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Press Release: Rep. Rowden Leads Republican Efforts on Ethics Reform

NEWS

From the Office of

Representative Caleb Rowden

44th District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 15, 2014

CONTACT: Representative Caleb Rowden

(573) 424-5600

Rep. Rowden Leads Republican Efforts on Ethics Reform

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Representative Caleb Rowden (R-Columbia) has filed HB 188 that would ban individual lobbyist gifts, tighten reporting requirements and strengthen state ethics laws. Rowden’s bill is one proposal among several ethics bills House Republicans are advancing this year.

Under existing law, Missouri legislators may accept unlimited lobbyist gifts; Rowden’s bill bans individual lobbyist gifts in an effort to solidify the public’s trust in the legislative process. Lobbyists and their clients are also active campaign contributors, so HB 188 would require statewide office holders and members of the legislature to disclose any campaign contribution exceeding $500 made during the legislative session within 48 hours.

Under Rowden’s leadership, other ideas being advanced by House Republicans today include a revolving door rule to prevent departing legislators from immediately returning to lobby their former coworkers, as well as stronger donor reporting rules for so-called non-profit groups that spend money to influence Missouri elections.

“Voters are hungry for greater accountability and transparency in government,” said Rowden. “The reforms my colleagues and I are proposing would have a lasting, positive impact on the way business is conducted in Jefferson City. Missouri House Republicans are serious about passing functional reforms in the 2015 session, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance those reforms.

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