Kansas Legislature Debates Highways and Capital Punishment Shift
On day 38 of the session Kansas lawmakers consider raising highway speed limits to 75 mph in some areas. A bill would replace life without parole as the sole option with life without parole as an alternative in capital murder cases, while a separate measure seeks to expand state court access to recover legal costs in record access lawsuits sparked by The Garden City Telegram v Kansas DOT. The Senate backs exhibitions of hypnosis for entertainment and debates a concealed carry permit role. A House testifies on KU versus Wichita State basketball scheduling. The KBI remains neutral on concealed carry permit issuance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kansas
Senate
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
House
Kansas University
Wichita State University
Judiciary Committee
State Supreme Court
Garden City Telegram
Kansas Department of Transportation
Supreme Court
The
Telegram
Transportation Department
Finney County
Shawnee County
Gaming plan opponents seek share of action in Kansas
Several opponents to Governor Kathleen Sebelius gambling plan testified before a Senate committee on Wednesday seeking VLT access. A Kansas convenience stores spokesman argued for allowing over 1,800 licensed lottery outlets to operate video lottery terminals, while the Kansas Charities Cooperative warned casinos would hurt bingo operations and bowling alleys urged VLTs in their venues. The governor would have the state own up to five destination casinos, place up to 2,500 VLTs across five pari mutuel tracks, and permit up to five VLTs in about 240 fraternal clubs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kathleen Sebelius
Senate
Kansas Convenience Stores
Kansas Charities Cooperative
Governor moves to outlaw traffic signal changing devices
The bill to ban ownership, use, or sale of transmitters that alter traffic signals moves to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius after unanimous Senate approval. Sponsored by Rep. David Huff, the measure classifies possession as a misdemeanor with up to six months jail and a $1,000 fine, while selling or using the device would be a felony with harsher penalties including potential multi-year sentences for injuries or fatalities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Kathleen Sebelius
Senate
House
David Huff
R-Lenexa
House advances open records bill without debate
The House tentatively approved a bill to let individuals and organizations recover more of their expenses when suing for access to public records. The measure moved on a voice vote toward final passage.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
House
Bill transfers food safety duties to agriculture department
A Kansas Senate panel approved a bill to move nearly all food safety responsibilities from the KDHE to the Department of Agriculture. The move, backed by Derek Schmidt, aims for efficiency and safer food. If not opposed by March 15, the governor's January executive order takes effect July 1, with KDHE retaining restaurant inspections.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Senate
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Department of Agriculture
Senate Agriculture Committee
Agriculture Committee
Derek Schmidt
R-Independence
Kathleen Sebelius
KDHE
Agriculture Department
Sebelius
Child passenger safety bill advances in ToPeKA Senate
SB 329 clears first hurdle with 27 to 8 vote as it would require most children to use booster seats or belts in vehicles and raise fines to 60 dollars. Supporters cite life-saving potential and data on injuries among 4 to 7 year olds while opponents warn of costs and enforcement concerns.
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Topera
House
Senate Transportation Committee
Les Donovan
Kansas
Donovan
Wichita
National Transportation Safety Board
Massachusetts
Kay O’connor
Tim Huelskamp
Rfowler
Robert Tyson
Parker
Senate
David Adkins
Rleawood
Kansas KBI takes neutral stance on concealed carry bill
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation declines to oversee licensing for a concealed weapons bill while voicing concerns. They cite startup costs, self funding, and resource limits, noting the sheriff would fingerprint applicants and forward data to the KBI for background checks. Proponents for HB 2798 are set to testify.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Topeka
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Kansas
Senate
Bill Graves
House
Smith
KBI
Sheriff’s Office
KBL
Kelly Johnston
Wichita
Graves
Johnston
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the Statehouse
Josh Garber
aCanary WI
Mark Buhler
Lawrence
Anthony Hensley
Cindy D’ercole
Kansas Action For Children
Federal and State Affairs Committee
FBI
Atty
Kyle Smith
Dean
America
Belleville
Ieee Os
Southwind
Inwivajou
JM Sfating
ALI Digita
Fandango
Poly
Mystic River
Bonita Joy Yoder
J.D
Chris Coleman
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