Federal appeals court rules against Missouri’s waiting period for ex-lawmakers to lobby

Associated Press

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A federal court has ruled against a Missouri ban on lawmakers taking lobbying jobs shortly after leaving office. The 8th District Court of Appeals on Monday ruled Missouri’s ethics law violated the free-speech rights of former legislators-turned-lobbyists. Missouri had required a two-year delay for former lawmakers and staffers before they could take lucrative lobbying jobs. Supporters argued the cooling-off period would prevent lawmakers from misusing their influence to land well-paying lobbying gigs, instead of focusing on the needs of constituents. But the appeals panel says the mere possibility of corruption doesn’t justify violating free speech.