Federal Court Overturns Missouri's Lobbying Ban for Ex-Lawmakers

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals rules the two-year cooling-off period violates free speech rights.

The court found the ban too broad and unsupported by evidence of corruption.
Missouri's 2018 constitutional amendment had implemented the lobbying restriction.
The ruling favored former state Rep. Rocky Miller and General Assembly employee John LaVanchy.
Judges noted that other states have shorter cooling-off periods for former lawmakers.
The case has been sent back to district court, but further action is seen as a formality.