Missouri Bill Would Define Sex Between Lobbyists and Legislators as a ‘Gift’

Missouri legislators who have sex with lobbyists may soon have to record that activity as a “gift” on their monthly disclosure forms under a proposal introduced this week.

The proposal, reported by the Kansas City Star, comes as the state’s legislative body has focused on ethics reforms. Last year, scandals led to the resignation of two Missouri lawmakers over their relations with interns.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Bart Korman, would not require legislators to list the dollar value of sexual relations with a lobbyist like it does for other gifts and relationships between spouses would not require disclosure.

“For the citizens of Missouri, if there’s a situation like that I think they should know,” Korman told the Associated Press. “To improve the integrity and transparency in our process, I believe it’s something we should look at.”