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Minutes for SB485 - Committee on Transparency and Ethics

Short Title

Expanding the scope of uses of campaign contribution moneys under the campaign finance act to include family caregiving services.

Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 9, 2022

Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB485.  Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill.

Senator Corson testified in support of SB485 stating passage of SB485 would harmonize Kansas' statutes with rulings from the Federal Election Commission, the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission (KGEC), and states around the country.  Senator Corson indicated it would eliminate one of the most critical economic barriers faced by working parents and caregivers running for and serving in office.  Senator Corson noted he has an amendment attached to his testimony and explained the amendment.  (Attachment 1)

Sarah Hague testified in support of SB485.  Ms. Hague stated the first step to empowering a diverse pipeline of working caregivers to run for office is for candidates to no longer have to consider the cost of dependent care in weighting their decision to run.  Ms. Hague noted our country needs middle and working class representation now more than ever.  Ms. Hague stated campaign funds for dependent care breaks down a critical economic barrier to working caregivers considering running for office.  (Attachment 2)

Senator Corson and Ms. Hague addressed questions from the Committee.

Mark Skoglund provided neutral testimony for SB485.  Mr. Skoglund indicated there are two differences between the KGEC Advisory Opinion 2018-04 and SB485.  Mr. Skoglund noted the opinion that was issued was very specific to child care; SB485 is broader for dependent care and it also places this in statute.  Mr. Skoglund's testimony stated the Commission would oppose SB485 without a technical amendment clarifying that campaign funds can only be expended on dependent care in circumstances where the expense arises because of a campaign or officeholding responsibility.  (Attachment 3)

Mr. Skoglund addressed questions from the Committee.

Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB485.