Benny’s Bill was passed unanimously in the Senate as I have previously reported and was bundled in conference committee with three other public safety measures and is now on the way to Governor Kelly’s desk for approval. The package combines several good pieces of legislation and was done in the memory of the late Representative John Resman. The bill includes:
Benny’s Bill (HB2412): Elevate child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.
Electronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB2479)
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB2594): Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images especially involving minors including cases involving AI.
Position of Authority Law (HB2762): Strengthens law prohibiting sexual relations with students by clarifying adults in positions of authority at schools.
The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill (SB 360) that I have previously mentioned was recently passed by the House under the new designation of SB 20. This bill puts some much needed regulation on the PBM monopoly that currently exists in this country. The House vote on this measure was 104-17 and it is now headed to the Governor for her signature.
Recently the House voted on and rejected by a vote of 46-75 was House Bill 2527. The purpose of HB 2527 was to restrict registered sex offenders from entering school property. That is a goal that I think that almost everyone would support but the bill did not address some of the possible scenarios that could come about and thus could cause unintended consequences. I voted no and I believe that was why most of my colleagues did as well.
The House and Senate are both adjourned until April 9th when we return for veto session. I would like to remind everyone that I have two legislative update events planned. The first one will be at the Mulberry Senior Citizens Center on Monday April 13th at 6:30 with the other one a week later on April 20th at the Galesburg Community Center. Ad Astra Per Aspera.
Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued the following statement in regard to the Governor’s veto of HB 2635.
“Yet again, Laura Kelly has chosen to veto good legislation that saves lives. This bill simply protects pregnancy resource centers’ ability to educate mothers and provide life-affirming care. I look forward to ringing-in another override soon,” said Masterson.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed House Bill 2635.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2635:
“The people of Kansas have made it clear, time and time again, that they want government to stay out of women’s private medical decisions. That means we shouldn’t be spending tax dollars trying to interfere with that very personal, very private, medical decision. That’s why I’m vetoing this bill.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2635.”
Just a quick update on Benny’s Bill. It has been bundled with several other related bills under the number HB 2479 and the bundle has passed both the house and senate and will now go to the Governor. The bundle includes the following:
lectronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB 2479)
Requires courts to consider GPS monitoring with victim notification for certain domestic violence cases to help protect victims before trial.
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB 2594)
Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images, videos, and AI-generated content.
Privacy and Exploitation Protections (HB 2518)
Strengthens penalties for recording or sharing private images, especially involving minors, including cases involving AI or digital manipulation.
Position of Authority Law (HB 2762)
Clarifies that adults in positions of authority at schools, including volunteers age 21 and older, cannot engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
I will follow up later with a new Thoughts From Under the Dome
Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued a statement on Governor Kelly’s veto of SB 368.
“Laura Kelly has deliberately chosen to drive up the cost of healthcare for the many Kansans that choose to use healthcare sharing ministries with her veto of SB 368. This bi-partisan bill simply provides a tax deduction for Kansas taxpayers that use these important sharing ministries to cover healthcare costs for their families. The Senate will override this ridiculous veto and provide relief to Kansas families dealing with high healthcare costs,” said Masterson.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed Senate Bill 368.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 368:
“There’s a reason that regulators across the country are taking action against these so-called health care ministries because too often, everyday people are left with huge medical bills. These health care ministries aren’t regulated, which opens the door to all sorts of fraud and abuse.
“Let me be clear, this is not about limiting anyone’s ability to practice their faith freely, it’s entirely about ensuring that Kansans are in a health care system that’s reliable and actually covers their medical expenses.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto Senate Bill 368.”
TOPEKA – (March 26, 2026) –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansans about a growing scam involving fraudulent “Notice of Hearing” notices for alleged traffic violations.
Scammers are sending fake notices via text message and email that mimic official court documents. These notices often include realistic details such as court headings, case numbers, statute citations, and a QR code or link directing recipients to pay a fictitious fine and associated costs.
“Courts do not serve legal documents on individuals via text or email,” Kobach said. “Kansans should not respond to unsolicited messages or emails containing purported legal documents from courts requesting payments. Kansans should also avoid interacting with texts or emails that include alleged notices or direct the consumer to scan any QR code within them. If you receive any of these notices, please report it to my office so we can investigate.”
How to Spot and Avoid the Scam
Unsolicited delivery: Real court notices for traffic violations or hearings are never sent by text or email.
Pressure to pay: The notices urge quick payment via QR code or link to “resolve” the matter and avoid further penalties.
Professional appearance: They often feature official-looking formatting to appear legitimate.
What to Do If You Receive One
Do not reply, call any provided number, scan the QR code, or click any links. Interacting with the message could introduce malware to your device.
Verify any claim independently: Contact the clerk of the relevant court directly using a phone number from the court’s official website (never one listed in the suspicious message).
