Missouri appeals court keeps tax overhaul on Aug. 4 ballot with revised summary
The proposal directing lawmakers to eliminate the state income tax by expanding or increasing sales taxes will remain on the Aug. 4 ballot but the summary voters will see must be changed, the Missouri Western District Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
The decision, which is subject to appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court, upholds the ruling of Cole County Circuit Judge Christopher Limbaugh that the plan meets constitutional requirements. But the appeals court rejected Limbaugh’s opinion that the ballot summary is fair and sufficient.
If an appeal is filed and the Missouri Supreme Court takes the case, it would have to hear arguments and deliver a decision on Monday or Tuesday. The final day under state law for courts to make changes to the primary ballot is Tuesday.
Gov. Mike Kehoe announced May 22 that he would put the constitutional amendment, his top legislative priority for the year, on the August primary election ballot. Amendment 5 would require lawmakers to set revenue growth triggers for cuts to the top state income tax rate. To speed the process, it would allow a five-year window for bills that would add sales tax to goods and services currently exempt.
https://missouriindependent.com/2026/06/05/missouri-appeals-court-keeps-tax-overhaul-on-aug-4-ballot-with-revised-summary/