Bill to ban felons from holding state office gets quick hearing
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Bill to ban felons from holding state office gets quick hearing

Date: February 1, 2010
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 589

Intro:  A bill to ban felons from holding state office faced no opposition in a Senate committee, but the bill's sponsor says it's not just a reaction to the Jeff Smith case. Theo Keith has more from Jefferson City.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: If it's passed and the governor signs it, the bill would stop former St. Louis Democratic Senator Jeff Smith from seeking office again.

Smith pleaded guilty last fall to felony obstruction of justice.

He's serving one year and one day in a Kentucky prison.

But Joplin Republican Senator Gary Nodler, the bill's sponsor, says he's not reacting just to Smith.

Nodler says Smith's case is one of several that has brought attention to ethics reform across Missouri and the country.

The Senate Governmental Organizations Committee took less than two minutes on the bill's hearing.

The committee's chairman hasn't scheduled a vote.

From the state Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.