House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for HB2109 - Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Short Title
Authorizing public utilities and law enforcement agencies to enter into utility pole attachment agreements for the installation of law enforcement equipment on structures located in the public right-of-way and exempting public utilities from liability relating thereto.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 4, 2025
Chairman Delperdang opened the hearing on HB2109
Nick Myers, Office of Revisor of Statutes provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment9) Mr. Myers responded to questions from committee members.
Chairman recognized proponents for in person testimony:
Jeremy Noel, Kansas State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police (Attachment10) who testified in support of the bill. Mr. Noel explained the technology deployed on utility poles would be an invaluable tool for law enforcement, servicing as a cost-effective force multiplier that would enhance public safety and strengthen agencies' ability to monitor high crime areas.
Ed Klumpp, Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, Kansas Sheriffs Association, Kansas Peace Officers Association (Attachment11) who testified in support of the bill. Mr. Klumpp explained three ways the pole camera would be utilized with a search warrant, written permission from a home or business owner or placing the camera in a location that was within the public right-of-way.
Conferees responded to questions from committee members.
Proponent - Written only testimony:
Chief Joseph Sullivan, Wichita Police Department (Attachment12)
Mark Engholm, State Fire Marshall (Attachment13)
There were no opponent testimony.
Neutral - Written only testimony:
Joseph Astrab, Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (Attachment14)
Kansas Department of Transportation (Attachment15)
Chairman asked the committee for any further questions.
Chairman Delperdang closed the hearing on HB2109.
