The Missouri Legislature once again has failed to pass bills aimed at clamping down on ethics laws considered some of the loosest in the nation.
A bill aimed at preventing lawmakers from leaving office and immediately becoming lobbyist failed to pass before the May 15th legislative deadline. The breakdown of this year's ethics proposals means Missouri for at least another year will remain the only state with the trio of unlimited campaign contributions, uncapped lobbyist gifts and no laws limiting lawmakers from becoming lobbyists.
While legislative leaders said they'll try again next session, some residents are making moves to sidestep the Legislature.
Three initiative petitions to institute campaign contribution limits have so far been filed. Bills for donation caps did not progress in the General Assembly this year.