The members of the Missouri House came together this week to make substantive ethics reform a top priority for the 2018 legislative session. The House gave initial approval to gift ban legislation that is similar to bills that received bipartisan House approval in both 2016 and 2017, but failed to secure final passage in the Senate.
This year's version of the bill is meant to limit the influence lobbyists have on legislators by implementing a strict ban on gifts. Currently, Missouri is one of only 10 states to have no limit or ban on gifts from lobbyists. The bill approved by the House would prohibit lobbyists from paying for things like steak dinners, tickets to sporting events and concerts, and travel and lodging expenses. The sponsor of the bill said it is meant to restore the public's trust in its elected officials by eliminating any appearance of impropriety and banning all gifts that could give a lobbyist undue influence.
The bill does contain common sense exceptions that would still allow lobbyists to make expenditures to the entire General Assembly. The exception would allow for events to which every member of the House and Senate are invited at least three days in advance. The sponsor explained the exception is meant to allow for grassroots-driven events where large groups of Missourians have the opportunity to meet with all members of the legislature. The bill also contains an exception that would allow a legislator to receive an award or accept flowers for the funeral of a loved one without breaking the law.
The bill now awaits a final vote in the House before moving to the Senate for consideration.
As always, it is an honor to serve the good folks of the 153rd District. If you would like to discuss any issue, please call 573-751-1066 or you can e-mail me at steve.cookson@house.mo.gov.