SB 216 - Under this act, political subdivisions cannot prohibit first responders from engaging in political activity while off duty and not in uniform or being a candidate for or holding a public office unless the activity or candidacy is otherwise prohibited by law. This act repeals provisions of law which currently prohibit any employee or officer of the Kansas City Police Department from belonging to a political party committee, being a ward committeeman or committeewoman, or making contributions of any kind for political activity. Also repealed is a provision that prohibits any person from soliciting a police employee, officer, or a member of the police board for any political purpose.
Current law prohibits a Kansas City officer or employee from soliciting any person to vote for or against a candidate for public office, "poll precincts", or be connected with similar political work for a political organization, party, or candidate. Under this act, those activities are only prohibited while the officer or employee is on duty or in uniform.
These provisions are identical to the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SS/HB 336 (2013) and the truly agreed to and finally passed CCS/SS/SCS/HB 307 (2013) and are similar to SB 419 (2011), SB 18 (2007), SB 189 (2009), and SB 579 (2010).
MEGHAN LUECKE