Bill > HB1862

This bill modifies the provisions governing the Missouri Ethics Commission, a bipartisan six-member body responsible for overseeing ethical standards in state and local government. The bill revises the commission's composition, appointment process, duties, and investigative procedures. Key provisions include establishing more stringent requirements for commission members, such as limiting their political involvement and preventing them from serving multiple full terms, and expanding the commission's investigative powers. The bill allows the commission to conduct independent investigations without a formal complaint, investigate potential ethics violations more comprehensively, and take a range of actions when violations are found, including issuing cease and desist orders, seeking civil penalties up to $1,000, and referring cases for potential criminal prosecution. The bill also strengthens confidentiality provisions for investigations, creates a more structured process for assigning special investigators to review potential violations, and provides more detailed procedures for handling complaints and investigations. Additionally, the bill establishes new appeal processes for individuals subject to ethics investigations, allowing them to challenge commission findings in circuit court, and includes protections against frivolous complaints by imposing potential penalties on those who file complaints without just cause.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1862&year=2026&code=R