ashley-blake

On Air

Ashley Blake

Mon - Fri: 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Attorney general dismisses part of complaint against Kansas Senate

Attorney general dismisses part of complaint against Kansas Senate

Attorney general dismisses part of complaint against Kansas Senate

By the Associated Press and KFDI News

A government transparency group says the Kansas attorney general’s office has dismissed part of a formal complaint, while continuing to investigate whether the public was denied the right under the Open Meetings Act to observe Senate business after the visitor gallery was closed during a protest.

The Kansas Sunshine Coalition for Open Government sought intervention by Attorney General Derek Schmidt after the May 29 Senate session was interrupted by supporters of Medicaid expansion.

Reporters were removed from the chamber during the protest. Senators, legislative staff, employees of the governor and others were allowed to remain.

Sunshine Coalition President Ron Keefover said the attorney general’s office stated in a letter that it didn’t have the authority to investigate allegations that the Senate violated its own rules and operated contrary to the First Amendment.

Keefover said he was very disappointed with the attorney general’s findings so far, but he appreciates the time and effort that went into reviewing the complaint.   He said “We still think the Senate’s actions in closing its doors to the public and news media were outrageous and cannot be tolerated.”

Recommended Posts

Loading...