Missouri 2024 Regular Session

Missouri Senate Bill SB854

Introduced
1/3/24  

Caption

Modifies the operations and procedures of the Missouri Ethics Commission

Impact

If enacted, this bill will reinforce the framework for ethical governance in Missouri by enhancing the effectiveness of the Missouri Ethics Commission. The commission will gain clearer authority to review and investigate ethics complaints involving public officials. It is also set to develop an accessible system for maintaining public records related to campaign finance disclosures and lobbying activities, which is intended to improve public oversight of governmental operations. The introduction of advisory opinions will provide legal guidance to officials regarding compliance with ethics laws, adding a layer of operational clarity aimed at preventing inadvertent violations of ethics regulations.

Summary

Senate Bill 854 aims to modify the operations and procedures of the Missouri Ethics Commission. The bill establishes a bipartisan commission composed of six members appointed by the governor, which will oversee the ethical conduct of public officials and employees. With an emphasis on transparency, the commission is tasked with enforcing provisions related to campaign finance, lobbying, and financial disclosures required of decision-makers and lobbyists, ensuring that Missouri retains high ethical standards in government affairs. Furthermore, members of the commission will have specific qualifications and must adhere to stringent rules regarding their professional conduct outside their duties on the commission.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the balance of power within the commission, particularly concerning the appointments made by the governor and the potential for political influence. Questions might be raised about the adequacy of oversight and the impartiality of the commission, especially if the commission members are not truly representative of diverse political perspectives. Additionally, there could be discussions around the sufficiency of financial disclosure requirements, particularly in relation to lobbyists and potential conflicts of interest. As ethics reform often evokes strong opinions, the bill is likely to receive scrutiny from various stakeholders advocating for either more stringent regulations or greater leniency in how ethics laws are enforced.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MO SB301

Modifies the composition of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights

MO SB237

Modifies the membership of the Missouri Housing Development Commission

MO SB428

Modifies the Missouri Human Rights Act

MO SB277

Modifies the membership of the Missouri Development Finance Board

MO SB174

Modifies provisions regarding the Missouri Sunshine Law

MO SJR25

Modifies provisions relating to the General Assembly

MO SB591

Modifies provisions relating to commissioners of the Public Service Commission

MO SJR22

Modifies provisions relating to the General Assembly

MO SB155

Creates and modifies requirements for certain legislative and administrative instrumentalities

MO SB28

Modifies provisions relating to access to public records of the Missouri highway patrol

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