HB 1756 Summary

• Repeals and replaces ethics-related sections in Missouri law covering conflict of interest, lobbyist registration, financial interest disclosure, and campaign finance regulations.

• Adds new requirements including a ban on state legislators accepting tangible items from lobbyists and a two-year cooling-off period before legislators can register as lobbyists after leaving office.

• Establishes expanded reporting requirements for large campaign contributions (over $5,000) within 48 hours to the Missouri Ethics Commission and increases late filing fees for campaign disclosure reports.

• Adds criminal penalties including a new crime of "obstruction of an ethics investigation" (Class D felony) for falsifying statements or documents submitted to the Missouri Ethics Commission.

• Implements emergency clause making the act effective immediately upon passage and approval to preserve public confidence in state government.