Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed House Bill 1983 yesterday, prohibiting statewide elected officials and legislators from receiving compensation as paid political consultants on behalf of other officials or members of the General Assembly. The bill is the first ethics-related legislation to cross the governor’s desk since multiple lawmakers resigned last year amid embarrassing sex scandals.

While the law does not address the conduct issues of the past, Nixon believes it is a step in the right direction and will strengthen the ethics laws he believes are the weakest in the nation. Missouri is one of few states with no campaign contribution limits, no limits on lobbyist gifts to lawmakers, and no revolving door provisions preventing legislators from immediately lobbying after leaving office.