Missouri § 115.646 - Public funds expenditure by political subdivision officer or employee, prohibited — personal appearances permitted — violation, penalty.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 115.646 — Public funds expenditure by political subdivision officer or employee, prohibited — personal appearances permitted — violation, penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 115.646. Public funds expenditure by political subdivision officer or employee, prohibited — personal appearances permitted — violation, penalty.
No contribution or expenditure of public funds shall be made directly by any officer, employee, or agent of any political subdivision, special district, or charter school to advocate, support, or oppose the passage or defeat of any ballot measure or the nomination or election of any candidate for public office, or to direct any public funds to, or pay any debts or obligations of, any committee supporting or opposing such ballot measures or candidates. This section shall not be construed to prohibit any public official of a political subdivision, special district, or charter school from making public appearances or from issuing press releases concerning any such ballot measure. Any purposeful violation of this section shall be punished as a class four election offense.
--------
(L. 1988 H.B. 933, et al. § 1, A.L. 2021 H.B. 271 merged with S.B. 86, A.L. 2026 H.B. 1871)
Severability clause, see § 1.1003
(2022) Section regulates the use of public funds, not the speech of political subdivision officials, and thus does not violate the First Amendment. City of Maryland Heights v. State, 638 S.W.3d 895 (Mo.banc).
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2026 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 115.646
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 115.646 cover?
Section 115.646 ("Public funds expenditure by political subdivision officer or employee, prohibited — personal appearances permitted — violation, penalty.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 115.646?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 115.646" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 115.646 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.