(March 10, 2023) – Today, the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Mike Thompson (R-Bonner Springs), held a hearing on Senate Bill 133. The legislation provides for the enforcement of donor-imposed restrictions on philanthropic gifts of endowment funds or property to charitable organizations.
The bill heard from the following proponents:
- Megan Schmidt, Philanthropy Roundtable, family foundations network
- Mark Hutton, Benefactor and former legislator
The committee also heard from opponent Gregg Willems, from Kansas State University Foundation who expressed concern it could be a significant drain on charitable organizations' focus and resources, as well as conflicts with existing law. Further, Willems suggested:
- The bill doesn't define the legal representative of a single donor
- Doesn't address when there are multiple donors
- Highlights the donor intent can be difficult to interpret
- Concerns around transfer allowances