Secretary of State Scott Schwab outlined his 2025 legislative agenda just a day before declaring his candidacy for Kansas governor. His proposals aim to modernize outdated systems, implement new election laws, and strengthen protections for election workers. These initiatives reflect Schwab’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility in state governance.
Key Legislative Priorities for 2025
Modernizing Election Laws and Protections
Schwab proposed several measures to safeguard elections, including a new law that would make it a criminal offense to threaten or interfere with election workers during their official duties. This initiative addresses growing concerns about the safety and security of election staff, especially in light of recent election cycles marked by tension and misinformation.
One notable legislative focus involves transferring control of ballot drop boxes from county authorities to the Secretary of State’s Office. Schwab emphasized that this change aims to standardize security measures across all drop boxes.
Cille King, advocacy chair for the League of Women Voters of Kansas, expressed support for Schwab’s proposals, particularly those enhancing the credibility and security of drop boxes. She noted, “Threats to election workers jeopardize our ability to conduct safe and secure elections.”
Streamlining Government Operations
Eliminating Redundant Customer Filings
Schwab aims to simplify the responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s Office by eliminating over a dozen outdated or duplicative customer filings embedded in state law. This change would reduce fees for consumers and streamline administrative processes.
Transitioning to Digital Rulemaking Systems
Continuing efforts initiated in 2024, Schwab plans to modernize the regulation and rulemaking processes used by state agencies. Current systems, which have relied on paper since the 1960s, are plagued by inefficiencies, potential errors, and a lack of transparency.
“A paper-based system is not only outdated but also burdens Kansans with unnecessary costs and errors,” Schwab said in a statement. “By transitioning to a digital system, we can improve transparency and efficiency while reducing the potential for human error.”
Addressing Third-Party Service Costs
To protect Kansas businesses from excessive costs, Schwab proposed legislation requiring third-party service providers to inform businesses about the more affordable options available through the Secretary of State’s Office. This move would ensure that businesses can access essential services at a lower cost.
Schwab’s 2025 Legislative Agenda Highlights
| Legislative Proposal | Objective | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Criminalizing threats to election workers | Enhance election security and worker safety | Protects election integrity and ensures a safe environment |
| Transferring control of ballot drop boxes | Standardize security measures | Improves credibility and trust in the voting process |
| Eliminating outdated customer filings | Streamline administrative processes | Reduces consumer fees and unnecessary paperwork |
| Modernizing rulemaking systems | Transition to digital regulation processes | Enhances transparency and reduces inefficiencies |
| Regulating third-party service costs | Lower business expenses | Provides more affordable options for Kansas businesses |
Schwab’s Political Legacy and Future Aspirations
Since his election as Secretary of State in 2018, Schwab has navigated the state through turbulent periods of election denialism and fraud claims, emerging as a strong advocate for election security and modernization. His declaration to run for governor marks the continuation of his two-decade political career, as he seeks to extend his impact on Kansas governance.
FAQs
What new protections are proposed for election workers?
Schwab’s 2025 legislative agenda includes a proposal to make it a crime to threaten or interfere with election workers performing their official duties.
How does Schwab plan to improve ballot drop box security?
The proposed legislation transfers control of ballot drop boxes from counties to the Secretary of State’s Office, ensuring standardized security measures statewide.
What changes are being made to outdated state systems?
Schwab aims to replace paper-based regulation and rulemaking systems with modern digital processes to improve transparency and efficiency.
