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HB 2054

Relating to liability of vendors in private farmers markets

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Clark and 2 co-sponsors

House Bill 2054 raises campaign contribution limits and removes restrictions on party committee donations, boosting fundraising flexibility for candidates in Kansas.

Chapter 12, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
#alcoholicliquorsandbeers
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Bill Summary · HB 2054

Summary of House Bill 2054

Bill Number: HB 2054
Title: Relating to liability of vendors in private farmers markets
Status: Chapter 12, Acts, Regular Session, 2025
Introduced: January 22, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Alcoholic Liquors and Beers

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2054 aims to amend existing provisions in the Campaign Finance Act to increase limits on campaign contributions and eliminate restrictions on contributions made by party committees to candidates. The bill seeks to modernize Kansas's campaign finance laws, which proponents argue have not been updated in decades, potentially risking constitutional challenges due to low contribution limits.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to campaign contribution limits:

  1. Increased Contribution Limits:

    • For the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, the limit is raised from $2,000 to $4,000 for each primary and general election.
    • For the House of Representatives, district judges, district attorneys, and local office candidates (jurisdictions under 50,000), the limit increases from $500 to $1,000.
    • For state senators and members of the State Board of Education, the limit rises from $1,000 to $2,000.

  2. Elimination of Contribution Limits by Party Committees:

    • The bill removes the annual aggregate limits on contributions made by party committees to candidates, allowing for potentially unlimited contributions.

  3. Cash Contribution Limits:

    • The limit for cash contributions from individuals to candidates is increased from $100 to $200 for any primary or general election.

  4. Clarification on Expenditures:

    • Expenditures made by party committees in support of candidates will not be classified as contributions, thereby not subjecting them to the same limits.

  5. Accounting Methods for Contributions:

    • Candidates may accept contributions for both primary and general elections before the primary election date, provided they maintain acceptable accounting methods to distinguish between the two.

  6. Definition of "Jurisdiction":

    • The bill defines "jurisdiction" for local offices as the city, county, or school district for at-large elections, and the electoral district for governing bodies with member districts.

Impact

  • Candidates and Political Parties: The bill primarily affects candidates running for various offices and political parties, allowing them greater flexibility in fundraising and potentially increasing the influence of party committees in elections.
  • Campaign Finance Landscape: By raising contribution limits and eliminating restrictions on party committee contributions, the bill could lead to increased campaign spending and a shift in the dynamics of political fundraising in Kansas.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 22, 2025, and underwent several amendments and discussions in both the House and Senate before being approved by the Governor on April 8, 2025. It is set to take effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 2054, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on the political landscape in Kansas.

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

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