Chairperson Petersen opened the Hearing on HB2553. Adam Siebers, Staff Revisor gave an explanation of the bill. (Attachment 1) There were no questions.

Representative Henry Helgerson gave testimony in support of HB2553. He stated that HB2553 authorizes issuance of the PBS Kansas distinctive license plate. The bill allows Kansas Public Telecommunication Service of Wichita to set royalties for use of its logo on each license plate in an amount of $25 to $100 paid for each occurrence and renewal. Recent federal and state cutbacks of over $1.5 million have threatened both local and national programming. HB2553 provides an opportunity to help correct this financial shortage. He took questions from committee members. (Attachment 2)

Victor Hogstrom gave proponent testimony. He stated that revenue from a PBS specialty plate would directly fund local Kansas programming and children's educational content. Every dollar raised stays in Kansas, supporting Kansas stories, Kansas journalists, and Kansas families. (Attachment 3) He took questions from committee members. 

Opponent, written only testimony was submitted by:

Val VanDerSluis, Chairman, KPBC - General Manager, KTWU  (Attachment 4)

Chairperson Petersen closed the Hearing on HB2553.