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Minutes for SB286 - Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics

Short Title

Relating to the definitions of lobbyist, lobbying and lobbying client for purposes of the state governmental ethics law.

Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 12, 2025

Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB286.  Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill. (Attachment 3)  Mr. Reimer addressed questions from the Committee.

David Keating testified in support of SB286.  Mr. Keating indicated the current lobbying law is likely unconstitutional, and if it were to be challenged, there is a good chance a court would rule that significant portions of it violate the First Amendment.  (Attachment 4)

Joshua Ney testified in support of SB286.  Mr. Ney remarked that if you have simpler laws and clearer laws, they're easier to comply with.  Mr. Ney indicated that sending unconstitutional laws to the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission (Commission) to enforce does them no favors.  (Attachment 5)

Mr. Ney addressed questions from the Committee.

Written only proponent testimony for SB286 was submitted by:

Jay Hall provided neutral testimony for SB286.  Mr. Hall indicated Kansas Association of Counties is concerned about the language contained on Page 2, Lines 25-41 of the bill.  Mr. Hall questioned whether this language would classify their county commissioners, county clerks, and other county officials as lobbyists, requiring them to register.  (Attachment 8)

Kaitlyn Bull-Stewart provided neutral testimony for SB286.  Ms. Bull-Stewart indicated the reason the Commission is neutral on this bill is due to the enforcement implications.  Ms. Bull-Stewart highlighted some of the issues that may hamper the Commission's ability to enforce the law.  (Attachment 9)

Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB286.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for March 13, 2025.