SECOND REGULAR SESSION

HOUSE BILL NO. 1830

91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES CUNNINGHAM (Sponsor), BEARDEN AND BARTELSMEYER.

Read 1st time February 6, 2002, and 1000 copies ordered printed.

TED WEDEL, Chief Clerk

4345L.01I

AN ACT

To amend chapter 1, RSMo, by adding thereto new section relating to statutory construction.



Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Chapter 1, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 1.219, to read as follows:

1.219. 1. No existing or future state statute, law, instrument with the force or color of law, or executive order shall be construed, interpreted, or enforced which would violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution or similar provisions of the Constitution of Missouri guaranteeing the fair and equal protection of all Missouri citizens.

2. No existing or future state statute, law, instrument with the force or color of law, or executive order shall be construed, interpreted, or enforced which infringes upon the freedoms of conscience and speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution or similar provisions of the Constitution of Missouri. Furthermore, no state statute, law, instrument with the force or color of law, or executive order shall be utilized to punish individuals or groups of individuals for their personal beliefs, thoughts, or freedom of expression, excluding unlawful acts, conduct, or behavior which is already illegal under federal or state statutes.


Missouri House of Representatives