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Kansas House dramatically amends bill aimed at constraining local property tax increases
The Kansas House voted Wednesday to alter significant provisions of a bipartisan property tax reform bill granting the public a direct voice in decisions by local government to raise property taxes more than 3% annually.
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Kansas agrees new mail ballot restrictions are unconstitutional, will pay legal fees
A federal court on Friday struck down parts of a new Kansas law that criminalized the distribution of advance mail ballot applications.
Kansas Board of Education rejects resignation of state education commissioner
The Kansas State Board of Education rejected the resignation Friday of the state education commissioner following evidence he said during a video conference that during his youth he tried to persuade children to fear for their safety among American Indians.
Dylan Lysen / Kansas News Service
A push to dump the Kansas food sales tax could run into election politics
Efforts to eliminate the 6.5% sales tax on food have the support of the leading candidates for governor, but the change has hit some political hurdles nonetheless.
‘Worry about the Indians raiding’: Kansas education commissioner under fire for conference statement
Kansas education commissioner Randy Watson said during a conference earlier this month that as a child, he convinced his out-of-state cousins that American Indians posed a bigger threat to their safety than tornadoes.
Kansas governor calls on education commissioner to resign for discriminatory remark
Gov. Laura Kelly said Thursday the state’s education commissioner must resign after making a discriminatory remark and urged the Kansas State Board of Education to work on addressing problems raised by the comments.
Kansas education board to meet over commissioner’s ‘inappropriate’ comment about American Indians
The Kansas State Board of Education plans to meet Friday behind closed doors to discuss an “inappropriate” comment education commissioner Randy Watson made earlier this month regarding American Indians.
Kansas House overwhelmingly rejects proposal to ban no-knock warrants
The House rejected an amendment to ban no-knock warrants on an 84-35 vote after hearing from several lawmakers with law enforcement experience.
Kansas House advances constitutional amendment requiring elected sheriffs
Rep. Eric Smith encouraged House members Tuesday to support a constitutional amendment requiring counties to elect sheriffs, rather than risk the possibility of a county commission gaining authority to appoint the position.
Senators give preliminary approval to funnel $500K into Kansas stem cell therapy COVID-19 trial
A plan to invest $500K in a Kansas stem cell therapy center’s COVID-19 trials received preliminary Senate approval Tuesday, along with a handful of law enforcement-related bills.
Senate panel signs off on Kansas income tax deduction increase, credit for teachers
A Kansas Senate panel backed two bills Monday providing tax relief for everyday Kansans and teachers using their own money to fund classroom needs.
‘We can’t wait 15 years’: Legislative committee works to overhaul Kansas water policy
Parts of the aquifer in far western Kansas may only have 10 years of water left. Small towns are struggling to provide clean drinking water, and upgrading their facilities would bankrupt them.
Proposal to ban cities from banning plastic bags pits Sierra Club against Kansas Chamber
Sierra Club lobbyist Zack Pistora told lawmakers he could talk at length about the “big mess” plastic bags have created for aquatic ecosystems, landscape and infrastructure in Kansas.
Kansas election official urges legislators to avoid restricting drop boxes for advance ballots
The Kansas Secretary of State’s office and voting rights advocates are urging Senate lawmakers to reject a bill banning the use of drop boxes for advance ballots except under certain conditions.
Education committees clash over legitimacy of bill of rights legislation for Kansas parents
“Educational bills of rights for parents” under consideration in Kansas House and Senate committees were supported by seven people and faced opposition from more than 100 people who submitted testimony.
Kansas Senate committee unable to advance anti-wind bills, chairman says
One of a half-dozen bills opponents say are meant to end renewable energy in Kansas won’t make it out of committee, the senator leading the charge said Wednesday.
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