Gov. Nixon vetoes bill closing records of fraud tips

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed legislation that would have closed records of waste and fraud reported to the lieutenant governor's office.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder does not generally investigate such allegations across state government but had wanted to start a website to take tips.

Last year, Auditor Tom Schweich's office released a report saying the lieutenant governor lacks the legal authority to investigate suspicions of misused money. The audit also noted the office has no authority to shield tipsters from disclosure under Missouri open-records law.

Nixon cited similar concerns Tuesday while vetoing a bill that would have closed records of reports of waste and fraud that are submitted to the lieutenant governor.

------

Vetoed bill is SB615.

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov