Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB208

Introduced
2/8/23  
Refer
2/9/23  
Report Pass
2/21/23  
Engrossed
3/1/23  
Refer
3/1/23  
Report Pass
3/22/23  
Enrolled
4/4/23  

Caption

House Substitute for SB 208 by Committee on Elections - Amending provisions relating to the governmental ethics commission's authority to investigate and enforce the campaign finance act and limitations on the receipt and expenditure of contributions.

Impact

The potential impact of SB 208 includes significant revisions to existing state laws governing campaign finance, especially regarding how political funds can be solicited and utilized by candidates and committees. By amending the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act and establishing clearer guidelines for contributions and expenditures, the bill intends to create a more structured environment for campaign financing. This change could lead to stricter compliance requirements for political actors, fostering greater accountability and minimizing the risk of misconduct in campaign financing.

Summary

Senate Bill No. 208, also known as the House Substitute for SB 208, focuses on revising the provisions related to the Governmental Ethics Commission's authority to investigate and enforce campaign finance laws in Kansas. This legislation seeks to enhance the Commission's powers, specifically by updating its investigatory procedures and modifying the registration fee structure for political committees. The bill expands the allowable expenditures from contributions and aims to refine definitions surrounding contributions and candidates, ultimately contributing to a more regulated and transparent election process in the state.

Sentiment

Sentiments around SB 208 are mixed, with supporters arguing that it enhances transparency and accountability in the political process. They believe the bill addresses critical issues related to campaign finance, ensuring that contributions are being handled appropriately. However, critics may express concerns about the additional regulatory burdens it places on candidates and committees, fearing that it could limit individual contributions and infringe on free speech rights associated with political spending. This dual perspective underscores the ongoing debate surrounding campaign finance regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention within the discussions around SB 208 often revolve around the balance between regulating campaign finance and safeguarding free political expression. Some legislators are concerned that increased government oversight over campaign contributions could stifle grassroots political movements and the ability of individuals to support their preferred candidates. Others argue that stricter regulations are necessary to prevent corruption and ensure that elections are not swayed by disproportionate financial influence from wealthy donors or special interest groups. This ongoing debate reflects broader national conversations about campaign finance reform in the United States.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB279

Amending the campaign finance act and the state governmental ethics laws regarding the qualifications of members of the governmental ethics commission, actions of the commission, formation of political committees, reporting requirements and requirements for "paid for" attributions.

KS HB2391

Substitute for HB 2391 by Committee on Elections - Amending the act establishing the governmental ethics commission, relating to campaign finance, establishing a five-year statute of limitations for bringing actions before the commission, limiting the commission's subpoena power, allowing respondents to transfer a hearing before the commission to a hearing officer under the office of administrative hearings.

KS HB2206

Renaming the Kansas governmental ethics commission to the Kansas public disclosure commission, defining terms in the campaign finance act, requiring the filing of statements of independent expenditures, prohibiting agreements requiring contributions in the name of another and requiring the termination of unused campaign finance accounts.

KS HB2165

Amending the campaign finance and governmental ethics statutes to extend the time frame for hearings before the governmental ethics commission and making technical amendments.

KS HB2206

Amending the campaign finance act's definition of expressly advocating for a candidate by adding a reasonable person standard to the definition.

KS HB2054

Senate Substitute for HB 2054 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Increasing the limits on certain campaign contributions under the campaign finance act.

KS HB1579

Campiagn finance law; revise provisions related to cash contributions and expenditures.

KS HB07246

An Act Concerning Modifications To Campaign Finance Laws And State Elections Enforcement Commission Authority.

KS SB01405

An Act Modifying Campaign Finance Laws And The Powers Of The State Elections Enforcement Commission.

KS SB1059

Campaign finance; modifying Ethics Rules related to campaign and political committee contributions and expenditures. Effective date.

Similar Bills

KS HB2391

Substitute for HB 2391 by Committee on Elections - Amending the act establishing the governmental ethics commission, relating to campaign finance, establishing a five-year statute of limitations for bringing actions before the commission, limiting the commission's subpoena power, allowing respondents to transfer a hearing before the commission to a hearing officer under the office of administrative hearings.

MS HB1375

Campaign finance law; revise.

KS SB279

Amending the campaign finance act and the state governmental ethics laws regarding the qualifications of members of the governmental ethics commission, actions of the commission, formation of political committees, reporting requirements and requirements for "paid for" attributions.

MS SB2658

Campaign finance; comprehensive reform of laws pertaining to.

CT HB05428

An Act Concerning The Powers And Duties Of The State Elections Enforcement Commission And Revisions To Election Laws.

MS SB2575

Campaign finance; reform.

MS HB1334

Campaign finance law; revise various provisions related to.

MS SB2651

Campaign finance laws; SOS to report to the Attorney General regarding judicial enforcement for violations of.