Jefferson City, Missouri (KTVI) – A Missouri lawmaker is proposing to repeal a state law that currently prevents people with felony convictions from running for local and state legislators.
Pre-filed by Republican Congressman Michael Davis, who lives in Belton, a suburb of Kansas City. House Bill 318 December 3rd.
The bill, dubbed the “Donald J. Trump Voting Qualifications Act,” would allow people who have committed felonies to run for office in Missouri “if they are eligible.”
In Missouri, convicted felons are allowed to vote and run for federal office after serving their sentences, but they are prohibited from running for local or state office. . Davis calls this a disparity in qualifications to run for various offices.
“I think people who have done bad things should be punished, but people who have served their sentences should be able to reintegrate into society,” he said. “They are citizens. They have the ability to work and pay taxes. And one of the aspects of being a citizen is being represented in government and deciding who should represent you.”
Davis used to Supported the same bill in 2021. The proposal was submitted and referred to the Elections and Elections Officials Committee, but no further discussion took place.
“Based on my limited conversations, there has been some hesitation among members of my party, Republicans, about allowing people who have been convicted of crimes to hold public office,” Davis said in his previous interview. talked about the bill. “This was before this (2024) election…I used to think that all Democrats were in favor of restorative justice. It was members of my party who were hesitant to do so. It was.”
May 30th, Donald Trump convicted of 34 felonies Currently on trial for falsifying business records to cover up hush money. The conviction brings new meaning to Davis' bill, as the former president will be returning to the White House.
“I've had some hesitation with elected officials, and then I remind them, 'Well, I voted for a felon this November. , I'm sure you did too.'' And they say, “Oh, yeah, I guess so.'' “This further highlights that voters are comfortable voting for felons once they know the circumstances.”
Missouri's current law was enacted in 2015.
Davis plans to have further discussions with legislative colleagues on both sides to move the bill forward in the next Congress.
“I don't necessarily believe that people should elect more felons or that they shouldn't elect more felons, but voters should have the option to decide that for themselves. “I think this just gives districts more say in deciding who should be elected to represent them,” he said.
