Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB144.  Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill.  (Attachment 1)

Senator Cindy Holscher testified in support of SB144.  Senator Holscher indicated this bill was brought forward as a result of people who had voiced concern regarding Homeowners Association (HOA) covenants that are so restrictive they prevent the consideration of solar panels on homes.  Senator Holscher addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 2)

Nicholas Semrau testified in support of SB144.  Mr. Semrau explained the Declaration of Restrictions was established by the developer when their community was developed 25 years ago.  Mr. Semrau indicated the restrictions are outdated and they don't have the tools to meaningfully change them despite community support.  Mr. Semrau addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 3)

Gokul Ramani testified in support of SB144. Mr. Ramani described his experience in getting solar panels for his house approved with his HOA.  He indicated like many HOAs, theirs meet very infrequently and lack any practical mechanisms to update the rules in a timely way. (Attachment 4)

Zack Pistora testified in support of SB144, noting they introduced a similar bill on the House side two years ago.  Mr. Pistora indicated this bill would be powerful for the energy supply in Kansas and help lower electric rates.  Mr. Pistora addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 5)

Herbert Harry testified in support of SB144.  Mr. Harry indicated this bill would afford all the residents of the state the right to the energy independence they deserve and allow residents to dictate what costs will be imposed on the next generation with the help of renewable energy.  Mr. Harry addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 6)

Written proponent testimony for SB144 was submitted by:

• Brian Alferman, Sustainability Program Manager, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (Attachment 7)
• Michael Koss, City Attorney, City of Overland Park (Attachment 8)
• Phoebe E. Neseth, Esq., Vice President, Government Relations, Public Affairs, and Legal Community Associations Institute (Attachment 9)
• Lori Lawrence, Private Citizen (Attachment 10)
• Jamie Kluesner, Private Citizen (Attachment 11)
• Nancy Muma, Private Citizen (Attachment 12)
• Jonathan Smith, Private Citizen (Attachment 13)
• Bill Roush, Private Citizen (Attachment 14)
• Lydia, Private Citizen (Attachment 15)
• Rev. Noni Strand, Kansas Interfaith Action Board member (Attachment 16)

Rod Hoffman testified in opposition of SB144.  Mr. Hoffman indicated he was offering testimony as a lawyer specializing in restrictive covenants and homeowners associations.  Mr. Hoffman suggested adding the following language to the bill:  "The provisions of this section shall apply only with regard to rooftops that are owned, controlled, and maintained by the owner of the individual property or structure."  Mr. Hoffman addressed questions from the Committee.  (Attachment 17)

Written testimony in opposition of SB144 was submitted by:

• Dalton Malcolm, Vice President, Community Management, First Service Residential (Attachment 18)

Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB144.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:23 a.m.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2026.