Jefferson City, Missouri, August 3, 2025

News Summary

In a significant legal move, two Republican lawmakers and an activist have filed a lawsuit against the recently passed Senate Bill 3 in Missouri. They argue that the bill, which allocates up to $1.5 billion in state tax funds for stadium construction for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals, violates state constitutional provisions. Claiming the legislation is a grant of public funds to private entities, the plaintiffs seek to prevent its implementation and ensure adherence to constitutional guidelines in the legislative process.

Jefferson City, Missouri – Lawsuit Filed Against Stadium Funding Bill

Two Republican state lawmakers, Senator Mike Moon and Representative Bryant Wolfin, along with activist Ron Calzone, have filed a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court on July 31, 2025. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of Senate Bill 3, which was enacted during a special session in June 2025. The bill authorizes up to $1.5 billion in state tax funds for the construction and improvement of stadiums used by the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

The legislation was supported by Governor Mike Kehoe, who advocated for the bill to prevent the possibility of the NFL and MLB teams relocating to Kansas. However, Moon and Wolfin argue that the financial support provided in this bill constitutes an unconstitutional grant of public funds to private entities, thereby violating the state’s constitution.

The lawsuit claims that Senate Bill 3 violates constitutional requirements by combining unrelated subjects into one piece of legislation, which is not permissible under state law. Plaintiffs are looking to have the bill declared unconstitutional and are requesting that it be blocked from taking effect.

In their arguments, the lawmakers contend that the bill essentially acts as a “direct gift or bribe” to team owners and provides financial support to wealthy business enterprises at the expense of the public. They indicated that the funding mechanism is problematic because it would divert tax revenues from economic activities tied to the teams, including ticket sales and merchandise, to service the bonds issued for stadium construction.

Moreover, the plaintiffs argue that the bill’s title, which focuses on “modifications relating to taxation,” is misleading and vague, obscuring the true nature of the funding it seeks to put in place. They also highlight concerns of potential inequities, as certain teams are favored for funding while others, such as local soccer teams, are excluded.

The lawsuit names Governor Kehoe and Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey as defendants, with the Attorney General’s office currently reviewing the file. In the context of this case, the plaintiffs are not only seeking to challenge the legality of the bill but are also advocating for a judicial ruling to clarify constitutional practices in Missouri’s legislative process.

Additional Provisions of Senate Bill 3

Senate Bill 3 includes provisions beyond sports funding, such as disaster relief tax credits and campaign finance adjustments. The plaintiffs argue that these additional measures stray from the original intent of the legislation related to public funding for sporting facilities.

Moon and Wolfin had previously voted against Senate Bill 3, citing constitutional concerns when the bill was under consideration. Their current legal action aims to reinforce the necessity for adherence to constitutional guidelines in the legislative process.

Funding for the lawsuit is being provided by the Article 3 Institute, an organization founded by Ron Calzone.

Conclusion

The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for future funding arrangements involving public money and private enterprises in Missouri, particularly concerning sports facilities and related legislation.

FAQs

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Improvement Plans for Hazardous Railroad Crossing in Kansas City
UMKC Athletics Celebrates Achievements Amid Challenges
Election Boards Seek Delay in Frank White Recall Vote
Missouri Governor Announces $50.8 Billion Budget Cuts
Historic Kansas City Building Listed for Sale at $2.49 Million
Brandon Haggard Rejoins EDCKC to Drive Economic Development
Future of Kansas City Chiefs and Royals Stadiums Discussed
Kansas City Wins Legal Battle Over Public Health Funding
Kansas City Lottery Player Wins $55,558
Kansas City Experiences Transformative Development Boom

Additional Resources

• Missouri Independent
• KCTV5
• KSHB
• KBIA
• Kansas City Star
• Wikipedia: Constitution of Missouri
• Google Search: Missouri stadium funding lawsuit
• Google Scholar: Missouri stadium funding lawsuit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lawsuit
• Google News: Missouri stadium funding lawsuit

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.