JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed a bill toughening some ethic rules following scandals in the Legislature that prompted a push for reform.

The Democratic governor on Thursday signed legislation to ban lawmakers from hiring each other as paid political consultants.

The measure comes as lawmakers try to tighten ethics policies following resignations last year of two lawmakers accused of inappropriate behavior toward interns.

The House passed legislation earlier Thursday banning lawmakers and statewide elected officials from lobbying until at least six months after their terms end.

The political-consulting bill is significant for Nixon, who has called for ethics reform since assuming office in 2009. This is his final year as governor.

Other pending ethics-related proposals include banning lobbyist gifts to lawmakers. Campaign contribution limits have been a nonstarter.