Kansas Panel Plans Open Sessions on Workers’ Comp Judges

A new committee that nominates administrative judges to review workers’ compensation disputes is promising to hold open meetings.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the seven-member committee already assumed it was required to follow the Kansas Open Meetings Act.

Lawmakers created the committee this year, replacing a two-member business and labor panel.

Committee member Eric Stafford, who represents the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, said he consulted with the attorney general’s office and there’s no doubt it must comply with the Open Meetings Act. The panel also plans to review how the state’s Open Records Act applies to it.

The committee’s next meeting is Wednesday in Wichita, where it plans to review candidates for a judgeship.

Its choices must be approved by the state labor secretary and Gov. Sam Brownback.