In November, House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said a complete ban would once again be on the House agenda. Rep. Justin Alferman, R-Hermann, has filed a new bill — House Bill 60 — and said Richardson has vowed to move on it quickly.

“It’s going to have a rapid pace in the House, giving the Senate ample time to take it up,” Alferman said. “That opposition is still going to exist, but I’m hoping that clearer heads prevail on a ban or gift restriction. Whatever form it is, we’re going to fight for it.”

He also said Greitens’ backing gives the measure a better chance, and that he’s been in touch with the governor-elect’s transition team about the provisions in his bill.

“I’m more optimistic this year having an executive branch and having Gov.-elect Greitens make this part of his platform,” Alferman said.

Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-St. Joseph, introduced legislation forcing lawmakers to wait two years before becoming lobbyists. Currently, the cooling-off period is six months. Greitens wants to make the waiting time equal to the amount of time a lawmaker spends in office.