HB 139 - Ethics, Lobbying, and Campaign Finance Reform

• Prohibits fundraising on state/local property: Bans solicitation of contributions and fundraising activities for candidates, ballot measures, or political parties on property owned or leased by the state or political subdivisions, unless the property is routinely rented to the public.

• Restricts paid political consulting by legislators: Members of the general assembly cannot accept compensation as paid political consultants for other legislators, statewide officials, or campaign committees; establishes two-year cooling-off period before legislators can register as lobbyists.

• Strengthens contribution reporting requirements: Lowers threshold for electronic reporting of large contributions from $5,000 to $2,000 within 48 hours; requires specific disclosure of consulting services provided rather than generic "consulting" descriptions.

• Establishes contribution limits: Caps individual contributions at $5,000 per election for candidates to statewide and legislative offices; restricts anonymous contributions and committee fund transfers with penalties for violations.

• Enhances ethics enforcement: Expands Missouri Ethics Commission investigation authority, increases late filing fees for campaign reports, restricts exploratory and political action committee operations, and requires all committees to file electronically with specified exceptions.