Transcripts of interviews with a prosecutor’s office show that Kansas legislators didn’t know the state’s Open Meetings Act when they were questioned about private dinners with Governor Sam Brownback at his official residence.
The transcripts show that hardly any of the legislators had read the law. Most reported receiving no formal training on how to avoid violating it.
Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor released transcripts of interviews conducted by two deputies with 53 legislators. Taylor investigated seven dinner meetings in January with members of 13 legislative committees.
Taylor concluded last month that legislators violated the Kansas Open Meetings Act and admonished them to become better informed about the law. But he did not pursue further action, saying he could prove only “technical” violations.
