Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2024 for Kansas

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TOPEKA – As 2024 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday highlighted some of the key successes from the second year of her second term.

“I am proud of all my administration has accomplished throughout this year,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By working with the Legislature, our state agencies, stakeholders, and Kansans from across the state, we were able to reach new heights in 2024. I look forward to carrying this momentum into 2025 as we continue striving to make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Bipartisanship: In 2024, Governor Laura Kelly signed 103 bipartisan bills into law, including legislation that:

  • Creates the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, transforming how Kansas prepares educators to teach reading and better equips students with the literacy tools they need to succeed.
  • Comprehensively updates Kansas’ workers compensation system, increasing the caps on workers compensation benefits and adding a cost-of-living adjustment to those caps beginning in July 2027.
  • Establishes the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) as an independent state agency and codifies the position of the Child Advocate as the independent head of the OCA, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.

Education: This year, Governor Kelly fully funded K-12 education for the sixth year in a row, while making the largest single-year investment in higher education in Kansas history. The budget Governor Kelly signed invested $1.3 billion to support postsecondary institutions’ efforts to drive workforce development and lower costs for Kansas students. Additionally, Governor Kelly secured $75 million to put Kansas on the path to fully funding special education.

Tax Relief: In June, Governor Kelly signed into law a comprehensive tax relief package that responsibly cuts Kansans taxes while preserving the state’s long-term fiscal health. Senate Bill 1 provides Kansans with nearly $2 billion in tax cuts over the next 5 years, including increasing the residential property tax exemption from $42,000 to $75,000, eliminating state taxes on Social Security income, and increasing the standard deduction and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit.

Water: The budget Governor Kelly signed this year continues Kansas’ historic $35M yearly investment in water infrastructure, conservation, and quality programs across Kansas. It also pledged an additional $16M specifically for drinking and wastewater infrastructure projects in communities of less than 1,000. This funding is essential to ensuring our small, rural communities have access to a clean and reliable water supply for years to come. 

Throughout 2024, the Kelly Administration and the Kansas Water Authority hosted two rounds of water Local Consult meetings to get feedback directly from Kansans on how to best implement short- and long-term solutions to Kansas’ water issues. Over these 14 meetings across the state, more than 1,000 Kansans participated and shared their input. Recommendations from these input sessions, including starting an independent evaluation cycle for water programs and building regional project pipelines to help ensure a multigenerational water supply for Kansans, will be implemented starting this fiscal year.

Early Childhood: Today, there are more licensed child care slots than ever recorded in Kansas history. Now, there are 1,200 more child care slots than Kansas had at this time last year, creating more opportunities for children to thrive and for the economy to grow. Governor Kelly also delivered $18 million over the next 3 years in expanded tax credits to reduce the cost of child care for working families.

In September, Governor Kelly announced Kansas will cover the state licensing, background check, and fingerprinting fees for child care providers seeking initial licensure or licensure renewal through 2025 or until available funds are expended, easing the financial burden for new providers and alleviating costs for our existing providers.

Economic Development: In 2024 alone, the Kelly administration attracted 266 committed economic development projects, totaling more than $3.4 billion in new business investment into the state and creating and retaining more than 5,100 jobs.

Infrastructure and Broadband: During Fiscal Year 2024, the Kansas Department of Transportation repaired 1,740 miles of roads and 136 bridges, building stronger and safer infrastructure so Kansans can smoothly travel the state.

To address the digital divide and increase all Kansans’ access to high-speed internet, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) deployed a total of $16.8 million throughout 2024. This funding will enhance infrastructure and expand access to public Wi-Fi and connected devices, creating more opportunities for Kansans to thrive in the digital era.

