Jefferson City, Mo. — Secretary of State Jason Kander today announced an initiative petition relating to state health insurance program for Missouri residents met state standards for circulation.
The official ballot title for initiative petition 2016-063 reads:
Shall Missouri law be amended to:
- require the state to offer health insurance to individuals to cover medically necessary treatments and procedures;
- charge premiums and set out-of-pocket maximums to individuals who sign up for this state-issued insurance; and
- allow the state to issue bonds to pay start-up costs and budget shortfalls?
The program is required to be revenue neutral. Therefore no costs or savings are expected for state and local governmental entities.
The petition, which would amend Chapter 192 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, was submitted by Winston Apple, 15517 East 40thSt. S., Independence, MO 64055.
Before any statutory changes can be brought before Missouri voters in the November 2016 election, signatures must be obtained from registered voters equal to five (5) percent of the total votes cast in the 2012 governor’s election from six of the state’s eight congressional districts.
Signatures on behalf of all initiative petitions for the 2016 ballot are due to the secretary of state’s office by no later than 5 p.m. onMay 8, 2016.
Before circulating petitions, state law requires that groups must first have the form of their petition approved by the secretary of state and attorney general. The secretary of state then prepares a summary statement of no more than 100 words, and the state auditor prepares a fiscal impact statement, both of which are subject to the approval of the attorney general. When both statements are approved, they become the official ballot title.
