Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2519

Introduced

1/17/24

Refer

1/17/24

Report Pass

2/21/24

Caption

Substitute for HB2519 by Committee on Elections - Deleting from the general election crime of corrupt political advertising coverage of advertisements for constitutional amendments; adding coverage of advertising for constitutional amendments to the crime of corrupt political advertising which is part of the campaign finance act.

Impact

The implications of HB 2519 are noteworthy as it seeks to tighten regulations on political advertising in an effort to uphold the integrity of elections and maintain public trust in the electoral process. By adding provisions that cover advertisements for constitutional amendments and bond issues, the legislation aims to close perceived gaps in the existing law that could be exploited for corrupt practices. This enhancement is anticipated to promote honesty in political messaging and potentially reduce instances of misleading information reaching voters.

Summary

House Bill 2519 aims to amend existing legislation concerning campaign advertising by expanding the definition of corrupt political advertising to include advertisements related to constitutional amendment propositions, bond issues, and other questions submitted during elections. The bill seeks to ensure greater transparency and accountability in political advertising, aiming to prevent misleading or deceptive practices that could unduly influence voter decision-making. A significant element of the proposed changes is the requirement for specific disclosures in political advertisements, covering various media, including print, broadcast, and online communication.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding the balance between regulation and free speech, a perennial point of contention in campaign finance legislation. Advocates for stricter regulations argue that transparency is essential to prevent corruption and maintain a fair electoral process. However, opponents may assert that these regulations could inadvertently suppress legitimate political speech and robust discourse, potentially chilling campaign activities. Further, some stakeholders may question the practicality of enforcing such regulations uniformly across various platforms and media.

Latest HB2519 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2166

Expanding the elections crime of corrupt political advertising to be consistent with the campaign finance act and clarifying the scope of its application.

KS HB2207

Expanding the election crime of corrupt political advertising to include messages sent using text messaging devices.

KS HB2517

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.

KS HB2559

Relating to the crime of corrupt political advertising; regulating the use; of generative artificial intelligence; requiring disclosure that an image or speech has been manipulated ; making it a crime to create false representations of candidates in campaign media or of state officials; providing that liability shall rest solely with the advertiser and not with any broadcaster or media platform.

KS HB0335

Political Advertising Amendments

KS HB2614

Requiring county election officers to record the names of individuals delivering advance voting ballots on behalf of another voter and report violations of the laws governing such delivery and removing the requirement to specify the treasurer of a sponsoring organization in political advertising.

KS SB375

Prohibiting the use of generative artificial intelligence to create false representations of candidates in election campaign media or of state officials.

KS HB0329

Artificial Intelligence in Political Advertising

KS HB07329

An Act Concerning Dark Money And Disclosure Of Foreign Political Spending And Of Political Advertising On Social Media.

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.

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