Chairperson Humphries opened the Hearing on HB2460.

Jason Thompson, Office of Revisor of Statutes, presented the Bill Brief.  (Attachment 8)

Mr. Thompson stood for questions.

Proponents:

Representative Robyn Essex, 78th District, shared that this bill provides an exception to KORA that authorizes members of the legislature to have identifying information restricted from public access on public websites that identify home address or home ownership. She covered three specific examples, one of which involved Kansas legislators, where threats, intimidation and even death have happened to public legislators. Threats and intimidation against lawmakers are a growing nationwide issue. While transparency in government is important, perhaps the safety and security of public servants and their families could be heightened if personal information was withheld from public websites. (Attachment 9)

Representative Leah Howell, 82nd District, testified that there is no public benefit to easy access to private information of public officials, in fact it may make threats of violence easier. She shared concerns about threats made to her own family, county clerks, school board members, and others here in Kansas. This problem is growing across our nation. HB2460 offers reasonable protection by allowing public servants to request that certain identifying information be restricted from public websites in an effort to slow down actions of harassment.  (Attachment 10)

Spencer Duncan, Mayor, City of Topeka, testified that he has had personal affronts at his home by people who easily found his address on the county website. He acknowledged the inherent public safety risk of putting your name on a ballot or in doing a public service job, however, family members should be protected. In full support of the bill, he requests an amendment to give city officials the choice to have their personal information removed from public websites.  (Attachment 11)

The Proponents stood for questions.

Chairperson Humphries drew attention to the Proponent Written Only testimony:

Leah Fliter, Assistant Executive Director of Advocacy, Kansas Association of School Boards  (Attachment 12)

Neutral conferee Melissa Stiehler with Loud Light Civic Action, testified that, unfortunately, this bill may not be able to actually address the issue of safety, security, and political violence. It could widen the disconnect between elected officials and their constituents and create complications with confirming residency requirements for the public. She shared a concern that there are many lawmaking officials who do not connect with their constituents, lowering public trust. For these reasons, Loud Light Civic Action strongly urges the Committee to rethink HB2460.  (Attachment 13)

Chairperson Humphries closed the Hearing on HB2460.

Post-meeting note:  Proponent Written-Only testimony was received from Representative Mary-Lynn Poskin, Kansas 20th District, after the meeting date and has been posted online for public review.  (Attachment 14)