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HB 2060

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57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Rachel Keshel

The bill expands when Kansas legislators can accept travel reimbursements from non-lobbying nonprofits and allows executive branch officials to accept free or discounted event acce

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Bill Summary · HB 2060

Summary — HB 2060 (Senate Substitute for Substitute) — State Governmental Ethics Law amendments

Status: Enacted (approved by Governor on April 8, 2025)
Introduced: January 24, 2025
Statutes amended: K.S.A. 46-237 and 46-237a (existing sections repealed)
Effective: Upon publication in the statute book (per enrolled bill language)

Purpose

To revise the State Governmental Ethics Law to (1) broaden when legislators may accept reimbursement for travel and attendance at conferences/events sponsored by nonprofit organizations, and (2) allow Executive Branch officers and employees to accept discounted or free tickets/access to entertainment, sporting events, or other activities under stated conditions.

Key provisions

  • Legislator travel reimbursement

    • Expands authorization for legislators to accept reimbursement for travel, subsistence, attendance and participation in meetings, programs, and activities of any nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that does not engage in lobbying in Kansas.
    • Removes the previous requirement that the nonprofit be a national organization established to serve state legislatures in all states.
    • Reimbursements must be paid from the nonprofit organization’s funds.
    • Note: Existing law authorizing acceptance of reimbursement from foreign governments/organizations and international organizations remains unchanged.

  • Executive Branch employees (K.S.A. 46-237a changes)

    • Applies to: governor, lieutenant governor, governor’s spouse, all executive branch officers and employees, and members of executive branch boards/commissions/authorities.
    • Permits solicitation or acceptance of free or specially discounted tickets or access to entertainment/sporting events/activities if either:
    • It is obvious to the recipient that the ticket/access is not being provided because of the recipient’s official position; or
    • The recipient’s presence serves a legitimate state purpose/interest and the agency authorizes (or would authorize) payment for travel and expenses related to attendance.

  • Existing gift/value thresholds remain in place ($40 aggregate per calendar year for most gifts; $100 for hospitality in the form of recreation in specified circumstances).

Who is affected

  • Kansas state legislators (expanded list of eligible nonprofit sponsors).
  • Executive Branch principals and employees, including the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and their agencies and boards.
  • Nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations that do not lobby in Kansas (potential sponsors).
  • State agencies (may see fewer travel/attendance expenses if outside entities fund them).

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal note: Governmental Ethics Commission and Division of the Budget indicate potential savings to state agencies because outside entities could pay expenses agencies otherwise would cover; precise fiscal effect undetermined and not reflected in FY 2026 Governor’s Budget Report.
  • The enacted language amends and repeals the cited K.S.A. sections; the bill emerged as a Senate-substitute incorporating SB 285 and moved through committee and floor action before gubernatorial approval on April 8, 2025.

Context

The Senate Committee noted the change broadens the prior limited “legislative carve‑out” for reimbursements and corrects perceived restrictions on Executive Branch officials accepting tickets when attendance advances a legitimate state purpose.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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