Missouri Democrats to push ethics reform in 2017

Seven ethics reform bills were filed Tuesday by Missouri house Democrats in an effort to change key policies in state government.

HB 212, filed by Rep. Deb Lavender, D-Kirkwood, would ban all lobbyist gifts with no exceptions. HB 213, filed by Rep. Joe Adams, D-University City, would change the six-month waiting period for certain officials to lobby to a five-year waiting period. HB 214, filed by Rep. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, would ban the use of campaign committee funds for services provided by candidate family members. HB 215, filed by Rep.-elect Mark Ellebracht, D-Liberty, would prevent people no longer actively seeking elective office from maintaining a candidate committee. HB 216, filed by Rep.-elect Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, would extend prosecutorial authority to the Missouri Ethics Commission. HJR 6, filed by Rep.-elect Bruce Franks, D-St. Louis, would prohibit in-session campaign contributions to and solicitations by legislators and statewide office holders. HJR 7, filed by Rep. Kip Kendrick, D-Columbia, would impose term limits for state office holders.

House Minority Whip Kip Kendrick, who represents the 45th District in Columbia, challenged Gov.-elect Eric Greitens to follow through on promises that he made during the campaign.

“Eric Greitens was elected to office with a campaign focused on rooting out corruption in our Capitol,” Kendrick said. “Missourians have every right to demand immediate action and I intend to make sure that Gov.-elect Greitens can deliver on his promise.”

The 99th General Assembly will begin its new session on Jan. 4.