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Senate committee validates Greeley County USD 200 bond election and advances SB 2
Summary
Senate Ways and Means advanced Senate Bill 2 to validate the May 20, 2024 USD 200 (Greeley County) school bond election authorizing up to $4.6 million in general obligation bonds; the committee passed the bill by voice vote after proponents, including the district superintendent and the Secretary of State's counsel, testified.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 2, which validates the results of a special bond election held May 20, 2024, in USD 200 (Greeley County). The bill was presented to the committee in an amended form and the committee approved a motion to pass the bill and recommend it favorably for passage.
Why it matters: SB 2 would validate the local school board’s authorization to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $4,600,000 for school facility improvements in USD 200. Validation removes a procedural defect alleged around notice publication and affirms the outcome of the special election; proponents told the committee the community was aware of the election and that the district had self‑reported the irregularity to the attorney general’s office.
Key testimony and details: David Weese of the Revisor’s office summarized the bill and noted that the Senate Committee on Local Government had amended the bill to add language to KSA 10‑120 requiring notice of a municipal bond election to be published on a county election office website only if that county election office has a website. Clay Barker, general counsel for the Kansas Secretary of State, told the committee the Secretary of State supports SB 2, citing the state’s long‑standing "will of the people" doctrine and historical practice of the legislature validating local elections with technical defects.
John De Hoos (identified in testimony as superintendent, Greeley County Schools, USD 200) told senators the district self‑reported the irregularity to the Attorney General’s office, that the district did not qualify for state capital improvement aid, and that the bonds are structured for a 25‑year term. Christie Hopkins, owner and editor of the Greeley County Republican, said the district extensively covered the bond election and reported 36% voter turnout.
Committee action: Senator Peck moved that the committee pass SB 2 and recommend it favorably for passage; Senator Fagg seconded the motion. The committee took a voice vote — “Aye” — and the motion carried; the committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the hearing record.
Authorities and procedure: The bill as amended references KSA 10‑120 (notice of municipal bond election) and interacts with existing publication requirements for municipal elections. The bill becomes effective upon publication in the register, per testimony.
Ending: Proponents included USD 200 leadership, local media and the Kansas Secretary of State’s office; no opponents appeared. The committee advanced the bill by voice vote and moved it out of committee for further consideration by the full Senate.
