any accredited elementary or secondary school, including religious schools.

Retains the original constitutional language prohibiting preference or discrimination based on religious affiliation while adding an exception permitting state financial aid to religious educational institutions under the same terms as other schools.

Sets the official ballot title as: "Shall the Constitution of the State of Missouri be amended in a manner consistent with the First Amendment to the United States Constitution so as to prevent discrimination in the distribution of public funds by allowing religious people and institutions to receive aid on the same terms as everyone else?"