Ethics Bill Lands on Governor Nixon’s Desk

The first bill in a package of proposals aimed at tightening ethics laws for lawmakers is now on Governor Jay Nixon’s desk. The State Senate voted 32-to-0 Tuesday to ban lawmakers and statewide elected officials from working as paid political consultants while they are in office. The House approved the bill earlier this month. The legislation would prohibit office holders from getting paid to plan campaign strategies, fundraise or coordinate advertising. However, it would allow politicians to enter into contracts with campaigns as long as their businesses are not ordinarily involved in politics.