Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Drought Updates for Kansas

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Governor Updates Declaration of Drought Emergency, Warnings, and Watches for Kansas Counties

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly has signed a proclamation approving updated drought declarations for Kansas counties.

Drought conditions have worsened across much of Kansas this spring, with extreme drought expanding into northwest and far southwest portions of the state and severe drought growing across central regions. Above-normal temperatures – combined with limited rainfall – have accelerated soil moisture loss, increasing the risk of worsening drought conditions heading into summer.

The drought declaration added 51 counties into watch status and placed 47 into warning and 7 into emergency status. This action was recommended by Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

“While parts of eastern Kansas have seen significant rainfall, much of the state – especially western Kansas – continues to experience persistent precipitation deficits,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “As we head into a warmer and potentially drier period, I encourage all Kansans to take proactive steps to conserve water and remain aware of how these conditions can affect our daily lives.”

Drought conditions are expected to persist and intensify across west-central Kansas, with limited opportunities for sustained improvement. Seasonal outlooks indicate an increased likelihood of below-normal precipitation statewide. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.

“Recent rainfall has helped in some areas, but drought is far from over in Kansas. Conditions range from crop stress and elevated fire danger to growing water supply concerns. In the hardest-hit areas, we are seeing significant agricultural losses and extreme rangeland fire risk,” said Connie Owen, Director of the Kansas Water Office and Chair of the Governor’s Drought Response Team. “It is important to monitor conditions and be mindful of water usage as drought impacts evolve.”

This proclamation shall remain in effect for those counties identified until rescinded by a proclamation ending the declaration or revising the drought stage status of the affected counties.

Effective immediately, the proclamation:

Declares a Drought Emergency, Warning, or Watch for the counties as identified below;

Authorizes and directs all agencies under the jurisdiction of the governor to implement the appropriate watch, warning, or emergency-level drought response actions assigned in the Operations Plan of the Governor’s Drought Response Team.

The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to watch the situation closely and work to minimize the negative drought-induced effects on Kansans. Kansans are encouraged to report drought-related conditions and impacts in their region through the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports (CMOR) system.
Government, Kansas

KS Supreme Court seeks parent representatives for Child Support Guidelines Committee

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Supreme Court seeks parent representatives for Child Support Guidelines Committee

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court is seeking a parent who pays child support and a parent who receives child support to serve on the Kansas Child Support Guidelines Advisory Committee.

 

To apply for either position, complete the online application by May 22.

 

Every four years, the committee reviews Kansas child support guidelines to ensure that money parents pay is equitable and appropriate for the day-to-day essential needs of the children they support. The committee includes parents who either pay or receive child support, tax professionals with expertise in child support, attorneys, and judges.

 

After its review, the committee reports to the Supreme Court any changes it recommends be made to the guidelines.

 

Parent representatives are voting members of the committee and serve four-year terms. Committee members are eligible for travel reimbursement to attend meetings, and reimbursement is calculated at the same rate as for state employees.

 

If you have questions about the application or process, send them by email to [email protected].

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

kscourts.gov

 
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Government, Kansas

Bipartisan Child Care Tax Credit Expansion Bill Signed

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Expanding Child Care Tax Credits

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 82, which expands access to tax credits for employer expenses for child care and contributions to third parties that expand the availability of community child care. The bill also creates income tax credits for the sale of higher-ethanol blends of fuels and the purchase of lockable gun and ammunition storage.

“Throughout my administration, I have strived to make Kansas a place where people want to put down roots. Senate Bill 82 helps strengthen child care access while ensuring our economy remains healthy and thriving — making our state more appealing to workers, employers, and families alike,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This is smart, commonsense legislation that will make our state stronger.”

Senate Bill 82 modifies credit percentages, allowable credit amounts, and eligible expenses for the existing child care assistance tax credit that provides a credit to employers who provide child care services to their employees. Businesses that pay for their employees’ child care services, establish or expand a child care program utilized by employees, or pay for referral services that connect employees to child care providers would now be eligible to receive a tax credit of 75% of the total amount the business expends on these services.

