Bill > SB286

This bill updates and refines the definitions of lobbying, lobbyist, and lobbying client in Kansas's governmental ethics law. It introduces a new definition of "lobbying client" as any person or entity that employs or retains someone to conduct lobbying activities, with specific clarification that in the case of coalitions or associations, the client is the organization itself, not its individual members. The bill significantly expands and clarifies what constitutes lobbying, now defining it as specific oral or written communications (including electronic) made to legislators, elected officers, legislative employees, the governor, executive agency heads, and judicial agencies about legislation, administrative matters, or potential actions. The bill also provides extensive exceptions to what qualifies as lobbying, such as communications by public officials, media representatives, requests for meeting status, testimony before committees, and responses to official information requests. Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of a lobbyist to include individuals who are retained for financial compensation to conduct lobbying activities and receive at least $5,000 annually, and it maintains a prohibition on legislators being hired as lobbyists to represent others before state agencies. These changes aim to provide more precise and comprehensive guidelines for lobbying activities and reporting in Kansas.

Government Affairs

Federal and State Affairs (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb286/