Category Archives: Legislation

In response to growing criticism over Gov. Brownback’s plan to cut Kansas income taxes, House Republicans have unveiled an alternate proposal to accomplish the Governor’s goal using a different approach. On Tuesday the GOP plan was introduced in the House.  … Continue reading →

Another immigration proposal before the Federal and State Affairs Committee this week was House Bill 2578.  The bill requires government officials to comply with and support the enforcement of federal immigration laws.  It also requires law enforcement, following a lawful … Continue reading →

This week the House considered House Bill 2324, which adds electronic cigarettes to existing law that restricts the sale of tobacco products to minors and the possession of tobacco products by minors.

House Bill 2645, which would require a one-semester class in financial literacy for every high school senior had a hearing this week in the House Education Committee. Proponents of the bill told the committee that implementation would not be difficult. … Continue reading →

The House Committee on Children and Families this week approved House Bill 2444, addressing the seclusion and restraint of children in schools. This controversial bill has been the subject of debate for several years.  It provides strict limitations on the … Continue reading →

Governor Brownback’s tax plan had its first round of hearings this week in the House Taxation Committee. On Wednesday, proponents had the opportunity to testify before the committee, and opponents testified on Thursday and Friday.  The proponents were in lock-step … Continue reading →

On Friday, the House approved legislation revising the boundaries of the 125 districts for the Kansas House of Representatives.  I am pleased to report that building the House map was a much smoother ordeal this year than it has been … Continue reading →

On Monday, the House Committee on Taxation held a hearing on HB 2433.  This bill was a part of Democrats’ “Kansas Jobs First” proposal, which was a package of initiatives designed to help Kansans get off the unemployment rolls and … Continue reading →

The Federal and State Affairs considered HB 2550 this week, which would allow Kansas restaurants and bars to change liquor prices during the day, allowing establishments to offer “Happy Hours.” Under current law, these establishments are allowed to offer drink … Continue reading →

Every ten years, the Kansas Legislature is required to redraw boundaries for all congressional, legislative, and State Board of Education districts.  This becomes necessary as populations shift over the course of a decade. Legislators in both chambers have been negotiating … Continue reading →