Missouri Ethics Commission, et al. Missouri Cases

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry sought a declaratory judgment against the Missouri Ethics Commission, challenging its interpretation of the Missouri Campaign Contribution Reform Initiative of 2016 (Amendment 2). The Chamber argued that Amendment 2 allows corporations to contribute treasury funds to political action committees (PACs) they establish and maintain. The trial court denied the Chamber's request, concluding that Amendment 2 prohibits such contributions. The appellate court affirmed, holding that the plain and ordinary meaning of Amendment 2, read in its entirety, prohibits corporations from contributing their own funds to their connected PACs.