Missouri lawmaker wants to ban alcohol, tobacco at the Capitol

A Missouri senator this week filed legislation that would ban all meals and gifts from lobbyists to legislators or their staff.

Representative Sheila Solon said the bill would improve the culture at the Capitol, and help improve accountability and transparency in state government.

Solon’s bill would also prohibit alcohol and the use of tobacco in the building.

Further, the legislation would keep former legislators from becoming lobbyists for a two-year period.

Solon said Tuesday, “”These are common sense changes that I’m sure the average Missourian would be stunned to learn are not already in place. My hope is that we can get strong bipartisan support for these reforms that will help strengthen the people’s trust in their elected officials.”