Rory Ellinger

Why Missouri's Lobbying System Isn't As Open As You'd Think

Chris McDaniel — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Nice restaurants in Jefferson City should be sad to see the Missouri Legislative session end. They’ve received tens of thousands of dollars worth of business from lobbyists courting Missouri’s legislators over dinners and drinks.

Who were the legislators taken out for expensive meals? Well, in many cases, we don’t really know.

Mo. House Passes Bill Criminalizing Enforcement Of Federal Gun Laws

Marshall Griffin — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 05:26:47 +0000

The Missouri House has passed legislation that declares any future federal ban on semi-automatic weapons or large capacity clips is "unenforceable" in Missouri.

Marijuana Penalties Could Be Reduced Under Bill Filed Today

Sean Sandefur — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:39:56 +0000

A measure outlined in the Missouri House on Tuesday could give first-time offenders for marijuana possession the opportunity of community service, instead of jail time.

After completing the sentence, the bill would also allow for the convictions to be removed from the offender’s record.

Mo. Lawmaker Wants To Lighten First-Time Marijuana Possession Sentences, Expunge Some Records

Marshall Griffin — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 21:51:23 +0000

A St. Louis-area State House member is proposing legislation that would lessen penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana in Missouri, and would allow for some misdemeanor criminal records to be expunged.

Report: Campaign Finance Laws Worrisome

Chris McDaniel — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 23:59:52 +0000

All of the money given by small donors in the 2012 presidential race was matched by only 32 billionaires and corporations, according to a report released Thursday by MoPIRG, the Missouri Public Interest and Research Group.