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Minutes for HB2769 - Committee on Local Government
Short Title
Requiring members of governing bodies of subordinate service taxing areas to be residents of such taxing areas.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 2, 2026
Representative opened the hearing on HB2769.
Jason Long, Revisor of Statutes (Attachment 1) gave an overview of the bill. He explained that under this bill, if a service taxing area is established with an appointed governing body and there is a property tax levied or authorized to be levied on residents of the area, or if the governing body has a budget and expenditure authority, then the ordinance or resolution establishing the service taxing area must require that all members of the governing body be residents of the such service taxing area.
Representative Carolyn Caiharr, 33rd District (Attachment 2) testified as a proponent to the bill. She explained that the bill requires any person who has been appointed to a board with tax levy authority to live in the area that is subject to that tax.
Stephanie Barton, private citizen (Attachment 3) testified as a proponent to the bill. She explained that the bill would bring accountability and fair representation to all communities in Kansas.
Representative Bergquist asked if anyone else wanted to speak to the bill.
Spencer Duncan, League of Municipalities spoke to the committee as a proponent (Attachment 4). He explained that the bill would strengthen local accountability, align representation with authority, be consistent with principles of local governance, and provide a clear standard of practice.
The following people provided proponent written only testimony:
- Karen Schibi, private citizen (Attachment 5)
- Sam Voyles, private citizen (Attachment 6)
- Aaron Mays, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 7)
- Stephanie Pujol-Burch, private citizen (Attachment 8)
- Duane Beth, private citizen (Attachment 9)
- Cheryl Yates, private citizen (Attachment 10)
The following person provided neutral written only testimony:
- Jeff Blubaugh , Chairman, Board of County Commissioners of Sedgwick County
Representative Bergquist closed the hearing on HB2769.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 a.m.








