Mo. Supreme Court to consider challenge to gun rights ballot measure

The Missouri Supreme Court will hear a challenge to an Aug. 5 ballot measure that would enhance the state's constitutional right to keep and bear arms.

The court scheduled arguments for July 14 in a case that tests whether it is too late for a judge to order changes to the measure's ballot summary. Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem had dismissed the legal challenge as moot, citing a state law that says courts have no authority to order issues to be placed on the ballot less than six weeks before an election.

An attorney representing those who challenged the measure contends that law should not apply, because the gun measure already is on the ballot. The lawsuit contends the summary fails to note several substantive parts of the measure.