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INFORMATION FROM 2014

The House Commerce Committee Chair, Rep. Marvin Kleeb, indicated in the final week of the regular session that the committee was unlikely to be able to find time to finish its debate on HB 2556. This means the Big Box Bill is out of time for now.

The issue did not emerge during the Veto Session - which began April 30 and ended May.

Read the substitute proposal for HB 2556 here.

Read the original 2014 proposed Big Box Bill here - HB 2556

Read KABR Comments in Opposition to HB 2556 here.

Check out the Keep Kansans in Business Bill Analysis of the original bill.

Public Hearing on HB 2556 was Standing Room Only

H2556 – Big Box Liquor Bill Hearing Notes – February 19, 2014

Good turnout today from retailers. Much smaller turnout for the Big Box / grocery / convenience store group. Thanks to all who came. As we know from experience, the next week or so will be key - the Committee could vote on the bill as early as next Monday. But the Committee appears to have a full schedule that day.

On the other hand, some legislators suggest that there may not be an appetite to work this bill – it is an election year after all. But there are a couple of legislators on this committee who genuinely favor the concept and may push it forward.

Communicate with your legislators immediately – you can share some of the information put forward today. For instance – the2013 Public Survey indicating that Kansans do not support the deregulation of liquor/sale in grocery and convenience stores. Communicate with the Commerce Committee. Remember – always be professional and courteous. And let us know if you need assistance. Take advantage of the hotline – 1-866-519-2200 during office hours.

We know from experience that one-on-one conversations of citizens and their legislators are the most effective way to continue to defeat these bad bills.

Who could sell Strong Beer, Wine and Spirits if HB 2556 is passed? See table provided by Kansas Department of Revenue.

Notes from the Public Hearing in House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development -read notes

Opponents (more testimony, including proponents, will be linked as it becomes available)

Read Testimony - Rep. Jim Howell (R-Wichita) not yet available

Read Testimony - Jeff Breault, R & J Discount Liquor

Read Testimony - Brandon Plaschka, Plaschka & Kramer

Read Testimony - Seth Fox, High Plain Inc. (Most Wanted and other distilled Kansas products)

Read Testimony - Chris Williams, Montgomery County Sheriff's Department

Read Testimony - Tim Liesmann, Topeka attorney

Read Testimony - Steve Faust, MDL and Whitney Damron, KARLL lobbyist plus written testimony

Read Testimony - R.E. Tuck Duncan, Kansas Wine and Spirits Wholesalers Association not yet available

Read Testimony - Frances Wood - not yet available

Read Testimony - Wally Harris and Jack Matchette - EZSpirits

Also will post additional opponent written testimony from many retailers and from Spencer Duncan, Keep Kansans in Business

MORE NEWS

Check out this TV news spot from KSHB Kansas City featuring Dawn Rattan of Village West Liquors.

Here is a link to 'We'll drink to that': Proponents push new grocery store liquor bill” an article published in the Kansas City Business Journal. It describes the bill proposal and highlights the support of Rep. John Rubin (R-Shawnee).

In other news – a Wine in Grocery Stores bill in Tennessee was adopted by the State Legislature. View here.

The House Commerce Committee Chair, Rep. Marvin Kleeb, indicated in the final week of the regular session that the committee was unlikely to be able to find time to finish its debate on HB 2556. This means the Big Box Bill is out of time for now.

We will continue to watch the Legislature closely and report if there is any effort to resurrect the bill during the Veto Session - which begins April 30. During the final week of the regular session, the Legislature focused on the development and passage of a new K-12 Funding Bill - which the Governor signed April 21st. HB 2506 is the Kansas Legislature's response to the education funding inequity decision by the Kansas Supreme Court on March 7. It includes extremely controversial policy changes - including eliminating tenure for K-12 teachers.

The Legislature finally adjourned for spring break very late Sunday, April 6 (two days past the scheduled First Adjournment). The Governor will use this time to review and sign bills - and legislators will return for the veto session on April 30. The 2014 Legislative Session is scheduled to wrap up May 15.

Kansas Association of Beverage Retailers P.O. Box 3842, Topeka, KS 66604 Email KABR

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