ENGAGE, EXPLORE, EVOLVE with AIA Kansas
February 15, 2019
Legislative Update Week 5
Hearing for HB 2026
New Bills of interest involving school projects

During the hearing for HB 2026, Enacting the Fire Sprinkler Industry Act, more questions were raised than answers. Over a conference call prior to the bill hearing, AIA Kansas Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman, Malcolm Watkins, and AIA Kansas staff met with the Kansas Fire Marshal to learn about his position and some of the details regarding the bill. The Fire Marshal presented neutral testimony on the bill, but did state that the collected fees would have to be tripled to cover the expenses of the bill. Other concerns discussed during the hearing included in some cases dual licensure would be required (one at the local level and one for the state), if the new law would apply to only new buildings or old too, and to some, it seems to solve a nonexistent problem.

Two bills about school district construction contracts were introduced (SB 148 and HB 2207) this week. These bills, which are exactly the same, allow school boards to specify certain products or methods of construction in their RFPs for construction/repair/remodeling projects, as long as those methods or products are not proprietary or so specific that they are essentially proprietary (where only one company could potentially meet all the requirements). If the school board does identify a specific product or installation method, no bid can be accepted until at least three bidders offer a proposal that meets the requirements. The senate bill will have a hearing on February 19th followed by final action on February 21st. AIA Kansas staff has reached out to the Kansas School Board Association to learn more about the bill and their position. Please share your thoughts or concerns about these bills with Terry via email or phone (785) 357-5308 as soon as possible.

There has been no further action on HB 2115 and SB 56 regarding monitoring hourly computer projects.
Bills of Interest

SB 148 - Amending requirements for school district board requests for proposals for construction or repair projects
Introduced by: Committee on Education
To read the bill, Click Here
A hearing scheduled for February 19th at 1:30pm. Click hear to listen.
Final action scheduled for February 21st at 1:30pm. Click hear to listen.

HB 2207 - Requirements for school district construction contracts relating to requests for proposals that specify particular products or particular installation methods
Introduced by: Committee on K-12 Education Budget
To read the bill, Click Here

HB 2026 - Enacting the Fire Sprinkler Industry Act
Introduced by: Representative Stan Frownfelter
To read the bill, Click Here

HB 2006 - Requiring the Department of Commerce to create a database of economic development incentive program information
Introduced by: Representative Kristey Williams
To read the bill, Click Here
Discussion & action has been rescheduled to February 18th at 1:30pm. Click Here to listen.

HB 2043 - Review of tax credits, tax exemptions and economic development programs
Introduced by: Representative Jim Gartner
To read the bill, Click Here
A friendly amendment was made to the bill to make both the Department of Revenue and the Historical Society the reporting authority on the historical tax credit.

If you have any questions regarding these bills, please email Terry .
About AIA Kansas
AIA Kansas is a state chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The organization provides services and programs to meet the professional development needs and interests of Kansas architects and to develop public awareness for the value of architects and architecture. 

Our 700-plus members are leaders in
building healthy, sustainable communities
that will serve our citizens into the future.

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