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Minutes for HB2160 - Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics
Short Title
Enacting the municipal employee whistleblower act to provide statutory protections for municipal employees who report or disclose unlawful or dangerous conduct.
Minutes Content for Wed, Mar 5, 2025
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on HB2160. Charles Reimer, staff revisor, provided a briefing on the bill. (Attachment 3)
Jay Hall testified in support of HB2160. Mr. Hall noted that he had previously appeared as neutral on the Senate bill that mirrors this bill. Mr. Hall indicated KAC worked with Representative Barth on the bill. Mr. Hall noted the bill now includes the definitions that were important to them; and, also eliminates a section of the bill that Mr. Hall indicated was duplicative-subsection (c)(5) "disclosed a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety to any person, agency or organization." (Attachment 4) Mr. Hall addressed questions from the Committee.
John Goodyear testified in support of HB2160. Mr. Goodyear explained that the League appeared as neutral with some concerns on the Senate bill that mirrors this bill. Mr. Goodyear indicated after the Senate hearing and in advance of the House hearing, the League was able to meet with Representative Barth and work through those concerns. Mr. Goodyear noted they are now in support of this bill. Mr. Goodyear indicated the City of Overland Park is a member city that has submitted written-only opposition testimony. Mr. Goodyear indicated they have been working with the City of Overland Park and highlighted some of their concerns. (Attachment 5)
Mr. Goodyear and Mr. Reimer addressed questions from the Committee.
Written only proponent testimony for HB2160 was submitted by:
- Kari Sue Vosburgh, Sedgwick County Precinct Committeewoman (Attachment 6)
- Tammy Minihan, Republican Precinct Committeewoman, Sedgwick County (Attachment 7)
- Brett Anderson, Republican Precinct Committeeman, Sedgwick County (Attachment 8)
Written testimony in opposition of HB2160 was submitted by:
- Michael Koss, City Attorney, City of Overland Park (Attachment 9)
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on HB2160.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 6, 2025.
