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Minutes for SB86 - Committee on Local Government
Short Title
Requiring local governmental officials to disclose substantial interests in the construction and operation of a wind or solar energy conversion system and to abstain from all local governmental actions relating to such matters.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 2, 2023
Chairperson McGinn began the hearing on SB 86. Staff Revisor Jason Long gave a bill brief and responded to committee questions.
Senator Thompson spoke in support of the bill and the need for local government officials to have greater transparency when it comes to renewable energy projects. There is concern that local officials are making decisions that have a significant environmental impact without consideration of the costs that a few individuals have to bear for the many. (Attachment 1)
Senator Thompson answered questions from the committee following his testimony.
Written proponent testimonies were received from the following private citizens:
Penny Massing (Attachment 2)
Debbie Detmer (Attachment 3)
Jackie Pellow (Attachment 4)
Mike Kolman (Attachment 5)
Kurt and Kelli Childs (Attachment 6)
Jill O'Connor (Attachment 7)
Jonathan Sill (Attachment 8)
Joyce Whittier (Attachment 9)
Lori Shoemaker (Attachment 10)
Debbie Mize (Attachment 11)
Jennifer Williams (Attachment 12)
Debra Cramer (Attachment 13)
Jay Hall representing Kansas Association of Counties spoke against the bill due to the substantially broad nature of the definition for relative, which in small communities with multiple family ties could exclude individuals from doing their job due to relational proximity. (Attachment 14)
Joshua Svaty representing Kansas Power Alliance spoke against the bill also due to the expansive language for relative. He also cited that some of the examples being used to support the bill were issues that did not involve wind energy projects specifically. (Attachment 15)
Mike Taylor representing Kansas County Commissioners Association also spoke against the bill due to the overly broad definition of the term relative. (Attachment 16)
Written testimony opposing the bill was received from John Goodyear representing the League of Kansas Municipalities. (Attachment 17)
Discussion ensued as opponents answered questions from the committee.
Chairperson McGinn closed the hearing on SB86.
Meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m. Next possible meeting date is scheduled for February 9, 2023 at 9:30 a.m.
