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Minutes for SB316 - Committee on Local Government
Short Title
Authorizing municipalities to adopt local zoning regulations that establish a minimum distance between group homes in single family residential zones.
Minutes Content for Tue, Feb 1, 2022
Revisor Jason Long provided a brief overview of SB 316.
Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau was the first proponent of the bill to speak. Faust-Goudeau mentioned she lived in a neighborhood affected by an abundance of group homes and that the legislation is needed to protect her property rights. (Attachment 1)
Representative Henry Helgerson spoke as a proponent of the bill. Helgerson shared the same concerns as Faust-Goudeau and mentioned the nuisances that arise with group homes. (Attachment 2)
Glen Burdick, President of Lambsdale Neighborhood Association, further discussed some of the blight that comes with an over-abundance of group homes in such a small area. (Attachment 3)
Proponent conferees were asked questions by the committee regarding constitutionality and costs of the legislation, if it were to pass.
Liz Long, Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, testified as an opponent of the bill. Long suggested the bill is discriminatory in nature and may violate the Fair Housing Act. (Attachment 4)
Sean Gatewood, Kancare Advocates Network, testified as an opponent of the bill. Gatewood claimed group homes promote an integrated, diverse community and allows those with disabilities to live and grow wherever. (Attachment 5)
Colin McKenney, Starkey Inc, testified as an opponent of the bill. McKenney suggested the bill is blatant government overreach and could critically change Kansas housing. McKenney also remarked that local HOA's could address these issues, not the state government. (Attachment 6)
Kip Elliot, Disability Rights Center, was the last oral opponent of the bill. Elliot shared strong concerns about the constitutionality of the bill and suggested heavy litigation would ensue if the bill were enacted. Elliot also shared previous attempts of the bill had failed and that it is not appropriate for the state to take action in this matter and it is best left to municipalities or HOAs. (Attachment 7)
Written-Only Proponent Testimony was submitted by:
Caitlin Gard, City of Shawnee (Attachment 8)
Danielle Johnson, Member of Lambsdale Neighborhood Association (Attachment 9)
Written-Only Opponent Testimony was submitted by:
Julie Brewer, United Community Services of Johnson County (Attachment 10)
Lou Ann Kibbee, Southeast Kansas Independent Living Resource Center (Attachment 11)
Tim DeWeese, Johnson County Mental Health Center (Attachment 12)
Matt Fletcher, Interhab (Attachment 13)
Rachel Neumann, COF Training Services (Attachment 14)
Chad VonAhnen, Johnson County Developmental Supports (Attachment 15)
Janel Bowers, Friends of Johnson County Developmental Supports (Attachment 16)
Nickaila Sandate, EmberHope Youthville (Attachment 17)
Chairman McGinn adjourned the meeting at 10:25AM. The next possible meeting is scheduled for February 3, 2022 at 9:30AM.