Unemployment Insurance System: In November, Governor Kelly and the Kansas Department of Labor launched a new online system for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Previously, the UI system had not been updated since it was established in the late 1970s. The launch of the Unemployment Insurance Technology Enhancement project is a win for Kansas because it demonstrates the state’s dedication to responsive and effective workforce support.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Announces $2.69M to Improve Crash Data Collection

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Tuesday a $2.69 million federal grant to upgrade the Kansas Department of Transportation’s (KDOT) crash data collection systems.

“Accurate, timely data is essential for developing strategies to reduce crashes and the severity of injuries,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This funding will modernize the crash data collection process by equipping decision-makers in local communities with better tools to guide transportation planning across Kansas.”

KDOT will receive $2,693,628.80 in State Electronic Data Collection (SEDC) program funds awarded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Currently, KDOT’s system receives electronic reports from the Kansas Highway Patrol’s Kansas Law Enforcement Reporting System (KLER). However, nearly half of all crash data must be entered manually due to system incompatibilities with many local law enforcement agencies. The funding will enable the Kansas Crash Data System to be rebuilt and integrated with local systems statewide. The project also includes the distribution of 1,000 driver’s license scanners to law enforcement to encourage greater adoption of electronic reporting.

“KDOT will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to improve the statewide crash data repository,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Ultimately, this initiative will streamline our current processes, improve data accuracy, and provide quicker access to actionable information.”

The SEDC program fulfills a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law directive requiring NHTSA to provide grants to states to upgrade and standardize state crash data systems, enabling electronic data transfers.

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Exercise, Government, Kansas

Kansas State Parks to Offer New Year’s Day Hikes

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TOPEKA – Start 2025 on the right foot by joining a First Day Hike at a Kansas State Park! These guided hikes, organized annually by parks staff, encourage individuals and families to embrace the New Year with outdoor exploration and a connection to nature.

This year, more than 1,000 hikes will take place across the country, including 24 First Day Hike events hosted by Kansas State Parks. While the distance and rigor of the hikes will vary, each one aims to create a fun experience for all. Savor the beauty of our state parks’ natural, cultural, and historical resources, and be inspired to continue taking advantage of these local treasures throughout 2025.

“This marks our 14th year of offering First Day Hikes in Kansas State Parks, and we’re thrilled to continue the tradition,” said Linda Lanterman, Kansas State Parks director. “These events are a fun, healthy way to kick off the New Year, beat cabin fever, and explore some of the most beautiful areas in our state.”

Where to Participate
For a complete list of First Day Hike events in Kansas on Jan. 1, 2025, visit ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Special-Events/First-Day-Hikes.

What To Expect
Participants can choose from a variety of guided hikes that fit their comfort level, including scenic walks along lakes, exploring trails, and options best for wildlife viewing. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. And if hiking isn’t for you, Kansas State Parks invite you to explore other fun activities, from boating and fishing to horseback riding, or enjoy a peaceful moment from a park picnic table or bench.

What To Bring
Kansas State Park staff recommend the following items for a successful First Day Hike:

  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, gloves, heavy coat, or raincoat)
  • Hiking shoes
  • Binoculars
  • Hiking stick
  • Camera

Limited First Day Hike t-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. A vehicle permit will be required at all state park entrances; a daily vehicle permit can be purchased for $5 at each park.

First Day Hikes originated at the Blue Hills Reservation State Park in Massachusetts in 1992. The program has since expanded nationwide, with nearly all 50 states now participating.

For more information on First Day Hikes across the country, visit stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes. And don’t forget to share your First Day Hike experiences on social media with #FirstDayHikes and #MyKSStatePark.

Click HERE to find a Kansas State Park nearest you.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Directs Flags be Flown at Half-Staff in Honor of Former President Jimmy Carter 

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TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly on Monday, in accordance with Executive Order 20-30 and the proclamation signed by President Joe Biden, has ordered flags throughout Kansas be flown at half-staff starting immediately until sunset on Jan. 28, 2025 to honor the passing of President Jimmy Carter.

“Former President Jimmy Carter was a truly moral man,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “His innate humanity, his humility, his devotion to serving his community and his country, and his belief that the world could live in peace is the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.”

President Carter was the 39th President of the United States and was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development. President Carter and The Carter Center led the near eradication of the Guinea worm that infected millions in the 1980s. As a result of their work, today, new infections total roughly a dozen worldwide. He and his wife, Rosalynn, helped build, renovate, and repair more than 4,000 homes as ambassadors for Habitat for Humanity.

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Bourbon County, Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas, Fort Scott, Health Care, Kansas, Mercy Hospital, Youth

Kansas Renewal Institute Now Owns the Former Mercy Hospital.

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Mercy Hosptial Building is now owned by Kansas Renewal Institute.

Kansas Renewal Institute now owns the former Mercy Hospital.

Shanda Stewart, spokesperson for KRI, said that as of December 19, 2024, KRI purchased the building from Legacy Health and is its new owner.

“We look forward to Freeman Health System coming to Bourbon County and working closely with them,” she said. “We are currently serving 54 children all from the state of Kansas and have 110 employees.”

About KRI

Kansas Renewal Institute is dedicated to helping young people renew their lives and regain power over their mental health issues, according to their website. We understand that struggling does not equate to weakness or moral failing, and we are determined to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to heal and grow. Our behavioral health treatment center in Fort Scott, Kansas, offers comprehensive and personalized services for mental health treatment. To learn more about Kansas Renewal Institute, call us at 888.306.4718 today. We believe everyone deserves care and respect, and we are here to guide our clients on their path toward healing.

 

Kansas

Unmet Legal Needs in Rural Kansas

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Rural Justice Initiative Committee releases report and recommendations

TOPEKA—A committee formed two years ago to examine unmet legal needs in rural Kansas has released its findings and recommendations in a report to the Kansas Supreme Court.

The Kansas Rural Justice Initiative Committee was charged with studying the trend toward fewer attorneys living and working in rural Kansas and how it impacts rural Kansans who need legal services.

The report includes 10 recommendations to encourage new attorneys to live and work in rural Kansas, as well as to inspire K-12 students in rural areas to pursue careers in law.

“Every day, judges in rural communities witness the effects of too few attorneys, but this was the first attempt to document the depth and breadth of the problem,” Chief Justice Marla Luckert said. “I appreciate the committee’s extraordinary work, time, and effort to find ways we can change this trend.”

In its report, the committee said the problem of too few attorneys in rural Kansas has become a crisis. It notes that in 99 rural Kansas counties, the attorney-to-resident ratio is two or fewer per 1,000. The American Bar Association reports the national average is 3.9 active attorneys for every 1,000 residents.

Kansas has two counties that don’t have any attorneys at all. If you remove attorneys who are 60 and older, 87 counties would have one or fewer attorneys for every 1,000 residents. Nine more would have no attorneys at all.

About 79% of all active attorneys live in five urban counties—Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. The counties are also home to nearly half the state’s residents. This leaves about 1,400 active attorneys to serve 1.3 million rural Kansans in 100 counties.

Justice K.J. Wall, who chaired the committee, said the situation is even more stark than what the data show.

“We need to keep in mind some rural attorneys do not or cannot offer legal services,” Wall said. “Some are judges or prosecutors and some work for government or private businesses. These attorneys are not available to provide legal services to someone in the community, although they are represented in the data.”

This lack of attorneys strains the court system. It requires judges to look outside their community to find an attorney to represent a party who is entitled to have one appointed by the court.

Judges are also faced with a growing number of people who act as their own counsel, which can be out of necessity. Judges and court employees carefully guide these unrepresented parties through legal processes while exercising great care to not give legal advice.

Rural Kansans who need an attorney and have the resources to hire one can be forced to look outside their community, which can increase their costs.

What’s needed, Wall said, is coordinated action to make it easier and even enticing for new attorneys to live and practice in rural areas.

