( KTRS ) The Missouri Senate has backed a proposal to stop the practice of lobbyists paying for catered events for groups of elected officials. Senators voted 19-8 Tuesday for a proposal to stop group spending by lobbyists.

Some senators criticized a practice of lobbyists regularly catering meals for lawmakers at the Capitol.

Republican Sen. Rob Schaaf of St. Joseph says, lobbyist spending can lead to a pay-to-play system that gives lobbyists easier access to legislators.

The change was part of a larger debate in the Legislature over tightening the state’s lax ethics laws following recent resignations of lawmakers accused of inappropriate behavior.