“Access to quality, affordable childcare is a hurdle for both employers and employees. I’m proud of the Legislature’s work to simplify and modernize the child care assistance tax credit,” said Senate Majority Leader Chase Blasi. “These improvements allow employers to invest more broadly in their communities to ensure our workforce remains strong.”

In addition, the bill would also allow businesses to receive an additional credit for donations made to organizations that expand access to child care services in the business’s community. Under these modernized tax credits, businesses could claim up to $100,000 in non-refundable credits per tax year and carry over any unused credit for up to three years.

“Access to high‐quality child care is essential for Kansas children, families, and our state’s economy. Kansas businesses want to be part of the solution and this bill streamlining the business tax credit for child care will make that more feasible,” said David Jordan, President of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. “Thanks to Governor Kelly and the Legislature for taking this important step to stimulate business investments in the early childhood system. It will benefit Kansas families and our economy.”

Senate Bill 82 also creates a non-refundable income tax credit of $0.05 for each gallon of E15 or higher-ethanol blend fuel sold at retail. This credit would be capped at $2.5 million per year. The bill also creates an individual income credit for the purchase of lockable gun and ammunition storage items and repeals certain other tax credits.

In addition to Senate Bill 82, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Substitute for Senate Bill 51: Making changes related to responsibilities of the Executive Branch Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO); Executive Branch Information technology services, including telecommunications and cloud computing; and IT audit reporting requirements.

Senate Bill 300: Creating requirements for certain manufacturers of alcoholic liquor regarding corporation income tax and repealing certain statutory language.

Senate Bill 430: Including mitragynine, a psychoactive component of kratom, on schedule I of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act as well as reconciling two amendments to specific statutes regarding theft and expungement.

House Bill 2029: Reconciling amendments to statues that were amended more than once during the current and prior legislative sessions.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Five Bills

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Governor Kelly Vetoes Five Bills


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed five bills.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2043:

“For the last several years, the Legislature has promised to solve the property tax issue for Kansans. This has always been a false promise. The only property tax that the state levies is 20 mills for public schools. All other property taxes are levied at the local level.

“Knowing that legislators were anxious to tell their constituents they had done something to alleviate their property tax burden this session, I offered a three pronged, workable approach: a one-time $250 reduction on their car tax; a permanent increase from $75k to $150K exemption from the state mill levy for schools on their home; and a $60million fund to help counties mitigate property tax increases.

“Legislative leadership never allowed legislators to discuss or vote on my proposal. Instead, they ramrodded through another sure-to-fail, untenable property tax bill.

“I don’t dispute that property taxes in Kansas are too high. I have been saying that since 2012 when the disastrous “tax experiment” focused on income tax reduction that primarily benefitted those at the top. Those ill-advised cuts drastically reduced revenues coming into state coffers. The state responded by, among other things, cutting support to local communities for vital services, leaving our counties and cities to pick up the slack. Those additional burdens make it very difficult for our municipalities to hold the line on property taxes.

“It is time for the Legislature to partner with our city and county officials to develop a strategy to reduce the property tax burden on their constituents and return to the balanced “three-legged stool” approach to taxes — sales, income and property — that Kansas needs to thrive.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2043.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Substitute for House Bill 2111:

“While HB 2111 may be well-intentioned, this legislation was not requested by the agri-tourism industry at large. Rather, it was requested by a single entity and rammed through the legislative process at the last minute. It is irresponsible for the Legislature to rush to amend state law on behalf of a single entity when the changes contained in this bill could have far-reaching negative consequences for the agri-tourism industry as a whole.

“Additionally, this bill overrides local governments’ ability to enforce their own building codes, regulations, and ordinances on the new class of agri-tourism entities created by this bill. I do not support the Legislature’s continued attempts to infringe on local control and this bill is another example of that. Cities and counties are best positioned to partner with agri-tourism businesses to develop and enforce regulatory structures that foster this diversified revenue stream while protecting the health and safety of Kansans.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto Senate Substitute for House Bill 2111.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2515:

“I have made it a priority during my administration to find ways to reduce the tax burden for Kansans, best evidenced by the elimination of both the food sales tax and the state income tax on social security. I have also made it a priority to protect the state’s ability to meet its obligations to fund schools, build roads, take care of foster children and other essential services, while ensuring the long-term financial health of the state. I have done this by consistently rejecting proposals that diminish state resources while benefitting just a select subsection of Kansas citizens. HB 2515 fits into that category.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2515.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2044:

“This bill contains issues that warrant serious discussion by the Legislature. The discussion should take place using traditional legislative procedures and within the context of other discussions related to taxes. Those discussions should then be juxtapositioned with budget issues to ensure that, should it be enacted, the state can continue to meet its obligations and remain fiscally sound long term.

