Chairman Peck opened the hearing on SB465.

Tamara Lawrence, Senior Assistant Revisor presented an overview of the bill. (Attachment 1)

Ms. Lawrence stood for questions.

Proponent In Person:

Kathy Sharplaz spoke in support of the bill  (Attachment 2) (Attachment 3) (Attachment 4).  To place LLPs into the family-farm category, which is exempt from county vote, is to deprive Kansans at the county level of a decision-making authority that the Legislature regarded as so important that it codified that county authority in the statutes.

Ms. Sharplaz stood for questions.

Proponent - Written Only

Jay Hill, Deputy Director and General Counsel, Kansas Association of Counties. (Attachment 5)

Opponent In Person:

John Donley, Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB) spoke in opposition to the bill. (Attachment 6)   KFB supports the ability to conduct business without unnecessary impediments created by the government. These impediments include limiting the business structures that are available to farmers and ranchers.

Mr. Donley stood for questions.

Aaron Popelka, V.P. of Legals and Governmental Affairs, Kansas Livestock Association (KLA) spoke in opposition to the bill. (Attachment 7)  KLA opposes the bill as it is an unnecessary government intrusion in the markeetplace that will limit the ability of farmers and ranchers to choose the best operating entity for their business.

Mr. Popelka stood for questions.

Opponent - Written only

Tim Stroda, President/CEO, Kansas Pork Association (Attachment 8)

Joint Testimony from Kansas Corn, Kansas Soybean Association, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (Attachment 9)

Chairman Peck closed the hearing on SB465.