Missouri Faces Lawsuit Over Stadium Subsidy Bill

Two Missouri lawmakers and a resident have filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 3, which provides over $1 billion in subsidies and tax incentives to retain the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals amid competing offers from Kansas. The plaintiffs claim the bill grants public funds to private entities without a clear public benefit, constitutes a special law, contains multiple subjects, and lacks a clear title in violation of the Missouri Constitution. Missouri's proposal would cover about 50% of stadium costs, while Kansas has offered up to 70%, intensifying competition to keep the teams, whose leases at the Truman Sports Complex expire in 2031. The lawsuit, which names Governor Mike Kehoe and the Missouri Attorney General as defendants, seeks to have the bill declared unconstitutional or blocked. Critics argue the bill's appropriations are direct gifts or bribes to team owners. The case remains ongoing, with no court date set.