February 21, 2020
You may have seen reports on the Gallup ‘Mood of the Nation’ poll conducted in January, stating that 86% of American’s are satisfied with their personal life and that confidence in the U.S. economy is at a 20 year high. We are blessed to be in Kansas, the heartland of America.
Legislation 101 Senate Bill (SB) 294, the bill we are following in these updates, that brings transparency to your property tax increases, did not have any movement to date. Hopefully, the majority leader will bring the bill above the line for a debate on the senate floor. We are almost to the half-way point of session, known as turnaround. Bills that have not been in an exempt committee or passed the originating chamber before turnaround will die. SB 294 is an exempt bill because Tax is an exempt committee. Therefore, it could be worked on the Senate floor after turnaround. I’ll keep you posted.
Kansas law allows for online driver license renewal under certain conditions. SB 326 would change the upper age limit for online renewals from 50 to 65 years of age. The bill passed 39 Yes to 0 No.
SB 342 would provide Kansans an option to receive electronic notification for driver’s license renewal notices. I offered an amendment to the bill in committee that would allow you to op-out of electronic notifications, so that future notices would be sent by mail. The amendment passed without objection. The bill passed the Senate 39 Yes to 0 No.
SB 58 would allow a citizen to file a petition requesting a district court grand jury. A judge would review the petition. If a judge finds the petition is in proper form a grand jury will be called within 60 days. If the petition is denied, the person who filed it can appeal the judge’s decision not to summon a grand jury. The bill passed the Senate on a vote of 28 Yes and 11 No. I voted Yes.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn