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Minutes for SB325 - Committee on Ethics, Elections and Local Government
Short Title
City, school district, other municipal elected officials; date for assuming office following election.
Minutes Content for Thu, Feb 8, 2018
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB325. Mike Heim, staff revisor, provided a briefing on the bill. Mr. Heim addressed questions from the Committee.
Trey Cocking testified in support of SB325. Mr. Cocking indicated the change from spring elections to fall elections presented several challenges for cities. Mr. Cocking stated they are supportive of the bill but would request an amendment. Mr. Cocking explained the proposed amendment. (Attachment 1)
Senator Pettey testified in support of SB325. Senator Pettey stated having the newly elected take office as soon as possible following the final canvas of the vote contributes to a continuity of leadership and helps voters understand who is currently in office. Senator Pettey addressed the amendment proposed by the League of Kansas Municipalities. (Attachment 2)
Questions from the Committee were addressed by Senator Pettey and Bryan Caskey, Director of Elections, Kansas Secretary of State's office.
Rob Gilligan provided neutral testimony for SB325. Mr. Gilligan stated their initial recommendation was possibly to exclude school boards from this bill until they could study it. Mr. Gilligan indicated the League of Kansas Municipalities' proposed amendment would possibly be a good change, so the school boards could determine the transition period locally. (Attachment 3)
Written testimony in support of SB325 was submitted by:
Mike Taylor, Public Relations Director, Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City (Attachment 4)
Dick Carter, City of Overland Park (Attachment 5)
After questions from the Committee were addressed, Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB325.
