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The Senate Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday on two proposed takeover measures — one by state Sen. Nick Schroer of Defiance and the second by state Sen. Travis Fitzwater of Holts Summit.

The hearing, early in the legislative session, signals the takeover is a strong priority of legislative Republicans who have tried for years to place the department under state control.

The department had historically been under state control but has been under local control for more than a decade following a statewide vote in 2012.

Newly minted Gov. Mike Kehoe, a Republican, has said state control of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Police is one of his priorities, putting new momentum behind the push.

Under the two proposals, the department would be placed under the control of a Board of Police Commissioners on Aug. 28.

The governor would have until Sept. 28 to appoint four commissioners, who would serve alongside the mayor or a mayoral representative.

The measure would forbid the city from passing ordinances that conflict with the police board’s exercise of powers. The mayor wouldn’t be allowed to impede or hinder the board.

During the 2024 campaign, Kehoe, originally from north ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½, said the police department would be helped by state oversight as it continues to grapple with staffing questions and ongoing concerns about crime in the city.

Democrats, meanwhile, have advocated for local control. They say Kansas City still grapples with high crime despite being under state control.

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