KPA legislative agenda includes KORA cost control

The 2017 Kansas Press Association legislative agenda includes an effort to get costs for Kansas Open Records Act requests under control.

In addition, KPA will work with the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government and the Open Kansas coalition and the Kansas Attorney General's Office to help initiate discussions on on online open government training module and another initiative to open up the legislative process to the public through the streaming of committee hearings.

"After a successful 2016 session, we're focused more this year on making sure the laws already on the books are enforced vigorously," said Doug Anstaett, KPA executive director. "KORA cost reduction will be the key measure we pursue this coming session."

In 2016, KPA and other media organizations worked successfully to close the private email loophole in KORA, clarify issues concerning the probable cause affidavits law and to pass legislation that would prevent the use of legal action to stifle free speech and public participation in the political process.

“With a number of new faces headed for Topeka this January, our first order of business will be to assess where the new members stand on the issues important to our members," Anstaett said.