Think before you act: Pause and double-check before responding to any unexpected legal communication.
Kansans who receive these fraudulent notices are encouraged to report them to the Kansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Division at www.ag.ks.gov or by calling (785) 296-3751 or 1-800-432-2310.
About the Kansas Attorney General’s Office
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office protects Kansas consumers through enforcement of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, investigation of fraud and scams, and education to help residents avoid deceptive practices. For more information, visit www.ag.ks.gov.
TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind utility customers that there are two important dates coming up next week. First, the Cold Weather Rule ends on Tuesday, March 31. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential customers, served by KCC regulated utilities, from disconnection when temperatures are forecast to drop below 35 degrees.
When the Cold Weather Rule is in effect, regulated utilities are required to offer a 12-month payment plan upon request, even if a previous payment plan has been broken. When that protection ends on Tuesday, failure to make arrangements or failure to adhere to an already established payment plan could result in disconnection. Reconnection after March 31 may require past due balances to be paid in full, depending on the utility’s policy. That is why it is important to call now – while regulated utilities are still required to offer the Cold Weather Rule 12-month payment plan.
In addition, March 31 is the deadline to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, known as LIEAP. Applications for the federally funded program must be received by the Kansas Department of Children and Families by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. Information about the program is available at https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx.
The Commission urges all customers facing financial difficulties to act now to stay connected. To find out more about utility assistance programs in your area, please contact your utility or the KCC Consumer Protection Office at 800-662-0027 or 785-271-3140. Utility assistance program information is also posted on the KCC’s website.
It is important to note that the Commission does not regulate co-ops or municipal utilities, although many of those utilities also offer a cold weather payment plan. For a complete list of utilities regulated by the KCC visit: http://kcc.ks.gov/about-us/jurisdiction.
The Kansas Water Authority (KWA) will meet Wednesday, April 8, 2026, outside of Great Bend at the Camp Aldrich Dining and Events Center located at 884 NE 110 Ave, Claflin, KS 67525. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m.
For additional meeting information and the online meeting link, visit the Kansas Water Office website calendar at kwo.ks.gov or call (785) 296-3185.
The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members.
If accommodations are needed for a person with disabilities, please notify the Kansas Water Office at 900 SW Jackson Street, Suite 404, Topeka, KS 66611-1249 or call (785) 296-3185 at least five working days prior to the meeting.
Note to Editor: The Americans with Disabilities Act, (42 U.S.C. 12101), requires the Kansas Water Office to print the reasonable accommodations messages.
Registered Apprenticeship Small Business Grants Awarded; New Round Opens
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced that $28,000 has been awarded to four small businesses across Kansas for projects that will attract and retain workers and continue building the state’s workforce through apprenticeships. Each awarded company will receive $7,000.
“Over the last seven years, Kansas has invested heavily in workforce development and retention — and our Registered Apprenticeship programs have been a key part of our strategy,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “By supporting apprenticeship opportunities, we’re not just investing in Kansas businesses of all sizes — we’re providing pathways for hardworking Kansans to achieve prosperity in our state.”
The Small Business Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program assists existing Registered Apprenticeship programs with technical instruction, outreach, on-the-job training, marketing, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs. These opportunities continue to expand high-wage, high-demand Registered Apprenticeship programs across the state.
The grant awardees are:
Dalton’s Heating and Cooling, Franklin County ($7,000): Developing heating and cooling (HVAC) apprenticeships
Gifted Care Service, LLC, Geary County ($7,000): Creating healthcare and direct care service apprenticeships
Little Kyngs and Queens Daycare, Sedgwick County ($7,000): Developing early childhood education apprenticeships
Rincks Dwood Plumbing LLC, Montgomery County ($7,000): Establishing plumbing apprenticeships
“Apprenticeships have been crucial for urban communities — and especially for our rural towns and businesses in Kansas,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “By awarding these funds, we’re creating a pipeline for career-seekers to obtain education that comes with a guaranteed job lined up after completion — and, in the process, ensuring we keep our skilled workforce right here in Kansas.”
The Small Business Grant Awards are open now for an additional round of funding. The application deadline is Friday, April 24.
For this new round of funding, the program will:
Increase the employee cap from 10 to 25 full-time employees to expand eligibility to more small businesses in Kansas; and
Allow current apprenticeship employers who have not hired an apprentice to apply, encouraging participation from existing programs and increasing participation
This round of funds may be used for staff time to develop programs, training equipment, related technical instruction, contracted services and administrative costs. Funding cannot be used for apprenticeship wages.
To apply or learn more about eligibility requirements, click here.
For additional information about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, visit the webpage here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.