“That process did not occur regarding this bill.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2044.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2763:

“I wholeheartedly believe that elementary students need a minimum of 30 minutes recess every school day. Recess contributes to the physical health of children and enhances their ability to learn. I also support implementation of a State Fitness Test to be administered annually, as required for participation in the federal Rural Health Transformation grant program.

“The leadership of State Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education have agreed to begin taking the steps to implement the Fitness Test once federal guidance is provided to states. They will further reaffirm their recommendation that elementary schools provide a minimum of 30 minutes of recess every school day and work with any school districts not currently following their recommendation to facilitate implementation wherever feasible.

“I appreciate the State Board of Education’s willingness to use its constitutional authority to modify curriculum requirements mandated in HB 2763.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2763.”

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2412

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed House Bill 2412.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2412:

“I concur with legislators who believe that citizen knowledge of and involvement in our democratic process at the local, state and federal level should be emphasized throughout our children’s educational journey. That knowledge would include an understanding that, in Kansas, the Kansas Board of Education is accorded constitutional authority to determine curricula. So, while I support the concept of Civics Education, its design and implementation should be dictated by state and local boards of education.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2412.”

Government, Kansas

KS Unemployment Insurance System Is Modernized

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Kansas Department of Labor’s Modernized Unemployment Insurance System to Begin Sending out Benefit Overpayment Notices

~~ The modernized system improves operational efficiency and accuracy for unemployment insurance overpayment recoupment ~~ 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) announced that, as part of its modernization of the Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, it is sending 8,526 billing notices to those who received UI benefits overpayments.

Overpayment occurs when individuals receive more unemployment benefits than they are eligible to receive. Recipients receiving these notices have previously been notified of the overpayment through a manual process.

This update provides the agency with more accurate accounting, consistent billing, and reliable recovery. This work supports the long-term integrity of the unemployment trust fund and reflects responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

“Modernization of the state’s unemployment insurance system from the claimant- and agency-side of the portal has improved how the agency communicates and administers the program,” KDOL Secretary Amber Shultz said. “Addressing these balances is necessary to ensure fairness and maintain the stability of the program for Kansas workers and employers both now and in the future.”

Overpayments can happen for a variety of reasons, including changes in eligibility, reporting discrepancies, or claim adjustments. Many of these overpayments are tied to historic claims, including benefits issued during pandemic-era programs or due to limitations in the previous system.

Those who receive a UI overpayment notice have several options to resolve the issue.

Options include:

  • Paying the balance in full
  • Establishing a repayment plan
  • Requesting a waiver, if eligible

KDOL has updated its website and staff are prepared to assist claimants in understanding their options and navigating the process.

While further collection steps, including liens, are possible under current law, KDOL will provide advance communication and clear instructions before any such actions are taken.

For assistance with overpayments, contact KDOL at (785) 296-3609, visit dol.ks.gov/unemployment/overpayments, or email [email protected].

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Government, Kansas

KS Works To Improve High-Speed Internet Infrastructure

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Office of Broadband Announces $16.3 Million in New Grant Funding

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $16.3 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. The program is designed to offset high costs that are required for building networks in places where distance and low population density make private investment difficult to attain.

“High-speed internet is an industry standard and should be available for use on a daily basis by individuals and businesses alike,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The BAG program supports the prosperous future we’re building for all Kansas residents which includes having reliable and affordable access to broadband infrastructure, regardless of zip code.”

In its sixth year, through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need.

“Broadband directly affects every industry and every person — and that’s why KDOT is an essential partner of this grant program and why we are committed to bringing broadband access to all of Kansas,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Working together, across agencies, we share the sentiment that this program is working to help our local leaders overcome challenges and make important infrastructure improvements that benefit communities and the state.”

