Kansas took a giant leap forward in accountability, accessibility, and transparency in our government. Thomas Witt, chair of the Kansas Equality Coalition, this morning, addressed the Senate State and Federal Affairs Committee asking for the introduction of a bill that would close the loopholes I think we can all agree have undermined our democracy.
After this morning’s committee meeting Republican Senator Steve Abrams was present and made the motion to accept introduction the bill. Democratic Senator Marci Francisco seconded.
The bill reads:
(A) Justice of the supreme court who is subject to election upon the question of retention pursuant to K.S.A. 25-111, and amendments thereto.
(B) Judge of the court of appeals who is subject to election upon the question of retention pursuant to K.S.A. 25-3006, and amendments thereto.
(C) District court judge who is subject to election upon the question of retention pursuant to either K.S.A. 20-2908 or 25-113, and amendments thereto.
(D) District magistrate judge who is subject to election upon the question of retention pursuant to either K.S.A. 20-337 or 20-2908, and amendments thereto.……
Sec. 2. K.S.A. 2009 Supp. 25-4143 is hereby amended to read as follows: 25-4143. As used
in the campaign finance act, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) “Candidate” means an individual who: (1) Appoints a treasurer or a candidate committee;
(2) makes a public announcement of intention to seek nomination or election to state or local
office;
(3) makes any expenditure or accepts any contribution for such person’s nomination or
election to any state or local office; or
(4) files a declaration or petition to become a candidate for state or local office; or
(5) is an individual who is subject to an election for the purposes of retention in office and
who is an incumbent:
(A) Justice of the supreme court who is subject to election upon the question of retention
pursuant to K.S.A. 25-111, and amendments thereto;
(B) judge of the court of appeals who is subject to election upon the question of retention
pursuant to K.S.A. 25-3006, and amendments thereto;
(C) district court judge who is subject to election upon the question of retention pursuant to
either K.S.A. 20-2908 or 25-113, and amendments thereto; and
(D) district magistrate judge who is subject to election upon the question of retention
pursuant to either K.S.A. 20-337 or 20-2908, and amendments thereto.
Last month, the Kansas Governmental Ethics Commission issued an opinion stating that Kansas Supreme Court justices are not subject to the state’s campaign finance limits or reporting requirements.
“The Equality Coalition frequently finds its issues being argued and decided in the highest courts in the land. It’s absolutely essential that we know who is contributing money to Supreme Court retention campaigns. Our justice is must not be for sale, and this process must be open and transparent,” Witt said in a telephone interview.
Loading ...