MO HB200

Repeals the requirement that state employees resign or obtain leave of absence before running as candidates for partisan or nonpartisan public offices.

Adds explicit protection allowing state employees to voluntarily engage in political activities during non-working hours, including weekends, evenings, leave time, vacation time, or state and federal holidays.

Removes the prohibition on state employees running for nomination or election to partisan political office from section 36.155.

Maintains existing restrictions on using official authority to interfere with elections, soliciting political contributions from subordinate employees, and soliciting political participation from persons with pending matters before the employee's department.

Retains provisions that employees elected to partisan public office cannot be appointed to state positions covered by the merit system.