Topeka — The House on Wednesday approved a proposal that eases lobbyist disclosure requirements more than some legislators like.
The 63-58 vote sent the measure to the Senate.
In passing the bill, the House voted to increase the minimum reporting amount for meals to $25 from the current $15.
During a debate on the bill Tuesday, some House members said the $25 threshold for meals was too high and would undermine the ethics law's aim of lessening public perception that legislators can be bought.
"I'm not sure I've ever ate a meal in this town that cost more than $25," said Rep. Richard Alldritt, D-Harper. "I think the Legislature is tired of the notion legislators can be bought with a meal or gifts."
Rep. Tony Powell, R-Wichita, who supported the increase to $25, said the bill maintains core reporting requirements. It clarifies the current law by removing the legal distinction between a "snack" and a "meal" and using a monetary value. Under current law, a lobbyist could serve prime rib but not provide tables and enough chairs for everyone present to sit, making the dish a snack instead of a meal.
Of the 79 Republicans in the House, 60 voted yes, 16 voted no, and three didn't vote.
Of the 46 Democrats, three voted yes, 42 voted no, and one did not vote.
The Douglas County delegation split along party lines on the vote. Republicans Tom Sloan, Lawrence, Lee Tafanelli, Ozawkie, and Ralph Tanner, Baldwin, voted in favor of the bill, while Democrats Barbara Ballard and Troy Findley of Lawrence voted against it.
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