JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri senators have stripped a one-year ban on lobbying from a bill that’s part of an effort to repair public trust in government.
Senators approved the change 18-14 Thursday.
The Senate version of the bill originally would have required elected officials to wait one year after their terms expire before becoming lobbyists.
Under the current version, lawmakers could immediately lobby after their terms end.
Supporters say a goal of closing the so-called revolving door is to limit the potential influence of former lawmakers lobbying colleagues.
The push to tighten Missouri ethics laws follows the resignations of two lawmakers who left office last year amid allegations of inappropriate behavior toward interns.
Another lawmaker, Rep. Don Gosen, resigned Wednesday and cited rumors about “some personal issues.”