Among the strategies the committee recommends are tuition-reimbursement incentives for prospective attorneys to attend a Kansas law school and practice in rural Kansas after becoming an attorney. Another is a student loan repayment program for attorneys living and practicing in rural Kansas.

“There isn’t one solution to this multifaceted problem, but rather a number of strategies that could work together to reverse a long-term trend,” Wall said. “The recommendations are well-reasoned and attainable, and they reflect the committee’s combined understanding of this issue.”

Before developing its recommendations, the committee surveyed rural Kansas attorneys and conducted listening sessions with rural attorneys and law students at Kansas’ two laws schools. The committee also researched how other states are responding to this issue, including through programs highlighted by the National Center for State Courts Rural Justice Collaborative.

The 35-member committee included representatives from all three branches of state government, the legal and business communities, law schools, and organizations that serve victims of sexual or domestic violence.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

Government, Kansas

KS Aging and Disability Services Awarded $10 Million in Federal Funding

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Governor Kelly Announces Additional $10 Million to Advance Whole-Person Care in Kansas


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday that the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) has been awarded an additional $10 million in federal funding to enhance the state’s efforts in integrating primary and behavioral health care.

“This additional funding underscores our commitment to breaking down barriers to care and ensuring that every Kansan has access to comprehensive, integrated health services,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By fostering collaboration between behavioral health clinics and primary care providers, we are building a stronger, more resilient health care system that meets the needs of all Kansans.”

This Promoting Integration of Primary and Behavioral Health Care (PIPBHC) funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) builds upon the $10 million received in August 2023 as part of a transformative five-year federal grant initiative aimed at improving whole-person care in Kansas.

“This funding will enable KDADS to strengthen partnerships between health care providers, expand access to integrated services, and support innovations in whole-person care delivery,” KDADS Secretary Laura Howard said. “With this continued investment, Kansas is leading the way in advancing health care systems that prioritize both the physical and behavioral health of its residents.”

The project focuses on developing behavioral health resources and referral systems within primary care provider networks by leveraging the expertise of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), which have a proven track record in delivering behavioral health services to the community. KDADS, in consultation with the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas (ACMHCK), will collaborate with four CCBHCs to implement this initiative.

Each participating CCBHC will partner directly with at least one primary care provider to ensure individuals have seamless access to both behavioral and physical health services. This integrated care model recognizes the critical connection between physical health and behavioral health needs and aims to address them in tandem and manage whole-person care for Kansans.

Partners in this initiative include High Plains Mental Health, Four County, Southeast Kansas, and Pawnee. There are three primary goals through this grant:

  1. Develop and implement strong referral protocols to improve the identification of physical care needs within the behavioral health system.
  2. Increase access points for individuals seeking care, whether behavioral, physical, dental, or other types of health care.
  3. Promote the integration of mental health and overall health care, emphasizing that mental health is an essential component of comprehensive health care.

“We are thrilled to receive this funding, bringing mental health and primary care services closer together,” said Craig Poe, executive director of High Plains Mental Health Center. “By integrating these critical care areas, we can address the whole person, improve health outcomes, and reduce patient costs. HPMHC will begin implementing the program immediately, collaborating with local primary care providers to identify integration opportunities. This funding reaffirms our commitment to innovation and collaboration in delivering high-quality care. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

This initiative will directly address critical gaps in integrated care and implement targeted strategies to achieve the following objectives:

  • Reduce Barriers to Accessing Care Eliminate obstacles that prevent individuals from obtaining comprehensive physical and behavioral health services by streamlining processes, increasing access points, and prioritizing underserved communities.
  • Increase Capacity for Integrated Care Expand the reach and effectiveness of integrated care by fostering collaboration among providers, establishing strong referral networks, and enhancing communication between physical and behavioral health systems.
  • Address Suicidal Ideation Through Holistic Support Decrease instances of suicidal ideation by delivering coordinated services that address physical health, behavioral health, and the broader social determinants of health.
  • Improve Access to Primary Care Facilitate timely access to primary care services through robust screening processes and referral mechanisms designed to connect individuals with the care they need.

“The PIPBHC grant will play an integral role in helping Pawnee Mental Health Services integrate primary care and behavioral health under one roof,” said Mike Rezkalla, CEO of Pawnee Mental Health Services. “This clinical integration model will allow us to expand our scope, enhance care coordination, and maximize our ability to meet the desired outcomes of the CCBHC model both at the Medicaid level and the federal demonstration goals. We can only see the great potential the PIPBHC grant will introduce to our clients and look forward to a fruitful implementation. A big thank you to our colleagues at KDADS for making this effort possible.”

Each provider organization serves a high need, defined geographic region, offering or coordinating services for individuals facing both physical and behavioral health challenges. These regions encompass Kansas’s urban, rural, and frontier areas, reflecting the state’s diverse landscape and creating opportunities to advance integrated care. By fostering these efforts, the aim is to reduce the stigma surrounding behavioral health and ensure equitable access to comprehensive care.

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Government, Kansas

KS Commerce Dept. Launches Quality of Life Improvement Grant Program

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Commerce Launches New Quality of Place Grant for Rural Revitalization

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced today the launch of the new Towns grant program. This program is an initiative designed to spur quality-of-place improvements in rural Kansas communities that have received no funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce in the past three years. This new opportunity will have $100,000 available for its first round of funding.

The program provides grants that range from $1,000 to $10,000 to support small-scaled projects that will deliver meaningful results in rural communities, with a focus on increasing local capacity, fostering community and youth engagement, and mobilizing volunteers and local investment.

“The Kelly-Toland Administration remains committed to bringing prosperity to all of Kansas, and this program will strategically foster new investments that provide our smaller communities with greater opportunities to flourish,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will empower local leaders to transform ideas into reality, creating vibrant spaces that attract families, support local businesses, and strengthen the fabric of rural Kansas for future generations.”

Eligible applicants must represent a community with a population of 5,000 or less and that has received no Commerce funding in the preceding three years.

“The Towns grant will provide an opportunity for grassroots, rural leaders to revitalize our small and rural communities,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “By targeting these resources to underserved regions of the state, we can continue ushering in a promising future for every Kansan, no matter their geographic location.”

Applicants must demonstrate investment in the projects by providing a minimum match of 10%, which can come in-kind for communities with populations under 1,000. The matching funds must come from a private source or non-state funded grants.

Awards will be disbursed to a variety of eligible project types across the entire state. Communities with similar needs are encouraged to leverage resource sharing such as grant administration, grant writing and matching funds.

To support potential applicants, Commerce will host a series of informational webinars and workshops. The Office of Rural Prosperity (ORP) will host virtual office hours for applicants who might have questions regarding the grant program. Registration for the webinars and office hours, guidelines for the grant application, and a list of eligible communities and project expenses can be found here.

Grant applications open Monday, December 16, and will close February 28, 2025. Awardees will be announced mid-April 2025.

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 Supreme Court creates committee on pretrial detention practices

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Supreme Court creates committee on pretrial detention practices

TOPEKA—The Kansas Supreme Court has created an ad hoc committee to advise the court and help implement recommended changes in pretrial supervision and detention practices.

The Ad Hoc Criminal Pretrial Practices and Procedures Advisory Committee will implement recommendations made in late 2020 by the Ad Hoc Pretrial Justice Task Force.

The new 15-member committee is created by Supreme Court Administrative Order 2024-CM-099 signed today by Chief Justice Marla Luckert.

“Today we continue work the original task force started when it examined pretrial procedures in Kansas courts, with the intent to find balance between upholding the constitutional rights of a person charged with a crime and the need for public safety,” Luckert said. “We want to ensure defendants appear in court, but we must operate from a presumption of innocence and liberty, not from a presumption of guilt and preventive detention.”

