JEFFERSON CITY — A courtroom battle over the latest attempt by Missouri Republicans to restrict abortion rights is putting a new law to the test.

Under a statute approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature this spring, Republican Secretary of State Denny Hoskins has three chances to draft ballot language for a proposed constitutional amendment that would repeal the restoration of abortion rights approved by 52% of Missouri voters last year.

On Tuesday, Hoskins first attempt was tossed out by Cole County Circuit Judge Daniel Green, who said the secretary’s proposed description was “insufficient and unfair” and must be revised because it did not notify voters that it would repeal last year’s successful amendment.

Green wrote Hoskins’ summary “fails to adequately alert voters that the propo

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