JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Some lawmakers investigating claims of lobbyist influence on Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster say he acted appropriately.

Koster defended his actions against companies being sued by the state during a committee hearing Monday.

The Democrat came under scrutiny following a New York Times article alleging he and other attorneys general were soft on companies after receiving campaign contributions and perks from lobbyists.

He calls some of those claims ludicrous and says others stemmed from staffers missing deadlines to file multistate lawsuits.

Republican Chair State Rep. Jay Barnes says Koster acted correctly but gave the appearance of misconduct.

Other lawmakers have responded by proposing changes to Missouri ethics laws, including banning legislators from accepting lobbyist gifts.

Bills also have been filed to limit campaign contributions