State government
Latest
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/leavenworth.jpg?fit=723%2C438&ssl=1)
Homelessness is rising in Kansas and state lawmakers aren’t doing much to help
A bill in the Kansas Legislature would have provided millions of dollars to build homeless shelters across the state. But lawmakers let the bill stall in committee and left Topeka for the year without taking any meaningful action to address the growing problem.
Want more state government news? You can read Associated Press coverage of Kansas stories and more online for free here.
We post many, but not all, stories from the Kansas Reflector. Read more of their coverage here.
We also frequently post stories from the Kansas News Service. Read more of their coverage here.
MORe STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/planned-parenthood.jpg?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
Kansas lawmakers propose new restrictions on abortion providers
The Kansas Legislature will consider bills that would amend the state’s ‘born alive’ law and prevent abortion providers from purchasing liability insurance from a state fund.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/tarwater-owens.jpg?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
Kansas House sends flat income tax bill to the governor for a possible veto
The Republican-controlled Kansas House of Representatives on Thursday approved legislation that would set a single rate on state income taxes, setting up a likely veto from the Democratic governor.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/P7100051-1024x768-1.jpg?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
Kansas GOP’s proposed platform condemns same-sex marriage, abortion, gun control
Citing God’s guidance, the Kansas Republican Party has declared itself against same-sex marriage in an early unreleased version of its proposed 2024 platform.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Panasonic-plant-in-comparison-min.png?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
Panasonic answers concern Kansans to pay for electricity infrastructure serving De Soto plant
Panasonic executives involved in construction of the $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant at De Soto said Tuesday the facility would begin production in early 2025 and negotiations continued with Evergy on delivery of electricity to manufacturing space occupying 4.7 million square feet.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kobach-land-sale-9-e1697404128115-1024x660-min.png?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
Driver’s license gender needs to match sex assigned at birth, Kansas AG Kris Kobach argues in court
Civil rights advocates argued in court this week that drivers’ licenses should not lead to “forced outing,” leaving a district judge to decide how a divisive law will impact the day-to-day lives of transgender Kansans.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Michele-Watley-of-shirleys-kitchen-1.png?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
Kansas lawmakers take up legislation forbidding discrimination based on hairstyle traditions
A nonprofit leader dedicated to expanding the influence of Black women urged the Kansas Legislature to prohibit discrimination based on ancestry linked to hairstyle and hair texture. Lawrence passed the CROWN Act in August.
![](https://i0.wp.com/lawrencekstimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Abortion-picketer-in-Capitol-1024x768-1.jpg?resize=670%2C446&ssl=1)
House GOP lawmakers introduce bill imposing near-total ban on abortion in Kansas
Eight Kansas House Republicans introduced a bill crafted to implement a near-total ban on abortions, while also authorizing individuals to file lawsuits against doctors and others who helped someone obtain an abortion.