Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KS Governor Demands Release Of Federal Education Funded That Was Congress Appropriated

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly, 17 Governors, Demand
Trump Administration Release $6.8 Billion
in Withheld Education Funding

~~Governor Kelly Stands up for Public Education,
Demands Release of $45 Million for Kansas Students~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday joined a coalition of 17 governors in sending a letter to United States Secretary of Education Linda McMahon demanding the immediate release of approximately $6.8 billion in federal education funding. Although the funds were already appropriated by Congress, the U.S. Department of Education announced it would delay distribution. This abrupt decision jeopardizes nearly $43 million for K-12 education in Kansas.

Governors from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin all signed onto the letter, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the withholding.

“The Trump administration’s shocking decision to withhold education funding directly harms students and schools in Kansas and across the country,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding is essential to support student learning, teacher training and preparation, and afterschool programs that working parents rely on, especially in rural areas. At a time when teachers should be focused on the upcoming school year, the presidential administration’s failure to release Congressionally appropriated funds undermines our shared responsibility to provide every student with a world-class education. I urge the Trump administration to reverse course on this unwarranted cut.”

The Trump administration’s failure to distribute these funds is an unprecedented cut affecting programs that support teacher recruitment and training, STEM education, academic enhancing technology and digital literacy skills, and afterschool programs. This cut could be especially difficult for rural Kansas schools that rely on the flexibility of these federal funds to meet the needs of students.

Based on state fiscal year 2025 grant awards, states were scheduled to receive the federal funding beginning July 1. On June 30, the U.S. Department of Education informed states that it would not issue the funding due to an internal review.

Schools and adult education providers across the country, including in Kansas, were counting on this funding for the upcoming school year. The Trump administration’s decision to halt releasing the funding on time is causing widespread disruption to planning and operations, potentially forcing program cuts, hiring delays, and service reductions for students most in need.

The full letter to Secretary McMahon can be found here.

###

Government, Kansas

‘Hire a Veteran Day’ Virtual Job Fair is July 25

Leave a comment

‘Hire a Veteran Day’ Virtual Job Fair Focuses on Transitioning Servicemembers

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland encourages jobseekers and employers searching for available talent to take part in the upcoming “Hire a Veteran Day” virtual job fair, hosted by KANSASWORKS, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 25. This job fair is open to all jobseekers but primarily is aimed at veterans preparing to transition to civilian careers.

“Military veterans don’t just get the job done — they lead with purpose and strive for greatness in all things they do,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Their leadership, discipline and diverse skillsets make them invaluable to our workforce — and I encourage any transitioning servicemembers who are exploring their next chapter to attend and connect with our state’s outstanding employers.”

KANSASWORKS is hosting this special event to connect veterans with employers who recognize the value of military experience. Participating employers understand military skillsets and actively are seeking to hire those who have served.

The Virtual Job Fair format allows anyone searching for a position to fill out applications, chat live and interview virtually with participating employers.

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features helpful information such as a jobseeker training video, a list of participating employers and channels for attendees to register and log in. Jobseekers are encouraged to dress professionally, as they might be asked to engage in an interview.

Candidates can participate through any digital device. Any individual with a disability may request accommodations by contacting their nearest workforce center at (877) 509-6757 prior to the event.

Registration is required to participate in virtual job fairs, regardless of previous participation. To register, click: bit.ly/KSVetsJobFair.

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 KANSASWORKS:

KANSASWORKS links businesses, job candidates and educational institutions to ensure that employers can find skilled workers. Services are provided to employers and job candidates through the state’s 27 workforce centers, online or virtual services KANSASWORKS is completely free for all Kansans to use. Learn more at KANSASWORKS.com. State employment opportunities can be found at jobs.ks.gov.

###

Government, Health Care, Kansas

KS Attorney General Announces Settlement With Drug Manufacturers

1 Comment

Kobach announces $720 million opioid settlement with drug manufacturers

TOPEKA – (July 15, 2025) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today announced an approximate $720 million nationwide settlement with eight drug makers that manufactured opioid pills and worsened the nationwide opioid crisis. Kansas stands to receive approximately $5.7 million in settlement funds.

