Proposes a constitutional amendment prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ken Jamison

Prohibits disability-based discrimination across public, private, and government services as a constitutional standard in Missouri.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#civilrights #constitutionalamendments #disabilities

Summary of HJR 193 (Missouri) – 2026 Session

Purpose and intent

HJR 193 proposes a constitutional amendment to protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of disability.

As a Joint Resolution (HJR), it would propose a change to the Missouri Constitution, rather than statute, requiring consideration by voters to become binding law.

Key provisions (provisions would be reflected if adopted into the Constitution)

Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in contexts defined by the amendment (for example, public accommodations, employment, housing, or government services). The exact scope would be specified in the text of the proposed constitutional amendment.

Establishes that discrimination on the basis of disability is contrary to the Missouri Constitution, creating a constitutional standard to challenge discriminatory practices.

Provisions affecting who/what is impacted

Individuals with disabilities: The amendment is designed to provide explicit constitutional protection against discriminatory treatment.

Public entities and private actors: Depending on the final language, protections could apply to government agencies, workplaces, schools, businesses offering services to the public, housing providers, and other entities subject to constitutional challenges.

Legal system: Creates or reinforces a constitutional basis for lawsuits, injunctions, or other remedies when discrimination based on disability is found.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and first reading: February 24, 2026.

Second reading: February 25, 2026.

Referral to committee: May 15, 2026 (Emerging Issues (H) committee).

As a constitutional amendment, the bill would require clearance by both chambers and, ultimately, voter ratification to amend the Missouri Constitution. The typical process would include committee consideration, passage by both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate, followed by submission to voters in a statewide election.

Additional notes

The bill lists a co-sponsor: Ken Jamison.

Details such as the precise scope (which entities and actions are covered), the enforcement mechanisms (remedies, standards, and exceptions), and any transitional provisions would be defined in the official text of the constitutional amendment. The current summary reflects the bill’s stated goal to prohibit disability-based discrimination at the constitutional level.

If you’d like, I can incorporate the exact language from the proposed amendment (once available) to provide a more granular section-by-section analysis.