The bill amends K.S.A. 25-2438 to clarify the crime of false representation of an election official by requiring specific intent as an element of the offense. The revised definition of the crime includes knowingly engaging in conduct that misrepresents oneself as an election official through various means of communication, such as phone, mail, email, or online activity. The bill removes previous language that allowed for conduct that merely gave the appearance of being an election official and specifies that the intent must be to cause another person to believe that the offender is an election official.

Additionally, the bill maintains that false representation of an election official is classified as a severity level 7, nonperson felony. The definition of "election official" is also clarified to include the secretary of state, county election commissioners, county clerks, and their employees. The existing section of K.S.A. 25-2438 is repealed, and the act will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 25-2438