Missouri would restrict entity spending in state elections

Covered entities would not have the power to spend money or anything valuable to support or oppose candidates or ballot questions in Missouri. The rules cover Missouri-created entities, certain entities formed elsewhere that do business or hold property in Missouri, and certain trusts. They exclude individuals acting only on their own, the state and specified public bodies. The restriction does not cover genuine news, commentary, or editorials unless the publisher is owned or controlled by a candidate, political party, or political committee. Political committees organized under state or federal election laws may spend as those laws allow. The act would take effect January 1, 2027. Political spending power could not be granted after that date.

An entity that uses political spending power not granted by the state would lose state-granted legal protections. This applies to a covered entity that exercises political spending power the state has not granted. Lost protections would include limited liability, which can shield owners from responsibility for an entity’s debts. The entity could regain protections only after returning all money or value spent, certifying future compliance, and meeting any other conditions set by law. These rules would take effect January 1, 2027.

Foreign entities that undertake, fund, or direct political spending in Missouri would count as doing business in the state for enforcement. This applies to entities organized under another jurisdiction that undertake, fund, or direct acts that count as political spending power in Missouri. The rule applies when the entity acts directly or indirectly. This rule would take effect January 1, 2027.