The Chair opened the hearing on HB2647.

Chris Waggoner provided the committee with a briefing on the bill. (Attachment 5)

Cory Davis gave to the committee proponent testimony of the bill that would allow Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to form partnerships more efficiently and effectively, to expand broadband services throughout Kansas and to prepare Kansas for the future of transportation.(Attachment 6)  

Ethan Kaplan spoke to the committee testifying as a proponent to legislation on the bill that would provide practical tools necessary to plan, to build, and to manage broadband infrastructure across many rural Kansas homes, farms and businesses.  The bill would also preserve private investment and competition by striking the right balance of empowering  KDOT to be a long term partner in closing the digital divide. (Attachment 7)

Darin Miller provided the committee with neutral testimony stating that the bill would authorize the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to establish a statewide fiber optic conduit system within state highway rights of way and assess fees associated with that system.   AT&T proposed amended language to be included in the bill that would make participation not a requirement or a  mandate. (Attachment 8)  

Megan Bottenberg gave the committee neutral testimony  offering an amendment to the bill that would allow companies the option to use the same right of way (ROW) process that has been used for its providers for years.  This would allow providers to expand broadband throughout Kansas and to make business decisions using the multi duct following policy in the right of way (ROW). (Attachment 9)

 Michael  White provided the committee with neutral testimony on behalf of the Kansas Contractors Association  requesting an amendment to the bill that would remove provisions of the bill that would allow Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to bond for fiber projects.  (Attachment 10)

Written only testimony in support of HB2647 was provided by:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Rachel Willis, Director of Legislative Affairs, Kansas Department of Commerce  (Attachment 11)                                                                                                                                                                          Emma Shankland, Impact Strategist  Health Forward Foundation. (Attachment 12)     

Neutral written only testimony was provided by: Eric Sartorius, Executive Director, Communications Coalition of Kansas (Attachment 13)

Discussion ensued with questions from committee members.

The Chair closed the hearing on HB2647.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:00 P.M.