State government

In the first of what is likely to be a series of bill negotiations over the next few days, a Kansas senator proposed cutting provisions on teacher salaries and district funding from a controversial, voucher-like K-12 education proposal.

Crime & Courts March 27, 2023 – 3:32 pm

Kansas law singling out abortion clinics contested at high court

An attorney for the Center for Reproductive Rights says a 2011 state law that targets abortion clinics with a “regulatory scheme” was an unjustified attempt to restrict access to a fundamental right.

Crime & Courts March 27, 2023 – 2:51 pm

Kansas attorney general urges state Supreme Court to reverse 2019 abortion-rights decision

Justices of the Kansas Supreme Court grilled the state solicitor general Monday about an appeal asking the state’s highest court to reverse its 2019 opinion finding the right to abortion was embedded in the Kansas Constitution and then pivot to affirm a state law banning an abortion procedure.

Health March 27, 2023 – 12:20 pm

Kansas activists discuss abortion rights, Legislature’s response to amendment vote

The Legislature may not respect the public’s stance on abortion, but reproductive rights advocates find hope in knowing the record turnout Aug. 2 to defeat the constitutional amendment on abortion was fueled by young voters who are likely to keep voting.

Crime & Courts March 23, 2023 – 4:59 pm

‘I buried this terrifying experience’: Survivors of child sex crimes urge changes to Kansas law

Earl McIntosh wants state lawmakers to look at a photo of himself as a young boy, to see him as an innocent child full of joy and potential, and to think about how his life forever changed when he was sexually assaulted.

Health March 23, 2023 – 1:43 pm

Updated: Kansas lawmakers advance bill making it easier to get a religious vaccine exemption

by Samantha Horton, KCUR

A bill that would have broadened vaccine exemptions in day care, schools and workplaces in Kansas got rejected Thursday by a legislative committee.

Education March 22, 2023 – 5:04 pm

GOP-led House endorses K-12 school funding measure bundled with policy from handful of bills

Complex details of the Kansas House’s plan for state funding of K-12 education were woven Wednesday into contents of nine other bills that included policy allowing private school students to take part in extra-curricular activities at public schools and expanding opportunities for more than two-dozen wealthy districts to raise taxes to increase salaries of teachers.

Health March 21, 2023 – 1:44 pm

Kansas lawmakers advance unproven, scientifically questionable ‘abortion reversal’ legislation

Going against professional medical advice, lawmakers advanced a bill requiring health care providers to tell people undergoing drug-induced abortions they can still change their minds. Providers who refuse to do so could face thousands in fines and potential jail time.

Education March 20, 2023 – 5:25 pm

‘Some kids do need Jesus first’: Kansas lawmaker explains voucher-like program to Augusta community

Kansas children don’t generally find a “spiritual perspective” in public schools, Rep. Kristey Williams said, defending a voucher-like program that would funnel state tax dollars to unregulated private schools to her Augusta constituents.

Health March 20, 2023 – 1:49 pm

Kansas Senate committee moves to block use of fentanyl test strips to stem overdose deaths

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee reshaped a bill Monday to remove a provision legalizing use of fentanyl strips to help people avoid overdose deaths.

State Government March 19, 2023 – 3:16 pm

Kansas Senate budget bill features 3.25% spending cut, imposes ‘DEI’ ban at universities

The Kansas Senate on Monday will consider a budget bill that features 3.25% spending cut, imposes a ‘DEI’ ban at universities, and excludes state worker pay raise, Medicaid expansion and conflict of interest reform.

Crime & Courts March 18, 2023 – 10:23 am

Public defender: Kansas faces crisis point on 60th anniversary of landmark U.S. Supreme Court case

A top public defender in Kansas says the state is at a crisis point on the 60th anniversary of a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that guarantees legal representation for those who can’t afford to hire an attorney.

Crime & Courts March 17, 2023 – 3:41 pm

Court of Appeals reverses lower court on Kansas lawsuit challenging restraint on voting rights

A three-judge panel of the Kansas Court of Appeals issued an opinion Friday declaring voting a foundational constitutional right potentially undermined by state law mandating election volunteers verify signatures on advance ballots and restricting the number of advance ballots a person could deliver to an election office.

State Government March 17, 2023 – 3:23 pm

Kansas governor vetoes legislation banning transgender athletes from school sports

Gov. Laura Kelly for the third straight year has vetoed model legislation that would ban transgender girls from playing school sports with cisgender girls.

Health March 17, 2023 – 2:49 pm

Medical marijuana advocate blames Kansas lawmakers for needless suffering