Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB124. Jason Long, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill, and addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 1)
Senator Shane testified in support of SB124. Senator Shane indicated the goal of the bill is not to prohibit annexation either through consent annexation or through unilateral annexation. Senator Shane explained it's to tighten up some of the rules and processes while respecting private property rights and rural interests as it relates to the narrow corridors. Senator Shane addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 2)
Jennifer Williams testified in support of SB124. Ms. Williams explained they understand cities have to grow, but property rights for individuals and counties must also be protected. Ms. Williams emphasized they shouldn't have to be forced into growth when they don't have the due process of a hearing. Ms. Williams addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 3)
Desree Pettera testified in support of SB124, noting that the bill begins to place limitations on cities' authority over rural property owners. Ms. Pettera described concerns in the Junction City area regarding forced annexations where people still have not received city services more than a decade after annexation. Ms. Pettera addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 4)
Written proponent testimony for SB124 was submitted by:
- Kelsey Mann, Private Citizen (Attachment 5)
- Zach Mann, Private Citizen (Attachment 6)
- Debbie Detmer, Private Citizen (Attachment 7)
- Ben Kitchens, Private Citizen (Attachment 8)
- Janet Pippin, Private Citizen (Attachment 9)
- Deanna Munson, Private Citizen (Attachment 10)
- Karen Augustein Private Citizen (Attachment 11)
- Ernie Augustein, Private Citizen (Attachment 12)
- Susan Kamm, Private Citizen (Attachment 13)
- Christy Upham, Private Citizen (Attachment 14)
- Jill O'Connor, Kansas Republican Precinct Committee Woman, 5-18 (Attachment 15)
- Frank Bannister, Private Citizen (Attachment 16)
- Dennis Koch, Private Citizen (Attachment 17)
- Mark Hall, Private Citizen (Attachment 18)
Dan Warner testified in opposition to SB124, explaining that the bill erodes the city's ability to plan for future growth by limiting annexation. He emphasized that cities must grow to support roads, water, sewer, fire, and police services--not only for new development, but for the entire community. Mr. Warner stated restricting annexation would lead to stagnation, undermining the long-term health of cities and the businesses and residents that they serve. Mr. Warner addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 19)
Nathan Eberline testified in opposition to SB124. Mr. Eberline stated unilateral annexation helps prevent situations in which property owners benefit from city roads, police, fire, and EMS services without contributing to their cost. Mr. Eberline indicated that limiting this tool shifts those costs onto the residents that already shoulder this burden. Mr. Eberline remarked that the bill overcorrects and adds more statutory framework where safeguards already exist. Mr. Eberline addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 20)
Written testimony in opposition of SB124 was submitted by:
- City of Olathe (Attachment 21)
- Michael Koss, City Attorney, City of Overland Park (Attachment 22)
- Stephanie Peterson, Director of Planning and Development, City of Manhattan (Attachment 23)
- Kiel Mangus, City Manager, City of Derby (Attachment 24)
- Danielle B. Burke, Deputy City Manager, City of Garden City, on Behalf of Southwest Kansas Coalition (Attachment 25)
- City of Wichita (Attachment 26)
Jay Hall provided neutral testimony for SB124. Mr. Hall noted his written testimony includes two proposed amendments the Kansas Association of Counties would recommend. Mr. Hall explained they feel the county should have a formal role in the process of unilateral annexation. Mr. Hall indicated the proposed amendments would give the county a more formalized role in the unilateral annexation process. Mr. Hall addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 27)
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB124.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2026.