TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas secretary of state would have the power to prosecute election fraud under a bill endorsed by a House panel. The House Judiciary Committee voted 14-8 Monday to advance the bill to the House floor. The measure would increase election fraud penalties to felony charges, and add the secretary of state to the list of officials allowed to bring criminal prosecutions for offenses. Democratic Representative John Carmichael from Wichita attempted to attach three amendments to the bill reducing its scope, but all failed. He said in committee debate that he believed it could be used to initiate felony prosecutions against people who did not intentionally break the law. Republican Representative John Rubin from Shawnee said the measure is necessary, calling such actions attacks on the state's democratic institutions.
