Missouri to weigh tax expansion and tighter initiative thresholds on August ballot

Gov. Mike Kehoe moved four proposed constitutional amendments to Missouri’s Aug. 4 primary ballot: Amendment 1 extends a 0.1% sales tax for parks and conservation; Amendment 2 would require direct election of county assessors; Amendment 4 would require initiative-petition amendments to win in a majority in every congressional district; Amendment 5 would allow lawmakers to expand sales taxes with revenue tied to cuts in the top income tax rate, giving five years to redefine what’s taxed. Supporters say it modernizes tax policy and competitiveness, while opponents warn of expanded tax power and weakened voter protections; a lawsuit challenges Amendment 5 and timelines are tight for ballot preparation. The August ballot is expected to shape 2026 elections with competitive GOP primaries and the state auditor race, alongside potential measures in November on abortion and redistricting.