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Minutes for HB2099 - Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics
Short Title
Permitting periodic inspections by a city or county for code violations of private residential rental housing where the property owner is receiving governmental rental subsidies.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 4, 2025
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on HB2099. Charles Reimer, staff revisor, provided a briefing to the bill. (Attachment 6) Mr. Reimer addressed questions from the Committee.
Amanda Stanley provided proponent testimony for HB2099. Ms. Stanley drew attention to Representative Alcala's written testimony, noting it discusses the constituents who brought this issue forward. Ms. Stanley explained that the goal of this bill is to be able to have a program where they can inspect these apartments that are receiving government-assisted funding and get in early through these periodic inspection programs. Ms. Stanley explained if you can get in early, you can save these affordable housing units in your community. (Attachment 7)
Ms. Stanley addressed questions from the Committee.
Carrie Higgins provided proponent testimony for HB2099. Ms. Higgins stated this bill is crucial because it alleviates the burden that is placed on tenants, particularly those that are living in an apartment complex receiving some sort of direct financial assistance from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Ms. Higgins explained they're living in substandard conditions where the landlord is failing to make any of the necessary repairs. Ms. Higgins indicated this ordinance would allow them to protect the tenants and takes the burden off of the tenants. (Attachment 8)
Ms. Higgins addressed questions from the Committee.
Written only proponent testimony for HB2099 was submitted by:
- Representative John Alcala, Kansas House of Representatives, 57th District (Attachment 9)
- Christina Valdivia-Alcala, City Council, District 2, City of Topeka (Attachment 10)
- Spencer Duncan, Government Affairs Director, The League of Kansas Municipalities (Attachment 11)
Spencer Duncan was asked to address questions from the Committee.
Ed Jaskinia provided neutral testimony for HB2099. Mr. Jaskinia explained they opposed this bill in the House because it was unclear what the goals were. Mr. Jaskinia's testimony indicated with the amendment, they are neutral on the bill. Mr. Jaskinia explained the amended version identifies that it limits it to Housing and Development, limits it to the City of Topeka, it took out the counties, and includes a 5-year sunset provision. (Attachment 12)
Mr. Jaskinia addressed questions from the Committee.
Patrick DeLapp testified in opposition to HB2099. Mr. DeLapp indicated there are a number of reasons he doesn't like this bill. Mr. DeLapp noted his Section 8 units are inspected every year where they tell him what he needs to correct. Mr. DeLapp explained if he doesn't get those corrections made, they may stop the funding. Mr. DeLapp highlighted examples of cities using inspections for more serious crime enforcement. (Attachment 13)
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on HB2099.
The meeting adjourned at 10:27 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 5, 2025.
