Author
Unemployment system overhaul bill receives initial approval by Kansas Senate
TOPEKA — The Kansas Senate gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill aimed at overhauling the state’s maligned and outdated unemployment system. The legislation would establish a panel to oversee and recommend changes to the unemployment insurance system and the applicant claim process. Completion of these upgrades would be required by the end of 2022. […]
House advances $284M tax cut in response to Senate’s $470M behemoth
TOPEKA — The Kansas House gave initial approval Monday for a tax reform plan responding to the behemoth tax bill passed by the Senate last month. The House proposal incorporates elements of the $470 million Senate plan with a tax increase on out-of-state retailers who sell products online in Kansas. The measure would cost the state […]
Election reform bills bring fiery debate for their impact on voters
TOPEKA — A Senate committee’s handling of an election bill last week and legislation considered by the House ignited heated debate over the danger of changing laws that make it more difficult to vote in Kansas. The Senate Federal and State Affairs approved a bill Friday amending the timeframe in which an advanced ballot must […]
More than 250 arrested in Shawnee County as joint police operation targets violent crime
TOPEKA — An operation by federal, state and local law enforcement to reduce drug-related crime in Topeka has led to more than 250 arrests and the seizure of 24 firearms, nearly 19 kilograms of illegal drugs and $25,000 in cash. Dubbed Operation Frontier Justice, the 10-day joint effort carried out in mid-March targeted violent fugitives […]
As immigrant’s health deteriorates in Seward County Jail, his wife pleads for mercy
TOPEKA — Felipe Olvera Argueta was weeks away from being released from the Seward County Jail for a crime he didn’t commit when his wife in February received a distressing phone call from his attorney. The undocumented immigrant from Mexico, suffering from a mental health breakdown, had climbed a wall and destroyed some ceiling tiles. […]
Kansas House bill would remove guns from abusers to protect women and families
TOPEKA — In 2009, Tyesha McNair was shot and killed by her ex-partner after deciding to leave the abusive relationship. McNair had obtained a protective order against the father of her children. As she and her friend packed her belongings, her ex entered the home with a gun and shot and killed her. Now LaTonya […]
Don’t Tread on Me license plate draws concerns from Kansas legislators for ‘vile, racist’ connection
TOPEKA — A bill passed Thursday by the Senate allowing Kansas to print “Don’t Tread on Me” license plates came under scrutiny by Democrats for its association with a former slave owner. Under House Bill 2166, several types of distinctive license plates would be authorized to support state educators and veterans, and raise money to fight […]
Kansas House rejects governor’s second attempt to merge social welfare agencies
TOPEKA — A renewed effort by Gov. Laura Kelly to form a single Kansas agency overseeing social welfare programs by combining two state agencies was rejected Tuesday on the House floor. The governor’s reorganization would have merged services provided by the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Aging and Disabilities into the […]
Kansas Republicans promote effort to preserve political expression on social media
TOPEKA — A bill backed by Republican legislators to prohibit social media censorship raised flags Wednesday of possible litigation and unconstitutionality. Under Senate Bill 187, social media platforms would still be able to censor speech that is obscene, lewd, excessively violent, harassing or otherwise objectionable as described in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of […]
Kansas wind energy supporters defend local control, economic investments
TOPEKA — Kansas wind energy representatives and advocates guaranteed a senate panel Tuesday a bill currently under consideration would end industry investment and development in the state if approved. Senate Bill 279 would establish state regulation of wind generation facilities, replacing county commission discretions on the establishment of these sites. State law would define turbine […]
House committee considers major changes to proposed Kansas medical marijuana act
TOPEKA — Proposed amendments to a bill creating the framework for medical marijuana legalization in Kansas would loosen the most restrictive regulations on patient-physician relationships and qualifying conditions. If passed, House Bill 2184 would allow patients with certain qualifying conditions to obtain a physician’s recommendation to possess and use marijuana for treatment. Patients must maintain a 12-month […]
Opponents object to ‘convoluted method’ of aiding Kansas businesses impacted by pandemic
TOPEKA — Opponents testifying Monday on a proposal to use federal aid to compensate businesses impacted by the pandemic expressed a need to look at all variables before taking further action. Senate Bill 286 would establish a $100 million fund administered by the Attorney General’s Office to pay court judgments or settlement fees for businesses harmed […]