Missouri Revised Statutes Title VII. Cities, Towns and Villages § 78.573. Ordinances by initiative and referendum, procedure--exceptions--petition protesting an ordinance, procedure for repeal

1. The council may, by ordinance, adopt procedures for the initiative and referendum as provided in this section and section 78.575.

2. Any proposal to adopt an ordinance except an ordinance appropriating money, emergency ordinances and ordinances for the levying of taxes may be submitted to the council by a petition signed by at least twenty-five percent of the registered voters. The signatures, verification, authentication, inspection, certification, amendment and submission of the petition shall be the same as that provided in section 78.270.

3. When a petition to adopt an ordinance is signed by at least twenty-five percent of the registered voters, the council shall pass the ordinance without alteration, within twenty days of the clerk's certification of the petition, or submit it for a vote at the next municipal or state primary or general election. If a majority of the voters voting on the proposed ordinance vote in favor thereof, it shall thereupon become a valid and binding ordinance of the city.

4. If a petition protesting an ordinance, signed by at least twenty-five percent of the registered voters of the city, is presented to the council, the council shall reconsider such ordinance and, if it is not entirely repealed, submit the ordinance to the voters as provided by subsection 3 of this section. Such ordinance shall not remain in effect after the election unless a majority of the voters voting on the same shall vote in favor thereof. The petition shall be submitted, verified and certified in accordance with the provisions of section 78.270. 1