“We are holding these companies accountable for the human suffering caused by years of their illegal marketing practices,” Kobach said. “These dollars will help save lives, because the funds will be used to prevent and treat drug addiction throughout Kansas.”

The eight defendants and the total amount they will pay in funds to address the opioid crisis as part of the deal are:

  • Mylan (now part of Viatris): $284,447,916 paid over nine years
  • Hikma: $95,818,293 paid over one to four years
  • Amneal: $71,751,010 paid over 10 years
  • Apotex: $63,682,369 paid in a single year
  • Indivior: $38,022,450 paid over four years
  • Sun: $30,992,087 paid over one to four years
  • Alvogen: $18,680,162 paid in a single year
  • Zydus: $14,859,220 paid in a single year

In addition to these abatement payments, several of the settlements allow states to receive free pharmaceutical products or cash in lieu of this product.  Additionally, seven of the companies (not including Indivior) are prohibited from promoting or marketing opioids and opioid products, making or selling any product that contains more than 40 mg of oxycodone per pill, and are required to put in place a monitoring and reporting system for suspicious orders. Indivior has agreed to not manufacture or sell opioid products for the next 10 years, but it will be able to continue marketing and selling medications to treat opioid use disorder.

North Carolina, California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia attorneys general offices negotiated the settlements on behalf of Kansas and several other states.

Government, Kansas

KS June Tax Collections Above Estimate

Leave a comment

June Total Tax Collections at $1.06 Billion;
7.4% Above Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends June 2025 with total tax collections at $1.06 billion. That is $72.6 million, or 7.4%, above the estimate. Total tax collections were up 3.2% from June 2024.

“While this month’s stronger-than-expected revenues are a welcome sign, it does not alleviate my concern that the state legislature’s budget will put Kansas in the red by over $375 million by 2029,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Even with current revenues exceeding the forecast, the budget created by the state legislature still has us spending $300 to $700 million more than we receive each year for the foreseeable future, jeopardizing the long-term fiscal health of the state, which I have prioritized as governor.”

Keeping Kansas on the path of fiscal stability will require discipline in the coming years to prevent a return to four-day school weeks, crumbling roads and bridges, and a depleted rainy day fund.

Click here to view the June 2025 revenue numbers.

###

Area News, Kansas, Youth

Learn How Recent Federal Bill Will Affect Families

Leave a comment

 

 

Submitted by

Jessica Herrera Russell

Senior Communications Manager for Kansas Action For Children

 

Now that the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” has been passed and signed into law, advocacy groups like Kansas Action for Children are diving deeper into the provisions to understand exactly how everyday Kansans will be impacted. Join the KAC experts on Tuesday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. (CT) to learn what the bill means for kids and families. After the briefing, KAC policy advisors will be available for questions.

 

REGISTER: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uTupmf1VQROKaVvHCR29kw

 

Featuring:

  • Emily Barnes, Education Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Heather Braum, Senior Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Dustin Hare, Economic Security Policy Advisor, KAC
  • Nathan Kessler, Fiscal Policy Manager, KAC

 

During the call, we’ll cover what happened with Medicaid, SNAP, taxes, education, and more, including:

  • How SNAP is in danger of ending in Kansas – if state lawmakers don’t choose to pay the required cost share
  • Changes to child care tax credits
  • Implications for the health care system
  • Kansas kids losing access to the federal child tax credit

 

 

Government, Kansas

Return On Investment Study Released by KS Commerce Dept.

Leave a comment

Commerce Groundbreaking ROI Study on Registered Apprenticeships

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the release of a study recognizing the positive return on investment (ROI) companies receive by participating in registered apprenticeship programs. The analysis was drawn from surveys of Kansas employers involved in the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) for high-wage and high-demand occupations.

“These results make the case that businesses who adopt apprenticeship programs simply perform better by attracting and retaining more skilled workers,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As we continue to expand apprenticeship opportunities in Kansas, this research will help inform employers’ workforce decisions — and keep up with industry demand for trained talent.”

As more companies show interest in RAPs, and more individuals pursue earn-and-learn pathways, there is a need to understand the benefits to employers who invest in this important workforce and educational initiative.

Key findings from the recent study revealed:

  • Identified company participation has grown 228% since 2022 – from 280 to 919 in just three years since Governor Kelly established the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship
  • At program completion, half of all employers report breaking even in the short term, while nearly two-thirds break even within five years — demonstrating both immediate and long-term returns on investment
  • After five years, the median ROI increases dramatically to 246%, or $2.49 in net direct benefits for every $1 invested
  • In addition to financial gains, employers also report indirect benefits such as improved employee satisfaction, stronger workforce culture, and a more reliable pipeline of skilled workers

The size of the sample group included 18 Kansas employers who provided full ROI responses and 16 reporting on indirect outcomes. The insights offer valuable insight into how RAPs are creating value for Kansas companies.

“This study alone confirms the feedback we’ve heard from our industry partners — that registered apprenticeships pay off,” Director of Apprenticeships and Internships Shonda Anderson said. “With this important data showing the monetary value of these programs, we can elevate our efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities across the state.”

The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its partners will use the findings to support future policy, expand employer engagement and drive investment in high-quality training programs to meet the needs of the workforce and businesses.

To view the report, click here.

To learn more about the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and its resources, 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.

###
Area News, Business, Kansas

Evergy Is Allowed to Recover Costs, From Customers

Leave a comment

KCC approves settlement agreements allowing Evergy to
recover costs to build two gas plants and a solar facility

TOPEKA – This afternoon, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved two settlement agreements which allow Evergy Kansas Central (EKC) to recover the cost of three new generation facilities intended to meet increasing electric demand and improve reliability. Last fall, the utility announced plans to build two gas plants and a solar facility. Evergy filed an application with the Commission in November, requesting a determination of how costs incurred will be recovered from customers.

The application generated a great deal of interest. In addition to Evergy and Commission Staff, 31 parties sought and were granted the right to intervene and formally participate in the proceedings. As a result of their work, the Commission was presented with two settlement agreements for consideration: a unanimous settlement agreement regarding the solar facility, and a non-unanimous settlement agreement on the gas plants.

Evergy is proposing the new solar facility (Kansas Sky) to be located in Douglas County and owned 100% by Evergy Kansas Central. The estimated cost of construction is $228.1 million. After careful review, the Commission found the unanimous settlement agreement related to Kansas Sky was supported by substantial, competent evidence, will result in just and reasonable rates, and is in the public interest.  In making this finding, the Commission found the arguments regarding resource diversification compelling.  To date, very little utility-scale solar generation has been successfully developed in Kansas, and the profile and attributes of solar energy, if developed, will be complimentary to existing generation in the region, including wind generation.

Evergy’s gas plant proposal calls for two 710 MW combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants. The Viola plant will be located near Evergy’s Viola Substation in Sumner County and is expected to operate by January 1, 2029. The McNew plant will be built in Reno County and is expected to operate by January 1, 2030. Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Missouri West will each have 50% ownership in the gas plants. The cost of construction to Evergy Kansas Central is estimated at $788.75 million for the Viola plant and $800.52 million for the McNew plant.

The Commission finds approving the CCGT Settlement is in the public interest.  The Commission believes the CCGT Settlement is an efficient and reliable plan to add generation capacity to Evergy’s fleet.  Furthermore, the Commission believes the CCGT Settlement contains sufficient safeguards and guardrails to protect customers in the event of cost overruns.

The CCGT settlement will not immediately impact rates. Other than the Construction Work in Progress (CWIP) rider recently authorized by the Legislature, which Evergy can begin utilizing 365 days after construction begins on each plant, no other costs will be added to rates until Evergy files a subsequent rate case.

The frequency of rate cases is also addressed by the Commission in today’s order.

“The Commission is troubled by the frequency and magnitude of rate cases and strongly encourages Evergy to focus on pacing investment to better align with load growth and mitigate large rate increases. The Commission understands new investment is needed to support reliability and economic development in Kansas. However, affordability must be a major priority and proactively pursued as Evergy addresses a seemingly endless list of “justifiable” projects and initiatives. To meet future capacity needs, for example, the Commission will expect Evergy to demonstrate its serious consideration of less capital-intensive options like demand response, utilization of surplus interconnection sites and grid-enhancing technologies.”

Today’s order is available here.

The Kansas Sky unanimous settlement agreement is available here.

The CCGT non-unanimous settlement agreement is available here.

A recording of today’s Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.

 

 

###

Kansas

Five Ways the Big, Beautiful Bill Will Harm Kansas Kids and Families

Leave a comment
Submitted by Jessica Herrera Russell | [email protected], Kansas Action For Children

 

Topeka, KAN. – Today, the U.S. House gave final approval to the One Big, Beautiful Bill ahead of the July 4th deadline given by President Trump. The bill contains more than $1 trillion in funding cuts from Medicaid and SNAP, jeopardizing lifelines for American families.

 

Unfortunately, Kansas won’t remain unharmed once these budget cuts and corresponding arbitrary rules go into effect over the next few years. Here are five ways low- and moderate-income families will be harmed for years to come.

 

SNAP Could End in Kansas Completely. It may seem alarmist, but it’s true. With states now required to pay part of the SNAP benefits cost – which has never been a requirement in the program’s history – based on each state’s payment error rate, Kansas will see an approximate $62 million-a-year bill starting in FY 2028.  

 

When that daunting bill comes due, Kansas lawmakers must choose to allocate funding to continue the program in Kansas or likely be unable to draw down the additional federal funding.

 

If SNAP were to end in Kansas, around 187,000 Kansans (including around 85,000 kids) would not be able to access grocery help. This would be devastating for Kansas kids not only in the short term, but across their lives. One study estimated that for every $1 of SNAP benefits invested in children, $62 is returned over their lifetimes.

 

Work Requirements Don’t Meet Families’ Needs. With more low- and moderate-income Kansans set to be subject to work reporting requirements – including parents – SNAP benefits will be stripped away from thousands due to the onerous paperwork burdens caused by these stringent rules.

 

For SNAP, the federal bill subjects able-bodied adults age 18-64 – including parents of children 14 years or older – to these work reporting requirements. These one-size-fits-all rules don’t provide for how often lower income workers are subjected to job instability, such as unexpectedly fewer hours than is required to remain eligible or even potentially making just above the income cut off one month but not the next.

 

Kansas Kids Will Lose Out on Child Tax Credit. With the bill’s new requirement for at least one parent to have a Social Security Number in order for their child to be eligible to receive the federal child tax credit, nearly 25,000 Kansas kids are projected to lose out starting in tax year 2025.

 

Child tax credits are among the most effective tools for lifting children out of poverty, as parents utilize the payments for food and essential items. In 2021, the federal child tax credit kept 2.9 million children out of poverty nationwide. Without this tax relief targeting everyday families, financial stability in households with children are set to worsen.

 

Health Care Access Will Be Harder for Kansans. Around 17 million are projected to lose health coverage, and Kansans won’t remain unscathed. A recent estimate found 13,000 Kansans would lose coverage through KanCare, the state’s Medicaid program.  

 

The state is also projected to lose $3.9 billion in federal and state dollars over the next decade. For rural hospitals that already operate on slim margins, any loss of funds could mean hospitals in rural communities decrease their services – like labor and delivery – or close their facilities completely. This impact hurts all Kansans, not just those accessing Medicaid.

 

And with the Kansas state budget already projected to be hemorrhaging funds by FY 2028, this could have much wider impacts on what priorities – K-12 funding or the new SNAP cost burdens – state lawmakers decide to fund.

