Imagine casting your vote for a new law, watching it pass by a solid majority only to see politicians strike it down months later. That’s exactly what just happened here in Missouri. Lawmakers voted to repeal the sick leave mandate approved by 57% of voters last November. But how can politicians undo the will of the people?
Turns out, Missouri law makes it easier than you might think. Because Proposition A was passed as a statutory change (rather than a constitutional amendment), the legislature has full authority to modify or repeal it. Unlike constitutional amendments, which require another public vote to change, regular laws passed by ballot initiatives can be undone like any other piece of legislation even if the public overwhelmingly supported them.
57% of Voters Backed Paid Sick Leave but Politicians Repealed It Just Months Later. Should That Even Be Possible?
Beyond the legal mechanics, this move raises big questions about democracy and governance:
- Does the will of the voters still matter if elected officials can overturn it so quickly?
- Should Missouri make it harder for the legislature to override ballot initiatives?
- How will this affect future efforts to pass progressive policies through direct democracy?
The repeal now heads to the Missouri Senate, where it’s expected to pass. Meanwhile, a separate legal challenge could also strike down Prop A entirely, arguing it violated Missouri’s ballot initiative rules. If that happens, the courts, not just the legislature, could decide the fate of the voter-approved law.
