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Minutes for SB479 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Authorizing a permanent memorial commemorating the Kansas suffragist movement to be placed in the state capitol and establishing the Kansas suffragist memorial fund.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 14, 2022
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on SB479. The revisor provided an overview of the bill.
Chairperson Barker recognized Senator Elaine Bowers as a proponent of SB479 (Attachment 7). She stated that this bill originated from the October, 2021 meeting of the Capitol Preservation Committee where the Kansas League of Women Voters and the Association of University Women of Kansas proposed a memorial in the Capitol for Kansas women who fought for the right to vote in Kansas. Funds would be raised privately for the memorial. If the Legislature approves the memorial through legislation, then the sponsors will work with the Capitol Preservation Committee to approve appropriate plans.
Chairperson Barker recognized Cille King as a proponent of SB479 (Attachment 8). She stated that Kansas passed legislation in 1912 granting the right for women to vote. That was eight years before the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. This bill will allow the Capitol Preservation Committee to work with them in the selection of art and the placement of the art in the Capitol.
Chairperson Barker opened the floor for questions of the proponents. Questions were asked by Chairperson Barker, Vice-Chairperson Arnberger, and Representative Waggoner.
Chairperson Barker allowed Jenny Chen, Chair of the Capitol Preservation Committee and Director of the Historical Society, to make some additional comments to the Committee. The appointments to the Capitol Preservation Committee are made by the Governor or the leadership of the Legislature, except for three members who are appointed because of their positions in the state.
Chairperson Barker noted that there was written proponent testimony from Louise Ehmke (Attachment 9) and Lindsie Ford, Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence (Attachment 10).
Chairperson Barker advised the Committee that they would probably work SB479 this week.
Chairperson Barker closed the hearing on SB479.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:44 a.m.