 

Threatens Services for Kansans with Special Needs or Disabilities. Reduced funding will threaten optional services provided through KanCare. If lawmakers have a skinnier budget than they are used to, these optional services could be some of the first places where lawmakers look to pass a balanced budget.

 

One example of an optional service within the KanCare program is home and community-based services (HCBS), which help children and people with special needs or disabilities receive accommodations that allow them to stay in their homes instead of a hospital or institution. If this option were to be cut to save the state money, these individuals could lose in-home nursing care, medical supplies, specialized transportation, and more.

 

Additionally, any progress Kansas has made with reducing the IDD/PD waiting lists, which has been in headlines in recent years, would be lost.

 

###

 

 
ABOUT KANSAS ACTION FOR CHILDREN: KAC is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to make Kansas a place where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive. For nearly 50 years, KAC has been a resource to leaders and advocates who are working to ensure a brighter future for every child.         

 

Government, Kansas

KS Commerce Launches New Chapter of Kansas Community Empowerment Program

Leave a comment

Commerce Launches New Chapter of Kansas Community Empowerment Program

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce has assumed the administration of the Kansas Community Empowerment (KCE) program as of July 1. Previously administered by K-State Research and Extension, the program is a long-standing cornerstone of Kansas’ community development efforts.

“Bringing Kansas Community Empowerment to Commerce strengthens our commitment to volunteer-led community development, revitalization and long-term investment in communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This transition ensures the program continues to flourish while streamlining partnerships that empower local leaders and sustain vibrant, resilient communities.”

The transition highlights Commerce’s core commitment to promote and work alongside communities to inspire growth and preserve local identity.

“Over the years, the Kansas Department of Commerce has been a strong partner in the development and delivery of the Kansas Community Empowerment program across the state,” Assistant Vice President and Director for Extension at Kansas State University Gregg Hadley said, “and we look forward to seeing the results of their work in the future.”

The program will be housed within the Quality Places Division (QPD), home to several other critical rural initiatives, including the Office of Rural Prosperity, Office of Broadband Development, Kansas Main Street and Community Development Block Grants. QPD also works on issues related to housing, placemaking and childcare. By integrating KCE into this ecosystem, the agency aims to accelerate community momentum across the state.

“The transition is more than continuing an existing program. It’s about building on the decades of hard work and expanding the efforts of the program to create great impacts across the state,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matthew Godinez said. “We are honored to carry on this legacy, and we look forward to partnering with communities to help them achieve their visions and goals.”

This new phase will involve a community certification process, providing a clear pathway for communities to set strategic goals, demonstrate progress and increase their eligibility for funding and investments. Certified communities will be recognized as leaders in local development and receive enhanced access to grant opportunities. Communities will receive additional points on applicable Commerce grants, helping amplify local efforts with state-level support.

KCE communities can also expect a dynamic slate of engagement opportunities, including an annual statewide summit to bring together local leaders from across Kansas to network, learn and share success stories. Opportunities for training and leadership development will support capacity-building at the local level, assisting communities in moving from vision to reality. Additional resources and training opportunities will be announced over the coming months.

For more information about the Kansas Community Empowerment program and how to get involved, visit the webpage here or contact Sara Bloom at [email protected] or (785) 506-9278.

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 Quality Places Division:

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy. To learn more, click here.

###
Stay Connected with Kansas Office of the Governor:
Facebook  Twitter  Visit our Website  GovDelivery Signup
Bourbon County, Government, Kansas

State of Kansas v. Dawson James Mitchell in Bourbon County: Hard 50 Life Sentence Affirmed

Leave a comment

Today from the Kansas Supreme Court:

Appeal No. 125,156: State of Kansas v. Jason M. Gleason Sr.

 

Appeal No. 125,156 archived oral argument

 

In a per curiam decision, the Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals, which had held that Gleason’s conviction in Reno County District Court for battery against a state corrections officer must be reversed because of prosecutorial errors, both on their own and in conjunction with an erroneous jury instruction. The Court held there was only a single prosecutorial error and it was harmless.

