Scott Fitzpatrick

State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick says a review of the Children’s Division, which has struggled for years to recruit and retain staff, may not happen right away because of staff constraints in his own office.

A series of proposed amendments to Missouri's constitution seeking to legalize abortion is back in court, this time over the ballot language proposed by the secretary of state and expected costs.

The litigation filed in Cole County uses Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s argument that legalizing abortion will cost the state billions of dollars. State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick concluded that reasoning has no merit.

Cole County Judge Beetem promises fast decision on the case.

The unanimous verdict was scathing in its assessment of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who refused to sign off on the work of Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick. The court concluded that nothing in state law “gives the attorney general authority to question the auditor’s assessment of the fiscal impact of a proposed petition.”

A Cole County judge ruled that Attorney General Andrew Bailey had no authority to demand revisions to Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick’s cost estimate of abortion legalization initiatives.

Proponents of an initiative petition seeking to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution have been unable to begin collecting signatures because of a showdown between the attorney general and state auditor.

Emails show Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick’s office completed its work on the amendment’s cost estimate, but Attorney General Andrew Bailey refused to give what has traditionally been considered perfunctory approval.

Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick refused to acquiesce to a demand by Attorney General Andrew Bailey to increase the estimated cost of the proposed amendment.

The attorney becomes the first person of color to serve in a statewide office. Malek, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson, says he intends to run for the position at the end of this term.