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Secretary explains parking and lease liabilities after committee questions about towings at Scott Building
Summary
Committee members asked why the Department of Revenue leases many facilities and about a towing incident at the Scott Building; Secretary Burkhart said long leases exist for multiple locations, the department controls the Scott Building lot to limit liability, and one legislator towed before notice was resolved by the department.
Senators pressed the Department of Revenue on rent and lease costs and a towing incident involving a legislator near the Scott Building in Topeka.
Secretary Mark Burkhart said the department leases many driver‑license offices across the state under long‑term agreements (some 25‑year leases) and acknowledged there are private leased facilities that drive facility rent costs. Regarding the Scott Building parking lot, Burkhart told the committee the lot is controlled by the department, is posted with towing signage to reduce the state's liability for injuries, and that employees have placards for access.
Burkhart said towings that occurred before notice went out affected one legislator and that the department addressed that specific situation so the legislator was not held responsible. He said the towing policy is intended to reduce state liability from non‑business vehicles on state property.
Senators asked whether the department could grant event-level leeway for legislators; Burkhart said notice had been promised but apparently not sent in time for the prior session and the department has since addressed communication about policy.
The committee requested further detail about facility rent figures and the schedule of leased locations for follow-up.
