Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2517

Introduced

1/17/24

Refer

1/17/24

Report Pass

2/7/24

Caption

Amending the campaign finance act regarding the crime of corrupt political advertising to delete the requirement of listing the treasurer of organizations sponsoring the political advertising.

Impact

By removing the requirement for treasurer disclosure, HB2517 could simplify compliance for candidates and political committees. Proponents of the bill suggest that this change will encourage more participation in political advertising, as smaller campaigns might find it less daunting to navigate the regulations without the added requirement of personal disclosure. However, this move raises concerns about transparency in campaign finance practices and could lead to greater anonymity for those funding political messages.

Summary

House Bill 2517 addresses the current regulations surrounding campaign finance, specifically targeting the crime of corrupt political advertising. The key change introduced by this bill is the elimination of the requirement for political advertisements to list the name of the treasurer or chairperson of the organizations sponsoring the communication. The legislation aims to amend Kansas Statute 25-4156, thereby streamlining the process for political advertising and potentially reducing the administrative burden on campaign organizations.

Contention

Opponents of the bill argue that eliminating the disclosure of the treasurer's name undermines accountability and transparency in political advertising. They fear this legislation could enable corruption by allowing organizations to sponsor advertisements without public knowledge of who is financially backing them. The debate centers around the balance between facilitating easier political campaigning and ensuring that voters can make informed decisions about the influences behind electoral messaging.

Latest HB2517 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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