TOPEKA (AP) – Kansas Legislative leaders are telling a local prosecutor he can’t force lawmakers to produce records or give testimony while investigating private meetings with Gov. Sam Brownback.

House Speaker Mike O’Neal, a Hutchinson Republican, said he will cooperate with Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor, a Democrat. O’Neal said he’s urging his colleagues to do the same.

But O’Neal and Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican, sent Taylor a letter Tuesday telling him that they don’t believe lawmakers are required to turn over records. They
also said lawmakers can’t be forced to answer questions while in session.

Taylor is investigating whether the Republican governor’s seven meetings with GOP members of 13 committees violated the Open Meetings Act. Brownback has said he’s confident the sessions at his official residence were legal.