Missouri House Bill HR3879

Missouri 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/7/26

Caption

Authorizes a House committee selected by the Speaker pursuant to House Rule 63 to introduce articles of impeachment against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins upon a finding of good cause

Impact

The passage of HR3879 could significantly impact the governance of Missouri by setting a precedent for the impeachment of statewide elected officials, emphasizing accountability in the execution of their responsibilities. The resolution reflects a growing tension between the state's legislative actions and the enforcement of voting rights, which could lead to an increased frequency of similar resolutions should the committee proceed with impeachment articles. This heightened scrutiny on the Secretary of State could also make future electoral processes in Missouri more contentious.

Summary

House Resolution 3879 authorizes a committee selected by the Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives to introduce articles of impeachment against Secretary of State Denny Hoskins. This resolution comes in response to allegations regarding Hoskins' actions that are deemed to obstruct the democratic process, particularly around a referendum petition related to House Bill 1. The resolution cites violations of constitutional duties and an affront to democratic principles as grounds for impeachment.

Contention

The contention surrounding HR3879 primarily arises from differing political views on Secretary Hoskins' conduct and the broader implications of his alleged obstruction of a referendum process. Supporters of the impeachment argue that Hoskins' actions violated constitutional provisions by impeding the right of citizens to vote on legislation passed by the General Assembly. Opponents might view the resolution as politically motivated, aiming to undermine a Republican officeholder's actions in a politically charged environment, thus raising questions about the use of impeachment as a political tool.