Limits on lobbyist gifts to lawmakers continues to advance through Missouri House

JEFFERSON CITY • The Missouri House moved closer to curbing the influence of lobbyists in the Capitol Thursday, overwhelmingly advancing a proposal that would prohibit them from offering gifts to individual lawmakers.

With a resounding 147-3 perfection vote, the House demonstrated its commitment to make good on Speaker Todd Richardson's vow that restrictions on lobbyist gifts, a priority of Gov. Eric Greitens, would be the first bill out of the House. The measure needs one more vote before advancing to the Senate, where ethics legislation — including a lobbyist gift ban — stalled last session.

But the bill still faced criticism for some of its loopholes.

For example, companies, universities and other interest groups will still be able to pick up the tab for an occasion so long as they invite the entire General Assembly, something they've spent an average of $250,000 on in the past five years.

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