The resolution has been heavily criticized by pro-democracy groups, including organizations like Show Me Integrity and Conservatives Against Corruption.

“Politicians and special interests in Jefferson City are trying to take away majority rule and have an attack on the people’s power to hold our leaders accountable through the initiative petition process,” Singer said.

Daniel Romine works with Conservatives Against Corruption and says Missouri Republicans are actively trying to roll back an important right of citizens.

“We have extremist politicians that feel like their bully pulpit is threatened when people are governing the laws. And these hearings are meant to figure ways to diminish the voice of the people,” said Daniel Romine, a board member of Show Me Integrity.

Associated Press: Higher bar for Missouri ballot measures OK’d by state House

“Missouri’s 115-year-old ballot measure process allows voters to circumvent partisan divides in Jefferson City and directly get things done for the people,” said Rob Schaaf, co-founder of Conservatives Against Corruption, in a statement. “The General Assembly should not support misguided efforts to erode this process.”