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Minutes for SB2 - Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics
Short Title
Validating the election results for the bond issuance question submitted by the board of education of USD 200, Greeley county, at a special election held on May 21, 2024.
Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 28, 2025
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB2. Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill. (Attachment 1)
Clayton Barker testified in support of SB2 which would validate the results of the May 2024 bond election for USD 200 in Greeley County. Mr. Barker noted and explained the "Will of the People" doctrine which will excuse minor imperfections in elections and validate the results. Mr. Barker indicated Kansas is a voter-intent state and explained how that would apply. Mr. Barker discussed an amendment to the bill that would clarify the language. (Attachment 2)
Mr. Barker addressed questions from the Committee.
John Niehues testified in support of SB2 indicating the bond issue was approved in May of 2024. Mr. Niehues indicated the absence of a post did not meet the statute, but it also did not negate or damage the community's understanding that there was a special election or what it was for. (Attachment 3)
Mr. Niehues and Mr. Reimer addressed questions from the Committee.
Shannon Kimball testified in support of SB2. Ms. Kimball stated by ratifying the results of this validly conducted bond election, but for the technicality related to a website that is out of the control of the local board of education, you would be ensuring that the will of those voters is carried out. (Attachment 4)
Ms. Kimball addressed questions from the Committee.
Christy Hopkins testified in support of SB2. Ms. Hopkins noted her written testimony documents the newspaper's coverage of the bond election. Ms. Hopkins stated she feels the school did an excellent job in getting the word out about this particular bond issue and also noted Mr. Niehues' FAQ document in his written testimony. (Attachment 5)
Ms. Hopkins addressed questions from the Committee.
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB2.
