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HB 1858

Adds provisions relating to quo warranto judgments

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Butz

Missouri HB 1858 would permanently ban anyone convicted in a quo warranto case from holding, being appointed to, or appearing on the ballot for the implicated office.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 1858

Overview

Missouri House Bill 1858 (2026) would modify the treatment of quo warranto judgments. Specifically, it replaces the current statute text with a provision that permanently bars a person on whom a quo warranto judgment has been entered from holding, being appointed to, or appearing on any ballot for the office related to the judgment.

Main purpose and intent

  • To provide a clear, permanent disqualification from future consideration for the specific office in which a quo warranto judgment has been issued.
  • To strengthen consequences for persons found guilty of usurpation, intrusion into, or unlawful holding and execution of an office or franchise.

Key provisions and changes

  • Repeals existing Section 531.050 and enacts a new Section 531.050 with the same section number for continuity.
  • When a person is adjudged guilty in a quo warranto proceeding for usurpation or unlawful holding/executing of an office or franchise:
    • The court may issue a judgment of ouster against the person.
    • The court may assess and award costs to the relator (the person bringing the action) and/or the defendant, depending on the judgment.
    • Crucially, the bill adds a permanent ban provision: the person against whom the quo warranto judgment is entered shall be permanently barred from holding, being appointed to, or appearing on any ballot for the office for which the judgment was entered.
  • The bill preserves the potential for costs shifting, consistent with current practice, but with the added permanent disqualification focus.

Who would be affected

  • Individuals who are subject to quo warranto proceedings in Missouri and are adjudged to have usurped, intruded into, or unlawfully held/executed an office or franchise.
  • Specifically, those whose quo warranto judgments relate to a particular office would face lifelong disqualification from:
    • Holding that office in the future.
    • Being appointed to that office.
    • Appearing on the ballot for that office.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the 2026 session by Rep. Butz; co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Butz.
  • Action history indicates referral to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026, with prior readings in January 2026.
  • The bill follows a format that modifies a long-standing statutory provision (531.050) by enacting a new version of the section rather than a separate new code section.

Practical considerations and potential impact

  • The permanent ballot and appointment ban would create a strong, lasting consequence for individuals found to have usurped or unlawfully held office.
  • It could affect political turnover and candidate eligibility dynamics by disqualifying individuals from future electoral or appointive opportunities in the implicated office.
  • The measure mirrors prior similar proposals (e.g., HB 1314 from 2025), suggesting a continued legislative interest in tightening quo warranto remedies and penalties.

Notes: The bill text emphasizes the permanent ban language and the traditional quo warranto framework (ouster, cost recovery) while updating the consequences for disqualification from future participation in the related office.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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