The task force, created in 2018, examined pretrial detention practices for criminal defendants in Kansas district courts. It also explored alternatives to pretrial detention used to ensure public safety and encourage the accused to appear for court proceedings.

Chief Judge Karen Arnold-Burger, Kansas Court of Appeals, chaired the task force and will serve in the same role for the committee.

“At the time of our research, we found that 53% of local jail inmates in Kansas had not yet been convicted of a crime,” Arnold-Burger said. “Nationally, also at that time, nearly two-thirds of people in jail were there awaiting trial and unable to pay bail or post a bond.”

The task force report cited studies that show pretrial detention can be devastating for defendants. Americans who answered surveys on the topic said they believe the current system unjustly discriminates against the poor and deprives them of their liberties.

“Low-income and poor Kansans risk losing their jobs, homes, and families if they cannot afford bail or a bond,” Arnold-Burger said. “We must consider other options that respect defendants’ freedom and financial situation while also upholding public safety and ensuring they show up for court.”

The report pointed to surveys that indicate most Americans support:

  • reducing pretrial incarceration except when necessary to protect the public;
  • pretrial release for nonviolent and misdemeanor crimes; and
  • pretrial release with orders to stay away from the victim or with pretrial supervision for low-level violent crimes.

About the committee

The committee is composed of judges, court services officers, attorneys, and community corrections officers. In addition to Arnold-Burger serving as chair, the Court of Appeals will be represented by Judge Jacy Hurst, who will serve as vice-chair

Other committee members are:

  • District Judge Amy Hanley, 7th Judicial District
  • District Magistrate Judge John McEntee, 10th Judicial District
  • District Judge M. Jennifer Brunetti, 11th Judicial District
  • District Magistrate Judge Ronald Sylvester, 30th Judicial District
  • Spence Koehn, court services officer specialist, Office of Judicial Administration
  • Bree Gibson, court services officer III, 10th Judicial District
  • Stephanie Springer, chief court services officer, 27th Judicial District
  • Kevin McGuffin, chief court services officer, 31st Judicial District
  • Justin Barrett, defense attorney, Thomas County
  • Heather Cessna, executive director, Kansas State Board of Indigents’ Defense Services
  • Sheriff Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County
  • Robert Sullivan, director, Johnson County Community Corrections
  • Todd Thompson, Leavenworth County Attorney

The committee will:

  • develop an implementation plan for the best practice recommendations for pretrial procedures and conditions of release;
  • create educational materials and programs related to pretrial practices and procedures;
  • create and pilot statewide pretrial supervision standards;
  • select and pilot an assessment tool for a pretrial supervision program;
  • recommend best practices for data collection;
  • recommend additional topics for consideration regarding pretrial practices.

Resources:

Supreme Court Ad Hoc Pretrial Justice Task Force

Executive summary of Pretrial Justice Task Force Report to the Kansas Supreme Court

Full Pretrial Justice Task Force Report to the Kansas Supreme Court

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 

Government, Kansas

KS Is Expanding Internet Access

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Governor Kelly Announces $10.7M to Expand Internet Access to Devices and Public Wi-Fi

TOPEKA — Governor Laura Kelly announced Tuesday that applications will open Thursday, Dec. 12, for a second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. The program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public wi-fi and connected devices.

“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”

ADOPT is built around two key categories:

  • Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
  • Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment

“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.”

The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the program. The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.

The Public Wi-Fi component encourages organizations to form partnerships to deliver solutions in underserved and unserved public spaces, bringing affordable and reliable internet services to areas that lack access.

“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.”

KOBD encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other organizations to continue collaborating and enhancing Kansas communities through ADOPT. To learn more about the program guidelines and entities eligible to apply, click here.

KOBD will host a webinar at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines. To register, click here.