 

Gleason also argued on appeal that the erroneous jury instruction nevertheless violated his “inviolate” jury rights under Section 5 of the Kansas Constitution Bill of Rights. The Court held that the Section 5 jury right preserves the same protections that existed in common law when the Kansas Constitution was adopted in 1859. Thus, after a historical analysis, the Court determined that Section 5 jury claims are analyzed under a presumed prejudice standard. Such errors require reversal unless the State can show there is no prejudice. Absent prejudice, there is no violation of the Section 5 jury right. The State made such a showing here, so Gleason’s Section 5 jury rights were not violated. Gleason’s conviction was thus affirmed.

 

Justices Melissa Standridge and Eric Rosen concurred in the judgment only.

 

This case was argued before the Supreme Court at its November 12, 2024, special session in Louisburg.

 

Appeal No. 126,350: State of Kansas v. Brian Beck

 

Appeal No. 126,350 archived oral argument

 

Beck was driving on Interstate 70 in Geary County when he was pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Beck was committing no driving infractions, but a car dealer’s frame around his license plate partially obstructed the state name on the plate. According to the officer, he was not able to easily read the state name, putting the plate in violation of K.S.A. 8-133, which requires that license plates be maintained “in a condition to be clearly legible.” Because Beck exhibited suspicious behavior, the officer and a backup unit searched his car and found methamphetamine. Beck attempted to drive away during the search but was subdued and arrested. He was charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of having no drug tax stamp, and one count of interfering with law enforcement.

 

Before trial, Beck moved to suppress consideration of the methamphetamine found in the search, claiming the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to stop him and search his car. The Geary County District Court denied the motion and allowed the evidence to go to a jury. The jury found Beck guilty of all three counts. Beck appealed to the Court of Appeals, which affirmed the conviction. The Supreme Court granted review.

 

In a unanimous decision written by Justice Eric Rosen, the Court reversed the district court ruling that denied Beck’s motion to suppress and reversed the convictions based on the evidence obtained from the search of his car. The Court examined the relevant statutes and concluded that Kansas does not require the state name be printed on license plates in an easily readable fashion. For this reason, obstructing or partially obstructing the state name does not give law enforcement reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed. The Court further discussed how distance from a vehicle and environmental conditions may affect whether a license plate is clearly legible. The Court directed district courts to apply an objective standard to decide whether a reasonable officer would have reasonable suspicion that, under the totality of the circumstances, the license plate was not maintained in a condition to be clearly legible. The Court remanded the case to the district court for a new hearing consistent with the analysis in the opinion.

 

Appeal No. 126,819: State of Kansas v. Uraquio Agustine Arredondo

 

Appeal No. 126,819 archived oral argument

 

Grant County District Court found Arredondo guilty of one count of felony child abuse and one count of felony murder in the death of the 3-year-old son of Arredondo’s domestic partner. The child became unconscious and stopped breathing while under Arredondo’s care. Emergency care personnel were unable to revive the child, and he died in a hospital. Medical examiners determined the child had suffered from traumatic blows to the head and showed signs of other traumatic injuries. Arredondo told law enforcement and others the child had choked on a meal Arredondo served him, but evidence from the home indicated the child had not been eating around the time he stopped breathing. Arredondo appealed his conviction.

 

In a unanimous decision written by Justice Eric Rosen, the Supreme Court affirmed Arredondo’s conviction. The Court determined that law enforcement did not impinge on Arredondo’s constitutional rights under the Fourth Amendment during any of the three times they entered the residence. This was primarily because Arredondo voluntarily consented to the searches of his home. The Court further held that Arredondo did not preserve at trial a challenge to the admissibility of statements he made to law enforcement, which meant he could not challenge those statements on appeal.

 

Justice Evelyn Wilson did not participate in the decision.

