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Missouri lawmaker cites business while resigning

A Missouri lawmaker who resigned just one minute before new lobbying limits took effect says he quit in order to focus on private-sector business possibilities.

Democratic Rep. Courtney Allen Curtis, of Ferguson, resigned at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday. That was one minute before a voter-approved amendment took effect requiring lawmakers to wait two years before registering as lobbyists.

State law had required only a six-month lobbyist waiting period.

Curtis said Thursday that the timing was intentional. He said he's starting an online sports-experience marketing company and wants to pursue a grant from a state-funded entity.

Curtis said he doesn't foresee himself registering as a lobbyist but wants to leave open that possibility if necessary.

Several other lawmakers also resigned in the days leading up to the lobbying amendment taking effect.

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