HB 255 -- Ethics

Sponsor:  Cunningham (86)

This bill changes the laws regarding campaign finance disclosure
report complaints.  In its main provisions, the bill:

(1)  Requires that the person named in the complaint be given the
complainant's name, address, and telephone number;

(2)  Permits the Missouri Ethics Commission to assess reasonable
investigation and defense costs against persons filing complaints
when the commission finds the complaints to be motivated by
malice or reasons contrary to the spirit of the law;

(3)  Makes the complaint a closed record until the commission
completes its investigation and renders its findings and
conclusions;

(4)  Subjects persons or entities who disclose any information
about a complaint while it is still a closed record to a civil
penalty not to exceed $2,500 and, upon conviction, a criminal
penalty not to exceed $2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment not to
exceed one year;

(5)  Changes the language regarding the notice that must be given
to subjects of complaints and commission investigations from
actual notice to notice;

(6)  Changes the body to which subjects of complaints and
commission investigations may appeal commission actions from the
Administrative Hearing Commission to the circuit court of Cole
County; and

(7)  Requires persons requesting to inspect or copy campaign
finance disclosure reports to provide photo identification.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated August 25, 2005 at 1:18 pm