HB 1846 -- KANSAS CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

SPONSOR:  Skaggs

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Urban
Affairs by a vote of 12 to 0.

This bill changes the qualifications for Kansas City police
officers.  Under current law, a Kansas City police officer must
be a citizen and resident of Kansas City for at least one year.
The bill requires them to be citizens and residents of the
county in which Kansas City is located for at least one year.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill would allow police
officers to live in other counties in which the city is
located.  The current residency requirement causes a high rate
of turnover within the department.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Skaggs; and Kansas
City Police Officers Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it is a city
ordinance that all city employees reside within the city
limits.  The city feels that the department is more efficient
under this policy.

Testifying against the bill was Kansas City Administrator's
Office.

Bob Dominique, Legislative Analyst

HB 1846 -- Kansas City Police Department

Sponsor:  Skaggs

This bill changes the qualifications for Kansas City police
officers.  Under current law, a Kansas City police officer must
be a citizen and resident of Kansas City for at least one year.
The bill requires them to be citizens and residents of the
county in which Kansas City is located for at least one year.