Missouri House member Rory Ellinger, of St. Louis County, has died after a battle against liver cancer.
Lawmakers announced Ellinger's death Wednesday in Jefferson City. He was 72.
The Democrat had announced last month that he would not seek re-election because of his health, and he had not been at the Capitol recently. Ellinger's failing health sparked quick action by lawmakers to pass his legislation that could allow nursing mothers to be excused from jury duty.
Nixon signed the bill into law last Thursday during a ceremony with Ellinger in his home town of University City.
Ellinger was elected to the House in 2010.
