Kansas House Bill HB2591

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/24
• Refer: 1/24/24
• Report Pass: 2/15/24

Caption

Exempting the state corporation commission from the open meetings act and prohibiting ex parte communications in all commission proceedings.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would represent a substantial change in how the state corporation commission operates by formalizing a structure where deliberations can occur that are not subject to public oversight. Such a shift could lead to a reduced level of accountability, thereby altering the existing public utility regulations and administrative procedures. Critics argue that this would undermine consumer trust and engagement, as the commission's activities could become less visible to the public.

Summary

House Bill 2591 seeks to exempt the Kansas state corporation commission from the provisions of the open meetings act specifically concerning docketed proceedings. The bill aims to modify the legal framework governing how the commission’s meetings are conducted and how communications related to these proceedings can occur. This exemption raises significant implications for transparency and public access to governmental processes, as it could potentially allow the commission to conduct certain business away from public scrutiny.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the prohibition of ex parte communications. This provision is significant because it restricts discussions about the merits of any pending matters between the commissioners and involved parties unless all stakeholders are present. Proponents likely view this as a way to maintain fairness in proceedings, while opponents may see it as an attempt to insulate decision-making from public influence and viewpoint.

Voting_history

The bill faced scrutiny and was ultimately not passed during the House final action, where it received 38 votes in favor and 82 against on February 22, 2024. This voting outcome reflects a significant division among legislators regarding the balance between regulatory efficiency and the public's right to information about government proceedings.