Brief (1)
SB 535 would reduce the size of the county extension councils from 24 to seven members, make the positions appointed, and would eliminate county extension executive boards.
After June 1 following the effective date of the act (July 1, 2000), the county commissioners of each county would be required to appoint seven members to serve on the county extension council. The terms of each member would commence on July 1 and each appointed member would have to be a resident of the county. The terms of office would be staggered, so that four members would serve terms ending upon appointment of a successor on June 1 of the first odd-numbered year following such member's appointment, and three members would serve terms ending upon the appointment of a successor on June 1 of the second odd-numbered year. At the conclusion of the first appointed members terms, each member of the council would hold office for four years until such successor is elected and qualified. Elections would be held on the first Tuesday in April in each odd- numbered year to elect a successor to the council, and they would be conducted under the provisions provided by law for general elections. Vacancies in membership on the council would be filled by appointment by the council for the unexpired terms.
The county extension council is authorized to appoint three or more development committees to be chaired by a council member to develop current programs for the purpose of giving instruction in agriculture, marketing home economics, 4-H club and youth work, community and resource development, and economic initiatives. Under the bill, the extension council executive board would be abolished and its duties would be assumed by the extension council.
Current law regarding extension districts basically is left unchanged except for technical amendments. Counties involved in extension districts still would select four members to serve on the extension district board.
Background
SB 535, as introduced, was proposed by the State Extension Advisory Council Committee. Representatives from the State Extension Advisory Council, the Kansas Farm Bureau, and the K-State Research and Extension Northwest Director testified in support of the bill as introduced. The Geary County Clerk testified in opposition to the introduced bill. The Labette County Commissioner testified as a neutral conferee.
The Senate Committee on Elections and Local Government amended the bill that would authorize county commissioners to appoint extension council members. The Committee also reinstated current law authorizing the extension council to provide for instruction in agriculture, marketing home economics, 4-H club and youth work, community and resource development, and economic initiatives.
The Division of the Budget's fiscal note indicates that SB 535, as introduced, would have no fiscal effect on the state. It also states that the Kansas Association of Counties notes that the bill could generate some expenses, but the amount is unknown.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html