Governor Kelly Issues Statement:
“State Employees Deserve
Better Than Table Scraps”
TOPEKA – Today, Governor Kelly issued the below statement regarding state employee pay increases:
“Kansas depends on the good work done by state employees year-round: from clearing roads of snow in the winter to mitigating wildfires in the spring; from keeping Kansas children safe and healthy to honoring our promises to veterans after their service to our nation, and putting themselves in harm’s way daily to maintain safety and public order.
“And yet, once again, the Legislature disrespects these hardworking Kansans by leaving consideration of pay raises until the end of the budget process while securing pay increases for themselves. They’ve already given themselves a 93% pay increase two years ago on top of a 4% increase this year even as they work fewer legislative days. And the Legislature had no difficulty finding a way to give their own staff a 10% raise.
“The Legislature needs to fund the 2.5% pay increase that I called for in my budget at the beginning of this legislative session.”
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Intelligence Briefing on Worldwide Threats On Wednesday, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence held its annual worldwide threats hearing with the leaders of the Intelligence Community. I used the opportunity to ask CIA Director John Ratcliffe about how the conflict with Iran will benefit Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. I am concerned that providing Russia with sanctions relief on its oil exports will provide Vladimir Putin with more revenue to sustain his war machine, and I am also concerned about the disruption of supply chains that are critical to providing for Ukraine’s defense. As military operation in Iran continues, our military continues to make progress in degrading Iran’s capabilities that threaten our interests and partners in the region. As the Iranian regime continues to block the Strait of Hormuz, it is necessary for ships carrying energy, fertilizers and food to be permitted safe passage. I continue to pray for the safety of our Armed Forces as they carry out their missions.
Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Revitalize Rural Hospitals
This week, as a member of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, I introduced bipartisan legislation with Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) to strengthen rural hospitals by providing zero-interest loans to support new construction and the renovation of existing hospital facilities. The resources would be provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to improve the ability of hospitals to provide essential health care services to rural communities.
Rural hospitals are critical to the well-being of the communities they serve in Kansas and across the country. Our legislation would provide a pathway for qualifying rural hospitals to make needed renovations and facility upgrades, helping to promote the long-term viability of rural hospitals and communities. You can learn more about the Rural Health Revitalization Act and my efforts to support rural Kansas health providers here.
VA Committee Passes 24 Bills Promoting Key Veterans Priorities
This week, I chaired a Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs legislative markup, where our committee passed 24 pieces of bipartisan legislation to improve the lives of veterans, servicemembers and survivors across the country. I introduced four of the 24 bills that advanced out of committee, including the Love Lives On Act, the Guard/Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act, the Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act and the Fisher House Availability Act.
Under current law, surviving spouses of fallen servicemembers lose eligibility for most Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits if they remarry before the age of 55. I introduced the Love Lives On Act to allow surviving spouses to retain their DOD and VA benefits upon remarriage regardless of age so their families can continue receiving the benefits they need. Military service is family service, and no one knows that as well as a survivor. I am grateful this legislation passed out of committee and look forward to bringing it – and the other bipartisan pieces of legislation approved by the committee this week – forward for a full vote in the Senate.
You can learn more about the legislation and the markup here.
FAA Announces New Aviation Safety Standard This week, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bedford took an important step to improve the safety of our skies by requiring air traffic controllers to use radar technology to coordinate aviation traffic near our nation’s busiest airports. Our aviation system is fragile, and the tragic mid-air collision on January 29, 2025, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen and modernize safety standards. The implementation of radar-only tracking for helicopters and airplanes was recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) following its investigation into the crash of Flight 5342, and I commend USDOT and FAA leadership for enacting this safety measure.
There is still work to be done, including passage of ROTOR Act, my legislation that would implement the broad adoption of location-transmitting technology, known as Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B), for planes and helicopters in busy airspace. I will continue working to pass the ROTOR Act to further strengthen critical aviation safety standards. You can learn more here.
Recognizing Women in Agriculture Day During National Agriculture Week, I joined my colleagues in introducing a resolution designating March 21, 2026, as National Women in Agriculture Day, honoring the more than 1.2 million women who contribute to American agriculture. Earlier this year, I also cosponsored a resolution recognizing 2026 as the International Year of the Women Farmer. In Kansas and across the nation, women play an important role in advancing the future of agriculture by managing family farm operations, educating the next generation of producers and supporting our rural communities. As we celebrate National Women in Agriculture Day, we extend our gratitude for their hard work, resilience and unwavering commitment to keeping our agricultural industry strong and investing in the future of rural America.
Update on the SAVE America Act This week and into the weekend, the Senate held extended debate on the SAVE America Act. If enacted, this legislation would set voter identification requirements, including proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. It would also require citizens to show photo ID, like a driver’s license, to vote in federal elections. Federal law already prohibits non-citizens voting in federal races. This legislation would create a uniform standard to verify that requirement across all 50 states.
