MO SJR42

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article V establishing that Missouri courts' "paramount responsibility" is ensuring individuals can exercise rights enumerated in the state Constitution

Requires courts to presume laws, regulations, or policies that limit constitutional rights are unconstitutional, giving no deference to government assertions about their meaning or purpose

Government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any challenged restriction is necessary to prevent a specific, non-speculative threat to public health and safety AND represents the least restrictive means available

Courts must interpret constitutional rights using the broadest scope consistent with plain meaning, resolving ambiguities based on how voters would have understood the language when ratified

Judges who fail to comply with these procedures would be subject to impeachment, and the amendment would be submitted to voters at the November 2016 general election