JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri senators have passed legislation strengthening the power of the state Ethics Commission and imposing new fundraising restrictions.
The ethics bill passed by a 31-0 vote Thursday and now goes to the House, which is drafting its own version.
The Senate bill would give the Ethics Commission power to launch investigations into potential violations of campaign finance, lobbyist or ethics laws. Currently, the commission has to wait for someone to file a complaint.
It also would require legislative candidates to report within 48 hours any contributions of more than $250 received while in session. The governor and statewide executives would face a similar requirement.
Another provision would restrict the transfer of money from one political committee to another.