Missouri Bill Would Let Convicted Felons Run for Elected Office

FILE – In this Monday, April 27, 2020, file photo, state Rep. Herman Morse, R-Dexter, wears a protective mask as he sits at his desk in the House chamber in Jefferson City, Mo. Missouri lawmakers on Thursday, May 14 passed a bill to ban the state from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

(MISSOURINET) – Missouri law bans convicted felons from running for office. State Representative Michael Davis, a Republican from Kansas City, is proposing to let felons seek elected office after they complete their prison and supervision time.

State Representative Kevin Windham of Hillsdale, a Democrat, questions why they would have to wait seven years to run for office when he says a convicted felon can get out of prison and have other rights immediately restored. A Missouri House committee is reviewing his bill and could vote soon on the plan.