Joint Statement on KOMA Investigation
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The legislature's Republican leaders said Tuesday that lawmakers aren't required to disclose any records related to dinners at Cedar Crest.
Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor is investigating whether dinners Gov. Sam Brownback hosted at the governor's official residence violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act. He directed lawmakers to preserve any documents which might be evidence.
But in a joint statement Tuesday, House Speaker Mike O'Neal and Senate President Steve Morris cited state statues in saying lawmakers don't have to disclose the records or be compelled to answer questions. They say legislative records aren't subject to the open records act and are protected by a clause in the Kansas constitution.
However, the GOP leaders did go on to say that they have encouraged lawmakers with relevant information to cooperate with "reasonable requests for information."
Monday, Taylor issued a statement saying he hoped O'Neal wouldn't try to delay or obstruct the investigation, based on O'Neal's earlier comments that he advised lawmakers not to comply with Taylor's request for documents.
Responding to Tuesday's letter from Morris and O'Neal, Taylor said he was pleased they were willing to cooperate with the investigation, acknowledging he and the GOP leaders have different opinions on the legal issues surrounding the matter.
The complete statement from O'Neal and Morris - and Taylor's response - are attached.
