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Minutes for SB59 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Designating "Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Capitol."
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 7, 2023
Jason Long, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. SB 59 would designate the Thursday immediately preceding the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Capitol. K.S.A. 35-107 currently designates the third Monday in January as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is a public legal holiday. SB 59 would designate the Thursday before as a day of commemoration to be known as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Capitol. If enacted, SB 59 would become effective on July 1, 2023. (Attachment 1)
The Chairman called for proponent testimony.
Oral Proponent Testimony
Senator Faust-Goudeau spoke as a proponent of the bill. She stated there has been a celebration for many years in the Capitol, mainly only attended by the Kansas African American Affairs Commission and the Kansas Legislative Black Caucus, but the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. benefited all people. She said designating the day in statute would allow legislators and others to attend as well. (Attachment 2)
Senator David Haley spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated the bill is straightforward and "when we don't have traditions codified, they wane". He said designating the Thursday prior to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is appropriate, since it is a day when people and legislators are present. (Attachment 3)
Stacey Knoell, Executive Director, Kansas African American Affairs Commission, spoke as a proponent of the bill. She stated the designation of the day at the capitol would make it known that the event is welcome for everyone to attend. (Attachment 4)
Nick Reinecker, private citizen, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated he is excited to see what a full day of activities will bring with the official commemoration, and Dr. King's desire to speak and act on the principles of justice, freedom and equality through non-violent means is evidence enough that we should have such a day in the capitol. (Attachment 5)
The Chairman opened for a period of questions and answers.
Proponents Providing Written Testimony
Rep. Brad Boyd, Kansas Black Legislative Caucus (Attachment 6)
Sheila Officer, Racial Profiling Advisory Board of Wichita (Attachment 7)
Tadonne Neal, private citizen (Attachment 8)
Denise Sherman, Executive Director, Kansas African American Museum (Attachment 9)
Neutral and Opponent Testimony
None
Following oral testimony, the Chairman called for a period of questions and answers. Seeing no more questions, the Chairman closed the hearing on SB59.
The Chairman called for final action on SB59.
Senator Ryckman moved, and Senator Faust-Goudeau seconded, to recommend SB59 favorably for passage. Motion carried.
Senator Kloos moved, and Senator Holscher seconded, to place SB59 on the consent calendar. Motion carried.
