Kansas House Increases Transparency By Listing Bill Requesters

Kansas House bills, including the House's version of the next proposed state budget in the big brown folders, sit at the work station of the secretary of the state Senate and his staff at the Statehou

In a move towards greater transparency, the Kansas House of Representatives has introduced a new practice of listing the individuals or groups who requested specific bills. This change, which came into effect in January, aims to make it easier for residents to track the origins of proposed legislation.

Previously, determining the source of a bill in the Kansas Legislature was a challenging task, often requiring constituents to navigate through committees and review meeting recordings. With approximately 85% of proposals being sponsored by committees, the new system provides clarity by identifying the entities behind each bill.

While this level of disclosure is uncommon among state legislatures, it has been met with positive feedback from government transparency advocates. The move has been praised for rebuilding trust between the public and elected officials, enhancing the legislative process's accountability.

Notably, the new system has already shed light on some significant bills, such as House Bill 2527, requested by a lobbyist for Evergy, and HB 2691, proposed by a Kansas Farm Bureau lobbyist. These examples illustrate how specific interests are influencing legislative agendas.

Previously, tracking bill origins in Kansas Legislature was challenging.

Kansas House now lists individuals or groups requesting bills for transparency.

Approximately 85% of bills are sponsored by committees in Kansas.

New system aims to identify entities behind each bill for clarity.

Despite some reservations among lobbyists, the Kansas House Rules Committee member who championed the change views it as a meaningful step towards improving government transparency. Lawmakers have expressed support for the increased accountability, emphasizing the need for thorough understanding and scrutiny of proposed legislation.

While the Kansas Senate is not mandated to follow the House's disclosure rules, the initiative sets a precedent for promoting openness and public awareness in the legislative process. By providing insight into the motivations behind bills, the new practice aims to empower constituents and foster informed decision-making.

As the Kansas House continues to refine its transparency measures, the broader implications of this shift in legislative practice remain to be seen. While some concerns have been raised about the potential for legislation to become overly transactional, proponents argue that increased visibility can lead to more responsible governance.