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Minutes for HB2510 - Committee on Local Government
Short Title
Special districts may be dissolved and responsibilities assumed by a city.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 12, 2020
The Chair opened the hearing on HB2510.
Mr. Heim, briefing the Committee on the bill, reminded members of a bill from last year that by agreement of both parties allowed the city of Atchison to absorb a watershed district; he explained that under current law each such incident requires a separate bill. The proposed bill removes that requirement and allows various local entities to collaborate for one to absorb the other. He outlined the process: an agreement between two parties that results in a resolution, after which a public hearing is held. One party then assumes all the responsibilities and debts of the other. Responding to a question, he replied that taxing authority is granted to the responsible party.
Ms. Stanley spoke in support of the bill (Attachment 3). She said that the bill will provide a unifying statute to allow local entities to interact in beneficial ways. She noted that no other state addresses this issue; having no precedent, she explained that the proposed bill was crafted from last year's statute to provide a generalized process as a pattern for local entities to follow. Responding to a question, she replied that the list of agencies covers most local groups.
The Vice-chair noted the written-only proponent testimony by Eric Stafford, Vice President of Government Affairs, Kansas Chamber (Attachment 4).
The Chair closed the hearing on HB2510.
