The Chair opened the hearing on HB2798.

Jill Wolters, First Assistant Revisor of Statutes gave the bill brief on HB2798 for the committee. (Attachment 1) Ms. Wolters stood for questions from the committee.

Representative Chris Croft, Majority Leader, Kansas House of Representatives, spoke in favor of the bill to authorize the research universities to promulgate policies that involve the expenditure of state moneys. No written testimony was submitted.

Will Lawrence, Chief of Staff for Governor Laura Kelly, spoke in favor of the bill that would authorize the research universities to promulgate policies that involve the expenditure of the state moneys. (Attachment 2)

Blake Benson, Chair, Kansas Board of Regents, spoke in opposition to the bill with the potential implications for accountability, consistency, and state fiscal oversight. (Attachment 3)

Terry Humphrey, Executive Director, American Institute of Architects, spoke in opposition to the bill. Without assurance that the state universities will continue to follow qualifications-based selection in procuring architectural services, AIA Kansas must oppose the bill as written. (Attachment 4)

Dr. Douglas Girod, Chancellor, University of Kansas, gave neutral testimony on the bill. No written testimony was submitted.

All conferees stood for questions from the committee.

The hearing on HB2798 was closed.

Representative Turk adjourned the meeting at 2:40 p.m.