The bill seeks to clarify and limit the political powers of artificial legal persons, such as corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs), in Kansas, specifically regarding their involvement in election and ballot-issue activities. It explicitly prohibits these entities from engaging in such activities, stating that any attempts to do so will be considered void and result in the forfeiture of privileges granted under Kansas law. The bill amends several sections of existing law, including K.S.A. 17-1503 and 17-1605, to reinforce these limitations and ensure that the rights of artificial legal persons are distinct from those of natural persons. It also establishes that all artificial legal persons operating in Kansas accept their charters subject to modification or withdrawal by general law, emphasizing that they do not have a vested right to any statutory grant of power.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to election and ballot-issue activities, allowing only political committees and candidate committees to engage in them. It mandates the Secretary of State to adopt rules for administrative forfeiture and compliance certification, ensuring enforceability of these restrictions. The bill also addresses foreign corporations and LLCs, stating that they will be subject to the same restrictions when engaging in election activities in Kansas. It introduces new legal language regarding the liability of partners in limited liability partnerships, making them personally liable for obligations arising from election activities. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and repeals several existing statutes to consolidate and update the legal framework governing partnerships and foreign entities in the state.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 17-1503, 17-6101, 17-1605, 17-2034, 17-2204, 17-6001, 17-6104, 17-7668, 17-7930, 56-1a106, 56-1a253