The proposed bill seeks to amend the campaign finance act and the state governmental ethics law by enhancing the enforcement authority of the governmental ethics commission. Key changes include limiting the issuance of advisory opinions, establishing expiration dates for subpoenas, and modifying campaign finance reporting requirements. Notably, the bill removes the prohibition on candidacy for elected office due to unpaid fines imposed by the commission. It also emphasizes that multiple reasonable interpretations of the law should favor the rights of freedom of speech, assembly, and petition as guaranteed by the U.S. and Kansas constitutions. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the commission cannot create laws or interpret provisions through adjudicative decisions, and advisory opinions issued after July 1, 2024, will not be considered precedential except for compliance presumption.

Further amendments include increasing the reporting threshold for contributions and expenditures from $50 to $150, requiring electronic filing for state-wide candidates, and streamlining political advertising disclosure requirements. The bill establishes procedures for investigating potential violations, including the issuance of subpoenas, and clarifies witness testimony procedures. It also revises penalties for violations, allowing for escalating civil fines while removing restrictions on candidacy related to unpaid fines or reports. The act will take effect upon publication in the statute book, and several existing statutes will be repealed to align with these changes.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 25-4119a, 25-4119d, 25-4142, 25-4153b, 25-4189, 25-4143, 25-4148, 25-4156, 25-4158, 25-4181, 22-3415, 46-214a, 46-237a, 46-254, 25-4119g, 25-4148a