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Government, Kansas

Kansas Courts News Release: Kansas Supreme Court docket for December 10–11

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Kansas Courts News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2024

Contact:

Lisa Taylor

Public Information Director

785-296-4872

[email protected]

Kansas Supreme Court docket for December 10–11

TOPEKA—Cases on the Supreme Court December 10–11, 2024, docket are summarized below and will be heard in the Supreme Court courtroom on the third floor of the Kansas Judicial Center in Topeka.

All Supreme Court oral arguments are livestreamed at www.youtube.com/KansasSupremeCourt.

Accommodation

Any person with a disability who requires accommodation to access the docket should notify the judicial branch ADA coordinator as early as possible:

ADA Coordinator
[email protected]
785-296-2256
TTY at 711

Note to media

 

Reporters who plan to cover oral arguments need to be familiar with Supreme Court Rule 1001: Media Coverage of Judicial Proceedings, which prohibits using electronic recording devices during proceedings. If you plan to be in the courtroom when a case is heard, notify Lisa Taylor at [email protected] by noon the day before it is scheduled. If you want to use a camera, video camera, or audio recording device, it must be approved by the chief justice in advance of the oral argument.

9 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Appeal No. 125,734: Austin Properties, LLC v. City of Shawnee, Kansas

Johnson County: (Petition for Review) Austin Properties, LLC submitted an application to the City of Shawnee to develop a “high-end” multifamily residential development planned on approximately 29 acres near Highway K-7 and Woodsonia Drive. An overwhelming number of neighbors filed a protest petition opposing Austin’s application, thus requiring the City to achieve a three-fourths majority vote to approve Austin’s application. After failing to achieve the majority vote, Austin’s proposal failed to pass. Austin sought judicial review, and the district court upheld the City’s decision. The Court of Appeals held that while there is no doubt about the court’s review, and likely the credibility and reliability of the City’s zoning decisions would benefit from a more complete explanation of its rationale for denying Austin’s application, there was sufficient information in the record to demonstrate the reasonableness of the City’s decision. Issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred in striking the due process provisions from the rezoning statute, K.S.A. 12-757(d), on the ground that they conflict with the adjacent-landowner protest authorization within the same statute, K.S.A. 12-757(f); 2) the Court of Appeals decision conflicts with Wells v. City of Basehor, 97 P.3d 528, and erroneously expands the scope of K.S.A. 12-757(f) beyond allowing landowners to protest the use of adjacent land, to protesting development design plans; and 3) the Court of Appeals established an unachievable evidentiary standard.

10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Appeal No. 125,761: State of Kansas v. Casinroyial Donje Caszarone Collins

Sedgwick County: (Petition for Review) Collins appealed the district court’s order denying his motion to reinstate his appeal finding that no exception applied that would allow Collins to file an appeal out of time. The Court of Appeals found Collins’ arguments to be unpreserved or unpersuasive and affirmed. The issue on review is whether the exceptional circumstances excuse Collins’ filing his notice of appeal late.

Appeal No. 126,130: State of Kansas v. Christopher Shawn Adams

Ellis County: (Petition for Review) If a prosecutor charges a witness with perjury based on their preliminary hearing testimony in a criminal case, may that person then assert a constitutional privilege against self-incrimination when called as a State’s witness in the later jury trial? The district court ruled Stephanie Lang could exercise her right to avoid another perjury charge in that circumstance. The Court of Appeals agreed with the district court that the State’s grant of immunity to Lang under K.S.A. 22-3415 was insufficient to protect her against a second perjury charge and the State could not use Lang’s preliminary hearing testimony and her out-of-court statements presented during the preliminary hearing as evidence in the jury trial, even though she would be unavailable as a witness. The Court of Appeals also held that because the State did not challenge that ruling in bringing this interlocutory appeal, it may be reconsidered in the district court. The issue on review is whether the Court of Appeals erred in finding that the State’s grant of use and derivative use immunity to Lang was insufficient to protect her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination because her immunized testimony, if false, could subject her to the risk of a future charge of perjury.

