A proposed ban on lobbyist gifts to Missouri lawmakers and other public officials has approval from a House panel.
Current law allows lobbyists to give unlimited gifts to legislators and other officials. Republican Rep. Justin Alferman's bill would prohibit that. On Tuesday, members of a House committee voted unanimously in favor of the legislation. No one testified against the bill.
Lobbyists still could pay for events if all lawmakers and statewide elected officials are invited in writing. The bill is one of the latest to move forward amid a series of ethics proposals.
Legislative leaders say changing ethics policy is a priority following the resignations last year of two lawmakers accused of inappropriate behavior toward interns. The gift-ban bill now goes to the full House.