 

Appeal No. 127,231: State of Kansas v. Dennis O. Haynes III

 

Summary calendar. No oral argument

 

Haynes, who is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, filed a postconviction motion seeking access to arrest and search warrants and their supporting affidavits from his criminal case. The Sedgwick County District Court granted him access to the arrest warrant affidavit but denied his request for any search warrant affidavits. In a unanimous decision written by Justice K.J. Wall, the Supreme Court partially reversed the district court’s ruling. The Court held that K.S.A. 22-2302(b) and K.S.A. 22-2502(d) give defendants a personal right to obtain affidavits supporting both arrest and search warrants. But the statutes do not provide access to the warrants themselves, perhaps because those warrants are usually public documents once law enforcement executes them. The Court therefore affirmed the district court’s ruling on the arrest warrant affidavit but reversed its denial of any search warrant affidavits because K.S.A. 22-2502(d) requires disclosure of those materials. The case was remanded with instructions to make those materials available upon payment of the necessary production fees.

 

Appeal No. 127,721: State of Kansas v. Dawson James Mitchell

 

Summary calendar. No oral argument.

 

In a unanimous decision written by Justice K.J. Wall, the Supreme Court affirmed the consecutive hard 50 life sentences imposed on Mitchell for the premeditated murders of his mother and stepfather. On appeal, Mitchell argued the Bourbon County District Court should have imposed hard 25 sentences based on his severe mental illness, troubled upbringing, and accepting responsibility. He also argued the sentences should run concurrently rather than consecutively. The Court held that while the district court acknowledged Mitchell’s mitigating evidence, it reasonably concluded the factors did not constitute “substantial and compelling reasons” to deviate from hard 50 sentences given the premeditated, brutal nature of the crimes. The Court also concluded that the district court did not abuse its discretion in imposing consecutive sentences because Mitchell killed two people.

 

Visit our Search Decisions page for published and unpublished decisions from the Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
url    url    url    url    url

Government, Kansas

New KS Law Prohibits Foreign Money in Constitutional Amendment Campaigns

Leave a comment

Kobach nets big win on new Kansas law banning foreign money in campaigns

TOPEKA – (July 1, 2025) – A Kansas law that prohibits the use of foreign money in state constitutional amendment campaigns is in effect today, July 1, thanks to a court win by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach.

U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree blocked a request from Kansans for Constitutional Freedom for a preliminary injunction to stop the state from implementing the ban on foreign money flowing into political campaigns.

“Judge Crabtree’s opinion is well reasoned and thorough. The Kansas Legislature acted constitutionally when it addressed the specific problem of foreign nationals funneling money into referendum campaigns on Kansas constitutional amendments,” Kobach said. “The people of Kansas have the right to decide these important questions for themselves without any foreign influence. Foreign nationals should not be influencing Kansas elections, period. This is a win for Kansas.”

In his ruling, Crabtree writes that Kansans for Constitutional Freedom is likely to lose its constitutional challenge to the new law.

Read Crabtree’s order here.

Government, Kansas

KS State Legislature Cuts State General Fund

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Issues Statement on Consequences of State Legislature’s 1.5% Cuts to State Agencies

TOPEKA – The Kansas Legislature passed into law Senate Bill 125, which mandates state agencies reduce their State General Fund state fiscal year 2026 (SFY26) budget by 1.5%. Governor Laura Kelly issued the following statement in response to agencies implementing the Legislature’s 1.5% cut at the beginning of SFY26:

“As governor, I have worked to get Kansas back on the right fiscal track and provide Kansans with the resources they need to prosper without risking the future of the state. I share the Legislature’s goal to reduce spending where possible and to increase efficiency in state government. However, the Legislature’s mandate to cut state agencies’ budgets across the board is not the way to increase efficiency. A blanket cut is neither targeted nor thoughtful.

“Instead, the Legislature’s blanket budget reduction results in millions of dollars in funding losses to agencies managing programs that are vital lifelines for the most vulnerable Kansans: children, people with disabilities, seniors. At a time when federal funding is withdrawn, withheld, or outright cancelled, the effects of the Legislature’s blanket cuts will be compounded. Despite challenges posed at both the state and federal levels, my administration remains committed to serving the people of Kansas.”

###