MO SB967

Allows citizens to propose ordinances in cities, towns, and villages by petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters who voted in the last municipal election, with the full text of the proposed ordinance included in the petition.

Requires the city or village clerk to verify petition signatures within 10 days, with one opportunity to amend if insufficient; if verified, the governing body must either pass the ordinance within 20 days or submit it to voters.

Automatically triggers voter referendum if a petition reaches 25% or more of registered voters, requiring immediate submission to voters rather than waiting for the next municipal election.

Prevents ordinances passed by the council from taking effect for 10 days, and allows voters to petition to suspend ordinances during this period if signed by at least 25% of registered voters; suspended ordinances must be approved by voters to take effect.

Applies initiative petition and protest procedures uniformly across different municipal charter types: cities, towns, villages, special charter municipalities, and constitutional charter cities.