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Minutes for SB63 - Committee on Transparency and Ethics
Short Title
Expanding the scope of uses of campaign contributions to include family caregiving services.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 15, 2023
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB63. Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill. Mr. Reimer addressed questions from the Committee.
Senator Ethan Corson testified in support of SB63 noting the diverse collection of co-sponsors on the bill. Senator Corson pointed out the expenditures would have to be publicly reported on the campaign finance reports; it's voluntary; this legislation was passed out of this committee last year with amendments that were incorporated into this bill; and it would bring Kansas into conformity with a growing majority of states. Senator Corson addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 1)
Sarah Hague testified in support of SB63 indicating child care obligations are one of the major factors families consider when weighing their decision to run for office. Ms. Hague noted that allowing candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for dependent care is not only a common sense solution to the barriers that working caregivers face while running for office, it also protects candidates' choice to spend their campaign dollars on what makes the most sense for them. Ms. Hague addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 2)
Mark Skoglund provided neutral testimony for SB63. Mr. Skoglund noted under current law, the commission has interpreted the permissive use of a campaign fund to include child care when such expenses arise due to a campaign or office holder duty. He explained that was established in an Ethics Commission advisory opinion in 2018. Mr. Skoglund explained the three primary effects of this bill. Mr. Skoglund addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 3)
Written testimony in support of SB63 was submitted by:
Wendy D. Doyle, President and CEO, United WE (Attachment 4)
Spencer Duncan, Government Affairs Director, League of Kansas Municipalities (Attachment 5)
Kansas Future Caucus (Attachment 6)
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB63.
There was a request for the approval of minutes. Senator Francisco moved, Senator Faust-Goudeau seconded, the minutes for January 25, February 1, 6, and 8, 2023, be approved as presented. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:26 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 20, 2023.