Since the program was launched, Kansas has invested $31.3 million in broadband grants to communities and businesses across the state. Over the last five years, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 12,000 homes and businesses in 37 counties. The effort leverages an additional $38 million in matching funds.

“The BAG program is more than just another grant opportunity — these grants are investments in people and places,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston said. “Strong infrastructure in Kansas — and specifically rural parts — help us remain a viable, competitive and connected place for new families and businesses — today and for future generations.”

The grant application period will begin at 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 27, and remain open until 5:00 p.m. Friday, June 12. To apply for the Broadband Acceleration Grant program, click here.

The Office of Broadband Development will host a kickoff webinar at 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 27. To register, click here.

About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:

Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.

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.

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Government, Kansas

KS Youtube Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness workshop is April 24

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TOPEKA – A virtual workshop on Wildfire Risk and Utility Readiness will be hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission on Friday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

House Bill 2107, passed by the Kansas Legislature during its 2025 session, requires the KCC to hold a workshop addressing the topics of general wildfire risk, mitigation strategies, wildfire emergency response, and managing cost recovery.

This comes at a time when, according to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, wildfires are increasing in frequency, destructiveness, and cost. Wildfire-driven financial risks affect all types of electric utilities, including investor-owned, cooperative, and public.

The virtual workshop will feature a series of presentations from national and local experts, each followed by a Q&A session and discussion. View the agenda.

The workshop can be accessed on the agency’s YouTube channel. No preregistration is required.

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Government, Kansas

KDWP Hosts Meetings On Turkey/Water Fowl

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KDWP Office of the Secretary Letterhead

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Turkey Seasons and Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host two public meetings this spring to discuss the possible re-establishment of a fall turkey season and proposed regulations affecting non-resident waterfowl hunting on public lands. Both meetings will include time for questions and public feedback.

“These conversations are an important part of how we manage wildlife and hunting opportunities across Kansas,” said Jake George, KDWP’s wildlife division director. “We want to hear directly from hunters and others who care about these resources as we consider potential changes and make informed decisions moving forward.”

Regulations remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments would require approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

Meeting Schedule:

April 22 | 6:00 p.m.
Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium
6232 E. 29th St N
Wichita, KS 67220

May 6 | 6:00 p.m.
Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center (Small Auditorium)
2025 E. Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401

Attendees at the Salina meeting are asked to park in the lower parking lot. Parking is not permitted in the lot east of the main drive.

These meetings are open to the public, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

Those unable to attend in person may submit comments through the KDWP public comment form at ksoutdoors.gov/contact.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
Government, Kansas, Youth

Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Risks Announcement

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Kobach warns Kansans of AI chatbot risks in PSA

TOPEKA – (April 14, 2026) – The Kansas Attorney General’s Office today announced that Digital Citizens Alliance has produced and is distributing a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring Attorney General Kris Kobach. The PSA alerts parents and families to the serious risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly to children and teenagers.

“Artificial intelligence is now part of our everyday life. AI chatbots, digital characters that teens talk to, can form emotional connections with young people and shape their thinking, sadly with tragic outcomes,” Kobach warns in the PSA.

In the PSA, Attorney General Kobach stresses that while AI can offer benefits, certain applications—such as chatbots that teens interact with online—can create emotional bonds, influence thinking, and lead to tragic consequences, including encouragement of self-harm or violence.
“I’m committed to holding AI companies legally responsible for their actions and keeping you informed so together we can keep the next generation of Kansans safe,” Kobach said.

Digital Citizens Alliance executive director Tom Galvin said, “As we enter the AI era, General Kobach’s commitment to helping parents understand the risks AI can pose to their children makes Kansas a safer place as we all navigate this new digital world.”

The PSA is part of ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s Office to protect Kansas families from emerging online threats. The Digital Citizens Alliance is distributing the announcement on digital platforms across Kansas.

About the Digital Citizens Alliance: The Digital Citizens Alliance is a consumer-focused group whose mission is to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about how to make the Internet safer.

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Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US