Missouri House votes for local lobbyist gift ban

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House has voted to prohibit local elected officials from accepting lobbyist gifts.

The proposal received initial approval Tuesday with a voice vote. It would prevent any local government official, including superintendents or charter-school operators, from accepting lobbyist gifts.

The measure would apply to cities, counties, municipalities, school districts or charter districts.

The legislation comes amid a push to make changes to ethics laws from Republican Gov. Eric Greitens and some legislative leaders. The House earlier this session passed a bill banning lobbyist gifts from the Missouri Legislature. The measure is pending in the Senate.

The local lobbyist gift ban needs another vote of approval to go to the Senate.