Chairwoman Warren opened the hearing on SB462

Natalie Scott, Revisor's Office, provided an overview of the bill and stood for questions, (Attachment 1)

O.H. Skinner, Executive Director, Alliance for Consumers Action Fund, provided testimony in support of the bill.  He stated by enacting SB462, Kansas can make clear that public policy is decided by laws, not lawsuits,  The measures in this bill that will reform public nuisance claims in the state are measures that protect fairness, strengthen consumer confidence, and prevent the misuse of Kansas courts for political ends.(Attachment 2)

Nathan Eberline, Executive Director, League of Kansas Municipalities, spoke in opposition of the bill. He states this bill materially limits the ability of cities to protect their residents and, critically, to recover costs incurred when responding to harmful conduct that affects public health, safety, and welfare.  (Attachment 3)

Michael Koss, City Attorney, City of Overland Park, spoke in opposition to the bill.  He states the bill makes it essentially impossible for cities to pursue public nuisance claims, which will result in Kansans not receiving the benefits from these types of lawsuits. (Attachment 4)

Opponent, written only testimony was submitted by the following:

• Jay Hall, Deputy Director and General Counsel, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 5)   

• David Dillner, City Manager, City of El Dorado (Attachment 6)

Kris Kobach, Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General, provided neutral testimony to the bill.  He stated his office has concerns with this legislation.  If each were addressed, with the amendments suggested then we would support this bill.   (Attachment 7)  (Attachment 8)

Conferees stood for questions and discussion.

Chairwoman closed the hearing on SB462.