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Minutes for HB2783 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Prohibiting a state agency, city or county from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on the energy source used for the vehicles; allowing a state agency, city and county to have their own purchase policies for motor vehicles.
Minutes Content for Mon, Mar 11, 2024
Senator Longbine noted that he has a conflict of interest with the bill due to his occupation as owner of a car dealership, and will not be voting on the bill in Committee, nor on the floor. He was present as a resource.
Jason Long, Office of the Revisor of Statutes, gave an overview of the bill. HB2783 would create new state law to prohibit any state agency, city or county from regulating the use or sale of motor vehicles based on the energy source used to power the vehicle. (Attachment 1)
After a period of questions and answers, the Chairman called for proponent testimony.
Proponent Oral Testimony
Brian Posler, Executive Director, Fuel True, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated the purpose of the bill is to head off any risks of future government bureaucrats, such as a slim majority of city council members, from regulating or restricting the sale of motor vehicles based on whether they use gasoline or electricity. He said the clear majority of Kansans prefer to purchase vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), and all of the 2000 fuel retailer members of their organization are finding it hard to make a profit adding electric vehicle (EV) chargers at their locations. He said the government should not be killing one industry to help another thrive. (Attachment 2)
Dana Wreath, Chairman, Kansas Independent Oil and Gas Association (KIOGA); Executive Vice President, BEREXCO LLC, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated they don't see the need for over-regulation and want drivers to have personal choice of what vehicles to purchase, especially given the price of electric vehicles. He stated KIOGA supports free market solutions, not government picking winners and losers. (Attachment 3)
Randy Stookey, Renew Kansas Biofuels Association, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He stated the bill makes sense for free market principles and other states have passed bills prohibiting future sales of motor vehicles with internal combustion engines or with tailpipe emissions. He said Kansas must take a stand now to clarify that it is the public policy of our state to support the petroleum and biofuel industries in our state. (Attachment 4)
Chris Ventura, Consumer Energy Alliance, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He noted a report they provided showing the negative economic impact of regulations or prevention of sales of combustion engines. (Attachment 5) He said a shift from gas vehicles to electric is much more costly and complicated than most decision-makers consider. (Attachment 6)
Colby Martin, Specialty Equipment Market Association, spoke as a proponent of the bill. He said the bill empowers consumers to make informed decisions about the vehicles they purchase and operate, promoting a healthy and competitive marketplace. He noted the economic impact of the automotive industry in Kansas and said the bill protects jobs. (Attachment 7)
Debbie Detmer, private citizen, spoke as a proponent of the bill. She stated we can't allow federal government money and their agenda to push our car dealers into bankruptcy. She said consumers should be able to decide what type of vehicle best suits their needs and economic situation. (Attachment 8)
Proponent Written Only Testimony
Airika Brunson, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (Attachment 9)
Lynn Granger, Midwest/Mountain West Region Director, American Petroleum Institute (Attachment 10)
Jill O'Connor, private citizen (Attachment 11)
Becky Schwartz, Executive Vice President, Propane Marketers Association of Kansas (Attachment 12)
Sandy Braden, on behalf of POET, LLC (Attachment 13)
Taylor Williamson, Director of Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Kansas Corn Growers Association (Attachment 14)
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman called for neutral testimony.
Neutral Written Only Testimony
Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties (Attachment 15)
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman called for opponent testimony.
Opponent Oral Testimony
Spencer Duncan, League of Kansas Municipalities, spoke as an opponent of the bill. He said nobody in Kansas is considering banning automobiles based on their fuel, and Kansas has Constitutional Home Rule allowing cities to conduct their affairs to reflect the direct will of residents. He stated the bill creates difficulties for cities to respond to an emergency, and noted they have an amendment they would like to be considered if the bill moves forward. (Attachment 16)
Opponent Written Only Testimony
Charlie Hunt, Director, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (Attachment 17)
Dick Carter, City of Overland Park (Attachment 18)
Following a period of questions and answers, the Chairman closed the hearing on HB2783.
