HCS/SB 593 and SCS/SB 594 - This act modifies certain laws relating to the oversight of the Ethics Commission. Currently, lobbyists must report expenditures made for events when standing committees are invited in writing. This act modifies this requirement to cover all committees of the House and Senate. (105.473)
The timetable for filing personal financial interest statements shall be filed by March 31 or within 10 days of filing for office, whichever is later. For April elections, the statements shall be filed by January 31 or within 10 days of filing for office, whichever is later. The filing deadline for all other individuals is March 31. Currently, statements are timely filed if they are postmarked no later than the day before the deadline. The act designates the filing deadline as the postmark date for timely filing. (105.487)
Lobbyists may appeal late fee assessments for failing to file timely disclosure reports. (105.492)
Ethics complaints must be signed, notarized, and allege facts regarding the alleged violation. (105.957)
Notice and mailing requirements for ethics violations are modified under the act. Currently, actual notice and mailing by certified or registered mail is required in certain circumstances. The act allows for notice and mailing of any type. (105.961)
Currently, Ethics Commission decisions are appealable to the Administrative Hearing Commission. The act directs appeals to the circuit court of Cole County. (105.961)
Lobbyists and committee treasurers may appeal the assessment of late fees for late filings. (105.963)
Committee's statements of organization may omit its depository's account number when filing with parties other than the Ethics Commission. Treasurers of committees other than political party or candidate committees, shall file the committee's fictitious name registration or incorporation registration with the appropriate officer. (130.021)
The act changes the deadline for filing the disclosure report for the period closing on the March 31st from April 15th to April 21st. (130.046)
The act synchronizes the filing times for in and out-of-state committees. The act outlines the contents of out-of-state reports. (130.049)
Currently, committees need not file disclosure reports when they have not received contributions aggregating more than $300 from any single contributor in certain circumstances. The act removes this provision. (130.057)
Reporting dates for candidates nominated by political party committees are established. Currently, continuing committees that contribute more than $15,000 annually must file electronically with the Ethics Commission. The act includes political party and campaign committees in the requirement and lowers the threshold to $5,000. (130.057)
The act repeals a provision that requires those lobbying city officials in Kansas City to notify the city clerk of their lobbying activities.
This act is similar to SB 592 (2007).
CHRIS HOGERTY