Sebelius signs bill to keep Eaton in Reno County
Bill helping manufacturer among six signed into law today

As part of a coordinated effort by the State of Kansas and local leaders, Governor Kathleen Sebelius today signed a bill providing assistance to Eaton Corporation for its Hutchinson plant.

“As we continue to attract new jobs and new industries to Kansas, we’ll make sure our bedrock industries and employers continue to be part of our growth.  Eaton is an important part of the local economy, and of the state economy, which is why there’s been a coordinated effort to keep their facility here in Kansas,” Sebelius said.

The Qualified Industrial Manufacturer Act grants up to $2 million in withholding taxes over ten years to Eaton Corporation, subject to requirements set forward in the act.  It’s part of a larger package assembled by city, county, legislative and statewide leaders to help keep the Eaton Corporation in Reno County.

The bill, SB 164, was one of six bills signed today. To date, Governor Sebelius has signed 30 bills during the 2007 Legislative Session and vetoed one. The six signed bills will take effect after their publication in the statute book.

Extending sunset date on mental health parity

SB 102 extends the sunset date on a law requiring parity between health and mental health benefits in all group health insurance policies except for small groups, to December 31, 2007.  The previous date was December 31, 2006.

Allowing the Insurance Commissioner to assist international investigations

SB 111 allows the Insurance Commissioner to disclose examination documents of insurance companies to law enforcement officials of other countries and officials of any agency of other countries.

Authorizing the conveyance of property in the name of the trustee

SB 58 authorizes property titled in the trust name to be conveyed in the name of the trustee if the name of the trust is clearly specified in the conveyance.

Allowing personal property of any nature to be transferred through affidavit

SB 76 expands the definition of personal property that may be transferred by affidavit for estates not exceeding $20,000 to include personal property of any nature. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of who can transfer the decedent’s personal property from “corporation” to “entity”.

Changing rules governing mutual life insurance company boards of directors

SB 220 allows a mutual life insurance company’s board of directors to determine, by resolution or bylaws, the method used to elect its board of directors and officers, and determine the titles and duties of the company officers. The bill also requires a majority of the directors on the board to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

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