While many of the schedule and operations adjustments Monday dealt with local or area matters in light of coronavirus, a handful of noteworthy state actions were announced as well.
First, the Kansas Corporation Commission issued an executive order suspending utility disconnects until April 15. The directive involves all electric, natural gas, water and telecommunications businesses under KCC jurisdiction and follows announcements from several utilities, including Evergy and Black Hills Energy, that they would not disconnect their utilities for 60 days. The order may be extended.
After that, the Kansas Supreme Court issued an administrative order restricting access to the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka to judicial branch judges and employees or members of the public who have business that can’t be handled remotely or by mail. In addition, the Supreme Court canceled upcoming tours and canceled oral arguments March 23-26.
Finally, with several boards considering adjustments to their schedules or potentially closing meetings to the public, the Kansas Attorney General’s Office said Open Meetings Act provisions still remain in effect. Open meetings that are replaced by remote variants still need to have a way to be observed by the public. Temporary guidance is pending, but Attorney General Derek Schmidt is drafting a regulation that will provide more clarity on how public boards can comply with the Open Meetings Act while the coronavirus situation continues.
