Big things happening in the Kansas Legislature
Article/Politics - 3 minute read
Last week was a busy week for the Kansas Legislature and this week is gearing up to be a big week as well. Here are some of the biggest issues looked at last week and what is ahead this week.
Medical Marijuana
A bill to legalize medical marijuana was tabled after two days of hearings. Senator Alicia Straub (R) said the committee needed to protect children, tabling the bill. Chairman Mike Thompson (R) said it would not be brought up again, likely killing the chances for medical marijuana to be legalized this year. Governor Laura Kelly (D) urged Kansans to contact their legislators to tell them to legalize medical marijuana this year.
Fairness in Women’s Sports Act
The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act would make it so that males could not play on female-only sports teams, even if they are a transgender. This bill was passed by both the House and the Senate and was presented to Governor Kelly on Monday, March 13, 2023. Governor Kelly vetoed the bill on Friday, March 17, 2023, having vetoed similar bills the past two years. Republicans are looking at trying to overturn the veto.
Sunflower Education Equity Act
The Sunflower Education Equity Act was amended last week with Republicans saying it was a “compromise” to get their education savings accounts while keeping the funding that Democrats want. However, only one Democrat actually voted in favor of H Sub for SB 83 and most Democrats are not happy with this bill. The substitute passed 64-61, however, the Senate disagreed with the amendments and the bill has been sent to a conference committee for House-Senate negotiations to be discussed this week.
Convention of States
Convention of States will be rallying at the capitol on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 after the House debate on HCR 5008 to pass an application for a Convention of States.
Protection at Conception
Students for Life Action is working to encourage Kansas Legislators to schedule a time to vote on a “Life At Conception” bill that has already been introduced in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee. As this week will be the last week the committee is planning on meeting, the organization has created a link for Kansans to contact their legislators to encourage them to vote on the pro-life bill.
Thanks for reading. Be sure to like, share, and subscribe. You can also help support independent journalism in Kansas by buying me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/kscon.