Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2228

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/14/25  
Engrossed
2/25/25  
Refer
2/26/25  
Report Pass
3/19/25  
Refer
3/25/25  
Refer
3/25/25  
Enrolled
4/10/25  

Caption

Senate Substitute for HB 2228 by Committee on Judiciary - Requiring that a political subdivision hold an open meeting to discuss a contingency fee contract for legal services before approving such contract and requiring the attorney general to approve such contracts.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2228 introduces new transparency requirements for political subdivisions in Kansas. By enforcing these open meeting protocols, the bill aims to ensure that the process behind selecting attorneys for legal representation is more visible and accountable to the public. Additionally, the requirement for approval from the attorney general adds an extra layer of oversight, ensuring that such contracts do not conflict with state interests or legal standards. This could potentially lead to both more scrutiny over legal fees and the types of services acquired through these contracts.

Summary

House Bill 2228 is designed to regulate how political subdivisions can enter into contingent fee contracts for legal services. The bill mandates that any governing body must first hold an open meeting to discuss and approve the contract. During this meeting, they are required to outline the rationale for pursuing the legal services, as well as the qualifications of the attorney or law firm involved. Furthermore, the decision to enter into such a contract must be documented through specific findings made by the governing body that justify the need for legal services that a political subdivision cannot adequately meet itself.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 2228 appears to be cautious support, with many stakeholders advocating for increased transparency in government contracts while also recognizing the importance of legal representation for public entities. Proponents argue that the stipulations in the bill will prevent misuse of public funds and enhance accountability, while some critics voice concerns over potential delays and restrictions in the timely acquisition of necessary legal services. The balance between sufficient oversight and operational efficiency seems to be at the heart of the debate.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from the balancing act required to ensure oversight without hampering the ability of political subdivisions to effectively engage legal counsel. Critics may focus on the logistical challenges posed by mandatory open meetings, especially in urgent legal situations. Concerns are also raised about the potential for inconsistencies in contract approval from the attorney general, which could lead to delays in legal proceedings and hinder the responsiveness of governmental bodies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2100

Enacting the Kansas public investments and contracts protection act concerning environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, prohibiting the state and political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on such ESG criteria in procuring or letting contracts, requiring KPERS fiduciaries to act solely in the financial interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the system, indemnifying KPERS with respect to actions taken in compliance with such act, restricting state agencies from adopting ESG criteria or requiring any person or business to operate in accordance with such criteria and providing for enforcement of such act by the attorney general.

KS HB2454

Providing a sales tax exemption for purchases of construction materials by a contractor for a not-for-profit corporation operating a theater.

KS HB2508

Authorizing a transfer of state general fund moneys to the local ad valorem tax reduction fund in fiscal year 2025 and all fiscal years thereafter, requiring political subdivisions to credit all such moneys to residential property taxpayers in the form of a rebate and providing a formula for such rebate amount.

KS HB2138

Senate Substitute for HB 2138 by Committee on Education - Requiring school districts to provide separate accommodations for students of each biological sex on overnight school district sponsored trips, requiring contracts for exclusive broadcasts of state high school activities association activities to permit certain local broadcasts and providing for administrative review of resolutions to permanently close a school building of a school district.

KS HB2598

Substitute for HB 2598 by Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development - Authorizing the Kansas real estate commission to issue cease and desist orders, prohibiting dealing in assignable contracts for certain residential real estate and providing that certain violations thereof are subject to the Kansas consumer protection act, regulating contract for deed transactions, authorizing recording of contract for deeds or affidavits of equitable interest, listing deceptive practices constituting violations of the consumer protection act, requiring notice to the buyer of default and allowing buyers to cure such default.

KS HB2662

Providing a sales tax exemption for purchases of construction materials by a contractor for the Kansas fairgrounds foundation.

KS HB2493

Requiring rural water districts to award certain contracts through a public letting process.

KS HB2436

Senate Substitute for HB 2436 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Creating the crime of coercion to obtain an abortion and providing enhanced criminal penalties for offenses committed with the intent to coerce a woman to obtain an abortion.

KS HB2124

Senate Substitute for HB 2124 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Permitting beer and hard cider sales by microbreweries to retailers, public venues, clubs, drinking establishments, holders of temporary permits and caterers and allowing such sales at special events to consumers.

KS HB2573

Requiring certain libraries that have budgets approved by taxing subdivisions to be subject to the revenue neutral rate independent of the taxing subdivision.

Similar Bills

WV SB543

Clarifying oversight by Attorney General of political subdivision’s hiring of private attorney under contingency fee or contract to sue

TX HB2826

Relating to procurement of a contingent fee contract for legal services by certain governmental entities.

TX SB28

Relating to procurement of a contingent fee contract for legal services by a state agency or political subdivision.

KS SB242

Requiring that a political subdivision hold an open meeting to discuss a contingency fee contract for legal services before approving such contract and requiring the attorney general to approve such contracts.

CA AB1091

Health Care Consolidation and Contracting Fairness Act of 2023.

CA AB690

Criminal procedure: indigent defense compensation.

CA AB506

Pets: sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits.

CA AB931

State Bar Act: consumer legal funding.