Missouri Senate uses rare move to approve abortion ballot measure, sick leave repeal
Matthew Sanders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri Senate Republicans opted for a rarely used procedural measure Wednesday to stop debate and force votes on a ballot measure that would repeal Amendment 3, which enshrined abortion rights in the state constitution, and a bill to repeal voter-approved sick leave requirements.
Republican leaders put forward a “previous question” motion to end debate late Wednesday afternoon on the abortion question and a repeal of Proposition A — a move last used in 2020. The motion was approved 22-11 and forced a vote on HJR 73, which has already been approved by the House.
After approving HJR 73, the Senate then forced a vote on a bill to repeal a voter-approved requirement that employers provide workers with paid sick leave. The Senate immediately adjourned after approving the bill.
The sick leave measure now goes to the governor for his signature after passing the Senate with support from the Republican supermajority. The abortion measure will appear on next year’s ballot.
State Sen. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia) voted against both measures. He was also a major player in Democratic efforts during the session to block a vote on the abortion bill and Proposition A repeal. Those efforts failed Wednesday with the previous question, also called the “nuclear option,” twice.
Yelling broke out from protesters in the Senate gallery after the vote on HJR 73. The Senate leader then instructed the sergeant-at-arms to clear the gallery. The Senate then took up the bill on sick leave, again using the previous question.
Voters approved Amendment 3, which established a right to “reproductive rights,” in November 2024. Republicans in the General Assembly maintain that voters were tricked by the ballot question’s language.
They also approved Proposition A, which increased the state’s minimum wage and instituted a requirement that employers provide workers with paid sick leave.
The repeal includes an emergency clause to make it take effect immediately.
Planned Parenthood is organizing a noon rally outside the Capitol to protest the abortion vote.
Check back for more on this breaking story.