The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-31

HOUSE BILL NO. 1885,
AN ACT relating to motion picture films,
or reels; providing a system of examina-
ton, approval, and regulation thereof,
and of the banners, posters and other
like advertising matter used in connec-
ton herewith; creating a board of re
1915. 1o77S, 1877, fos7s, 1oT7a, 1880 and
10TS1 of the General Statutes of 1915, and
making appropriation therefor.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the
State of Kansas:
Section l. That the word film" used in
this act means what is usually known
a motion picture film. The word reel
as used in this act means one thousand
feet of film, or fraction thereof The word
person when used in this act also means
an association, copartnership, or corpora
Sec. 3 1t shall be unlawful for any
person to sell, lease, lend, exhibit or use
| unless the said film, or reel, has been sub
mitted by the exchange owner lessee
the Kansas Board of Review, hereinafter
in this act called the board.
Sec. 3. The board shall consist of three
resident citizens Of Kansas, well qualified
by education and experience to act as
censors under this act. They shall be APP
pointed by the governor, one member of
the board shall be appointed for one year,
one for two years and one for three years.
Each year thereafter Ir one member shall be
The governor, at his pleasure, may remove
a members of said board for incompetency
or neglect of duty.
| Sec. 4. A vacancy in the membership of
the board shall be filled by the governor
| not impair the right and duty of the re-
| tons Of the board.
Sec 8. The board shall procure and use
| an official seal, which shall contain the
words kansas State Board of Review
together with such design engraved thereon
| as the board may prescribe.
Sec. 6. The board shall examine films
| reels, folders, posters and advertising mat
I tar 0aA ton fHnrn hn
exhibited or used in Kansas; and shall ap
prove such films, reels. folders, posters and
advertising matter which are moral and
proper; and shall disapprove such as are
cruel, obscene, indecent or immoral, or
such as tend to debase corrupt morals.
is approved by the board, there shall be
furnished and stamped by the board the
raUed * tSa Kansa GS tae Roard Of
view and the board shall also furnish a
certificate to the same effect for all folders,
them, and no other approval stamp shall be
| permitted. In the case of films, such GER
tifieate or statement ten shall be shown on
five feet of film.
Sec 5. The board shall keep record of
all examinations made by it of films. or
reels, noting on the record such as have
been approved, and those that have not
disapprovai, and the board shall classify
films for special programs.
Sec. o. The board shall report to the
|
he may request concerning its work.
Sec 10 The governor shall designate
person shall be administrative head of
| the board, shall receive and be responsible
for all moneys paid to the board, shall give
bond to the state of Kansas in the sum
of 100000 with security to be approved by
the governor, conditioned for the faithful
performance of the duties. Each member
| of the board shall take and subscribe an
oath to perform the duties thereof. The
/ lar of ha ptb
members S1,50000 each, together with such
necessary travelling expenses incurred in
| Salaries shall be paid monthly on vouchers.
| Sec. IL The board shall appoint, with
orators. clerks. INSPECTORS and other en-
ployees may be necessary, and fix the
compensation thereof, such employees to
| hold office during the pleasure of the
| board.
! Sec - The Executive Council shall pro-
vide adequate offices in the city of Kansas
City, Kansas, also proper equipment, furni-
ture and supplies for the work of the board,
said offices to be furnished free of charge
Sec. ID. For the examination of each
film the board shall receive, in advance. a
fee of not to exceed two dollars for each
| reel approved or censored, whether original
| or copies. All fees received by the board
ury, and are hereby appropriated for the
| payment Of the salaries and expenses of
the board and their assistants. The board
shall have authority to reduce, from time
| to time, the examination fee below the
ma ximum aforesaid. if and when the fees
! collected shall be more than sufficient to
| pay all of the salaries, charges and ex-
penses connected with the carrying out of
| the provisions of this act.
Sec. II. The board may make and adopt
such reasonable rules and regulations as
s deem ne tS .t not for
! the provisions of this act.
| Sec. Is. The office of the board provided
for in this act shall be in Kansas City,
Kansas. and any person, company or cor
poration aggrieved by the action thereof,
may have redress in the district court of
/ Wyandotte county in this state. in which
service may be had upon the board or any
member thereof by commencing proceed
ings therein within sixty days from the
| action of the board complained of by such
person, company or corporation: provided.
any such proceedings shall not abate or
suspend the action of the Soard until the
final disposition of such proceedings by
the court.
| Sec 16. Any member of the board, or in
spector thereof, may enter any place where
films, or reels. are exhibited. and such
! member or inspector is hereby empowered
and authorized to prevent the display or
exhibition of any film reel, or OF any
banner or poster used in connection there
with, which has not been duly approved
Sec. II The board may order a re-
examination of any film, reel, approved
by it, upon giving so days written notice
/ to the owner of said film or reel. At such
denomination the board may make such
order as would be proper upon the origi-
nal examination
Sec. Is. The board may. in its discretion
grant special permit for the exhibition
of a film. or reel for purely educational,
charitable or religious purpose, without
Sec. 49, Any person violating any pro-