Municipal entities can join Mo. ballot lawsuit

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Municipal League can join a lawsuit over an eminent domain ballot measure. They are seeking to keep the proposed restrictions off the November ballot.

The secretary of state's office ruled last month that supporters of two proposed constitutional amendments on eminent domain didn't gather enough signatures. The measure's backers have sued to challenge that. The proposed restrictions would bar the use of eminent domain by nongovernment entities and for private use.

Cole County Judge Richard Callahan on Tuesday allowed the Chamber of Commerce, Municipal League and other entities to join the lawsuit. Those groups argue that the proposed constitutional amendments would hinder economic growth and infrastructure projects, and they want to keep it off the November ballot.