College-age Kansas legislative interns with piercings and tattoos or affinity for skinny pants and mini skirts who are gearing up for assignments in the 2014 session ought to be aware a squad of etiquette police are likely to be on duty.

Mohawk haircuts, tennis shoes and strapless tops would be forbidden under a proposed policy. The same could be said for interns retaining unflattering photographs on Facebook or giving voice to negative sentiments about state legislators.

A formal dress code and social-media policy didn't exist during the last session for volunteer interns, but a few complaints about decorum led a House Republican leader to recommend a set of rules intended to help dozens of interns present themselves in a professional manner while working at the Capitol with House and Senate members of both parties.

"We want it set up so they can take pride in the position they hold," said Emporia Rep. Peggy Mast, who serves as House speaker pro tem. "Hopefully, they'll benefit from it."

She said violations of Statehouse personal conduct rules could result in dismissal from the intern program.

The guide directed "gentlemen" to wear a suit or dress shirt, tie, slacks and shoes. Hair for males should be clean and "neatly" styled with no "over-the-top colors." Their facial hair should be clean shaven or trimmed very short.

For the "ladies," according to the draft plan, options include suits, business dresses, skirt/dress pants and a "dressy" top. There shall be no halter tops, mini skirts "or skirts/pants that are too tight, skinny dress pants and revealing necklines."

Regarding perfume or cologne, interns would be advised to "use very little or none at all." They are to cover tattoos and remove all facial and body piercings. Women would be permitted one earring for each ear, but men could wear none. Interns would be prohibited from dating legislative staff during the internship.

The document repeated an admonition that interns should view themselves as a "direct representation of the senator or representative" they were assigned. This relationship would extend outside the Statehouse to "your free time," the draft said.

Social media sites — Facebook and Twitter, for example — of an intern shouldn’t retain "inappropriate pictures, language or anything that might call into question your character," the document said.

In addition, the text said, "Never say anything derogatory about another individual with whom you interact or about any policy your legislator is supporting and/or advocating."

Judging from initial reaction, portions of the package might not earn unanimous bipartisan approval before interns arrive for orientation Jan. 9.

Will Lawrence, intern coordinator and legislative counsel to the Senate's Democratic leader, said the document's recommendations raised First Amendment issues.

"It is unacceptable for the speaker pro tem's office to draw an arbitrary line as to what they find inappropriate for an intern's appearance or their activity on social media," Lawrence said. "Legislators and their interns should be free to make these decisions on an individual basis."

However, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Ray Merrick, R-Stilwell, said the guidelines didn't appear to be unreasonable.

"They seem to be pretty standard for private business," said spokeswoman Rachel Whitten.

Informal dress codes for political operatives have existed for decades as each sought to offer visual cues about their approach to governing. There is purpose to a suit, tie or cuff link worn by candidates because each element has capacity to leave an impression — good and bad.

A uniform for a male presidential candidate might include a dark navy suit and solid light-colored shirt. A lapel pin of the American flag frequently serves as an accent.

In Topeka, legislators generally adhere to tradition during the session. Men wear suits when on the House or Senate floor, but some have sported jeans or no tie with their ensemble. Women wear dress slacks and dresses, rarely delving into casual attire at the Statehouse.

Tim Graham, chief of staff for Senate Minority Leader Anthony Hensley of Topeka, said interns ought to rely on legislators as a basic guide when deciding what to wear and how to behave.

"A few of the proposed dress code mandates could be considered solid advice," Graham said. "But the language that states that attire violations have resulted in interns being removed from this program is overreaching and has the potential for being extremely discriminatory.

"I'm not going to direct our staff to worry about facial hair, tattoos and piercings," he said.