HB 1986 -- Lobbyist Requirements

Sponsor:  Stevenson

This bill changes the laws regarding the reporting requirements
for lobbyists.  Lobbyists will be prohibited from paying the
travel expenses for any member of the General Assembly, their
spouses or children, or legislative staff.  There is an exception
for car pooling arrangements and travel to or from meetings,
social events, or meals less than 50 miles away.

When filing a statement of registration with the Missouri Ethics
Commission as required by Section 105.473, RSMo, lobbyists must
include:

(1)  Their own telephone number;

(2)  The name, address, and telephone number of their client;

(3)  A description of the general subjects on which the lobbyist
expects to work; and

(4)  The name of the person, organization, or legislative body
before which the lobbyist expects to practice.

A separate statement of registration will be required for each
client.  Lobbyists must notify the commission when they or their
employees are no longer eligible to lobby on behalf of a client.
Attorney client privilege cannot be invoked to evade the
reporting requirements.

The commission is authorized to conduct random audits to ensure
compliance with the reporting requirements and to establish
uniform rules for audits.  The production of evidence relevant to
verification of the lobbyist reports may be required.  The
commission will use an outside accounting firm and is not
permitted to know the identity of lobbyists or clients prior to
their random selection.  If there is reason to believe that an
audited report is erroneous, the commission may require the
production of documents and subpoena witnesses in order to
investigate the accuracy of the audited report.

The commission will have jurisdiction over public officials,
lobbyists, and candidates during their time of service and for a
period of one year after the termination of service or candidacy.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:45 am