Any bill that deals with money must originate in which chamber of the Missouri General Assembly?

In the Missouri General Assembly, any bill that pertains to financial matters, such as revenue generation, taxation, or budget appropriations, is required to originate in the House of Representatives. This requirement is rooted in the principle that the body closest to the electorate should have the first opportunity to propose legislation that involves spending public funds.

The rationale for this process is grounded in the tradition of preventing the Senate, which represents a more insulated and longer-term viewpoint, from having the initial power over financial legislation. By allowing the House, which has more frequent elections and thus a greater direct accountability to the constituents, to initiate money-related bills, the legislature promotes a democratic approach to fiscal policy.

This procedural requirement is part of the Missouri Constitution and reflects the state's emphasis on fiscal responsibility and accountability to the voters. Hence, bills focused on the appropriation or allocation of state funds consistently begin in the House of Representatives.