Chairperson Dietrich opened the hearing on HB 2590. Revisor Eileen Ma gave an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)

Kelly VanZwoll of the Kansas Bankers Association (KBA) spoke briefly to the committee before introducing Mr. Bergman. She explained that although the KBA has a Trust Division, Mr. Bergman is really the expert on the subject matter. As part of their due diligence in proposing legislation that creates the Kansas Community Property Trust Act, they sought input from the Kansas Judicial Council and the Kansas Bar Association.

Will Bergman of Midwest Trust Company spoke as a proponent of the bill. (Attachment 2) He testified that creating a Community Property Trust Act in Kansas law would enable trust companies in the state to better serve the residents of Kansas. It will also make them more competitive and able to attract business from other states as generational wealth, in the realm of $68 trillion, is expected to be transferred to the next generation over the next 30 years. This will keep money in Kansas and create a cascade of positive benefits for the banking and trust community in Kansas.

Mr Bergman stood for questions from the committee.

Proponent, written-only testimony was received from:

Joe Karnes, Vice President and Trust Officer, Trust Division of Kansas Bankers Association (Attachment 3)

Charles Andres, Attorney, Charles Andres Law Office (Attachment 4)

Hearing on HB 2590 was closed by Chairperson Dietrich.

Meeting adjourned at 10:21 a.m. Next meeting is scheduled for March 9, 2026.