TOPEKA –  Governor Colyer today signed Sub. Senate Bill 423, appropriating an increase of more than $500 million in K-12 funding over the next five years, at a ceremony at Seaman High School in Topeka.

The bill, which aims to provide adequate and equitable funding for all Kansas schools, was passed by the legislature moments before they adjourned their regular session in early April.

“Kansas wants to lead the way in education,” said the Governor. “I’m very proud to sign this legislation as it means more money in the classroom, more accountability measures and a focus on student outcomes. Most importantly, it keeps our schools open without raising taxes on hardworking Kansas families.”

The Governor also called on the Legislature to fix the error that inadvertently decreased expenditures to schools by $80 million. “It’s important that we get this right,” said the Governor.

Governor Colyer was joined by several legislators including president of the Seaman School Board, Chairman Fred Patton, and Representative Brenda Dietrich.

The Governor has now signed 57 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.

 TOPEKA – Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. has signed the following bills into law:

• Senate Bill 185: Expedites redevelopment projects by revising the powers of Johnson and Labette Counties in regard to certain redevelopment districts and authorities. (Signed 04/11/18)
• Senate Bill 324: Amends the vehicle dealers and manufacturers licensing act to prohibit certain actions by manufacturers which place unnecessary costs and burdens on vehicle dealers.
• Senate Bill 410: Updates insurance statutes to allow certain captive insurance companies in the State of Kansas.
• Substitute for House Bill 2147: Refunds improperly collected income taxes to certain Native American veterans.
• Senate Substitute for House Bill 2184: Amends workers compensation death benefits.
• House Bill 2580: Prevents consumer reporting agencies from charging certain fees relating to consumer report security freezes.
• House Bill 2581: Increases penalties for “swatting” and other false alarms if a third party is injured or killed as a result of the hoax. (Announced in the previous release)
• House Bill 2639: Allows KDHE to collect a fee for fingerprinting individuals maintaining, residing, working, or volunteering at a child care facility.

The Governor has now signed 50 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.

Governor Jeff Colyer Signs “Anti-Swatting Bill” into Law Thursday

Topeka- Governor Jeff Colyer signed in to law today HB2581 that increases penalties for “swatting” or other false alarms if a third party is injured as a result of the hoax. Swatting is the action of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about an armed police response to a particular address. This harassment tactic resulted in the loss of the life of Andrew Finch of Wichita in December 2017 after police were called to his home following a prank call allegedly placed by an individual in California.

“We need to send a clear message that this behavior is unacceptable in our society,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “It isn’t a prank, it isn’t a joke, it is a deadly serious crime and this law makes it clear that we will treat it as such.  What happened to Mr. Finch was unspeakably tragic, and we hope that this law will prevent any other innocent people from losing their lives as a result of this horrific behavior.”

“I am very pleased to think this legislation could possibly save lives,” said Lisa Finch, mother of Andrew.

Governor Colyer Signs HB 2524 to Protect Victims Access to Cellular Service in Situations of Domestic Abuse 

TOPEKA – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed HB 2524 allowing petitioners to request a transfer of the rights to a wireless telephone number while seeking a Protection from Abuse Act or a Protection from Stalking or Sexual Assault Act. The bill requires cellular service providers in Kansas ensure those seeking protection orders can continue to have access to their cellular service and bars any company from charging a fee for this service.

“In light of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Awareness Month, I am pleased to be able to sign this bill today,” the Governor said. HB 2524 removes the ability for abusers to isolate their victims from loved ones and use access to cellular service as leverage against them. This is great news for those trying to escape a dangerous or abusive situation. As Governor, I will continue to fight bring a voice to the voiceless and work to make our state a safer place for all Kansans.”

The legislation was supported by major wireless carriers like AT&T and passed through the legislature on a bi-partisan basis.

Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator to develop a comprehensive response to the issue

TOPEKA – Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) Secretary Gina Meier-Hummel is pleased to announce the creation of a new position within the agency to specifically address the human trafficking of children in Kansas. The position was announced today, during a news conference in Topeka, at which City of Topeka and Shawnee County leaders unveiled a joint resolution to combat human trafficking in northeast Kansas.

“We know there is a great need for collaboration on this important issue,” Secretary Meier-Hummel said. “This modern-day form of slavery is a reality in every corner of our state, and as we work to address the safety needs of child victims, we need a united effort to prevent human trafficking and develop a comprehensive response to the problem.”

The Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator position will be within DCF’s Prevention and Protection Services division, in Topeka. The individual hired will be responsible for leading the agency’s initiative to strengthen the comprehensive response and service system for youth in DCF care who are victims of human trafficking or are at risk. The position involves direct coordination with the Kansas Attorney General’s Office and law enforcement. Data will be collected and analyzed to ensure an effective response.

“Human trafficking is a problem that goes unseen for most of us, yet it affects so many,” Governor Jeff Colyer said. “I appreciate Secretary Meier-Hummel’s commitment to tackling this problem, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have on our state.”

From March 2014 to December 2018, DCF helped 285 suspected child victims of human trafficking.

Secretary Meier-Hummel is focused on working with government entities, communities and others to combat human trafficking. As part of today’s news conference, details about a grassroots-level initiative were announced. Freedom Now is an anti-human trafficking effort led by Topeka Rescue Mission Executive Director Barry Feaker.

“We appreciate the participation from DCF on this monumental initiative,” Feaker said. “At the Topeka Rescue Mission, we have seen first-hand the tremendous impact this evil has on the lives of innocent children, and we will no longer stand for it. We expect our local effort to expand statewide and beyond as residents begin to realize that this is an issue that affects all of us, and we all have a role to play in stopping it.”

In addition to the new position, DCF also has staff members who sit on the State’s Human Trafficking Advisory Board. DCF also has staff on the Freedom Now board. Learn more about the Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator position at the Kansas Department of Administration website, State Employment Center. Those who suspect human trafficking involving a minor should call 1-800-922-5330.

Kansas Department of Revenue extends telephone hours for tax assistance

TOPEKA–The Kansas Department of Revenue on Wednesday announced extended tax season telephone hours to offer assistance for Kansans before the April 17th filing deadline, including extended hours this Saturday.

Sales, Withholding, Income Tax and Homestead telephone lines will have the following extended hours:

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 7^th
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 14^th

Additionally, Income tax telephone lines will be extended until 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17th, the income tax filing deadline.

“The Department is committed to offering excellent customer service to Kansas taxpayers,” said Secretary of Revenue Sam Williams. “Extending our telephone hours allows us to accommodate Kansans with the resources needed to help them meet the filing deadline.”

The telephone number for these extended hours are (785) 368-8222 with the following options. Option 4 is Individual Income Tax/Homestead; Option 5 – 2 is Sales Tax; Option 5 – 5 is Withholding.

For assistance with electronic filings or electronic payment of any taxes, call (785) 296-6993.

The Department will resume regular telephone hours after the income tax filing deadline on April 17th. These normal operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.

TOPEKA, KS – Governor Jeff Colyer today signed a bill that makes changes to the college tuition assistance program for members of the Kansas National Guard.

Pending approval from the legislature of a budget that fully funds National Guard tuition assistance, this bill would then give current guard members the opportunity to earn 15 credit hours of college credit per semester at no cost to them. They can utilize this benefit as long as they have at least one year remaining on their enlistment contract at the beginning of any semester for which they receive assistance.

They also must agree to serve actively in good standing with the Kansas National Guard for at least 24 months upon completion of the last semester that they use the benefit.

“We value our men and women of the Kansas National Guard and the service they provide for our state,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “This program is a way for us to show our gratitude for these dedicated servicemembers and hopefully give them great opportunities for their future.”

“The improvements to the Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act will help make a college education more accessible and affordable for servicemembers,” said Kansas Board of Regents President and CEO Dr. Blake Flanders. “That is a tremendous benefit to members of the Guard and their families, as well as the Kansas economy.”

“With the passage of HB 2541, the Kansas National Guard can offer increased educational benefits to our Soldiers and Airmen that are comparable to the benefits offered in our surrounding states.” said Major General Lee Tafanelli, the Adjutant General of Kansas. “Investing in the education of Kansas Guardsmen incentivizes service to our great state and nation while also providing Kansas employers with a more educated workforce.”

Governor Colyer is hopeful that the legislature will see the value of this program as they make their final decisions on the budget.

“Funding for this program is currently included in the budget on the House side. However, the Senate has not yet added funding for this important effort to give back to those who serve. I am calling on the Senate to ensure that they include tuition assistance for our guard members in the budget. These men and women have earned that right,” said Gov. Colyer.