9 a.m. Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Case No. 128,062: In The Matter of Alejandro J. Solorio

Disciplinary: Solorio was admitted to the practice of law in 2000. Solorio’s ethics matter involved his representation of two individuals in an immigration matter and his failure to take action on their behalf. The disciplinary administrator recommended that Solorio’s license be suspended for one year. After a 90-day period, the disciplinary administrator recommended the remaining nine months be stayed and Solorio placed on 18 months’ probation. Solorio recommended that he be suspended for six months, with an immediate stay and that he be placed on 18 months’ probation. The hearing panel recommends that Solorio be censured and that the censure be published in the Kansas Reports.

Case No. 128,210: In The Matter of Laine C. Rundus

Disciplinary: Rundus was admitted to the practice of law in 2007. Rundus was charged and convicted of DUI on three different occasions. The Supreme Court temporarily suspended Rundus’ license on April 3, 2024.

The parties entered a summary submission agreement with a jointly recommended suspension of Rundus’ license for one year.

Summary Calendar–No Oral Argument

When a case does not present a new question of law, and oral argument is deemed neither helpful to the court nor essential to a fair hearing of the appeal, it is placed on the summary calendar. These cases are deemed submitted without oral argument.

Appeal No. 125,999: Sarah E. Tharrett, as successor trustee of the Roxine Poznich revocable trust v. David T. Everett

Bourbon County: (Petition for Review, Cross Petition for Review) David T. Everett appeals the district court’s final order granting declaratory relief, which authorized the final distribution of a trust and ordered him to surrender $4,000 in attorney fees from his distribution to the trustee, Sarah E. Tharrett. On appeal, Everett raises several procedural challenges to the proceedings in district court and argues the court abused its discretion in granting Tharrett’s motion for attorney fees. The Court of Appeals stated that the record reflects that Everett, after being sent the final distribution check from the trust, which was calculated in accordance with the district court’s final order, accepted the payment and negotiated the distribution check. The Court of Appeals held that because Everett voluntarily accepted the benefits of the district court’s order, he cannot now take the inconsistent position of appealing from it. Because Everett accepted the district court’s judgment, the Court of Appeals held it lacked jurisdiction over his appeal and dismissed it. The issues on review are whether: 1) the Court of Appeals erred by failing to address Everett’s argument that acquiescence to a void judgment is not possible; 2) the Court of Appeals erred by failing to address Everett’s argument that acquiescence was not properly preserved below; 3) the Court of Appeals erred when it rejected Everett’s self-protection argument; and 4) the Court of Appeals erred when it held that no issue Everett raised was separable from issues he alleged concerning acquiescence.

Appeal No. 126,288: State of Kansas v. Brenton S. Cook

Saline County: (Criminal Appeal) In 2006, a jury convicted Cook of first-degree murder, and he received a hard 25 life sentence. Cook’s convictions were affirmed on appeal and three subsequent motions under K.S.A. 60-1507 were denied. In this motion to correct illegal sentence, he challenges his sentence because his trial violated the merger doctrine, multiplicity, and double jeopardy statutes. The district court immediately denied Cook’s motion. The issue on review is whether the district court erred in immediately denying Cook’s motion to correct an illegal sentence.

Kansas Judicial Branch

Office of Judicial Administration

301 SW 10th Avenue

Topeka, KS 66612-1507

785-296-2256

www.kscourts.gov

 

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Down From Estimate For November

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November Total Tax Collections at $675.5 Million; 3.6% Below the Estimate

TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends November 2024 with total tax collections at $675.5 million. That is $25.4 million, or 3.6%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are up 4.0% from November 2023.

Individual income tax collections were $335.2 million. That is $15.3 million, or 4.4% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections are up 14.9% from November 2023. Corporate income tax collections were $24.5 million. That is $5.9 million, or 19.4% below the estimate, and down 31.1% from November 2023.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $287.3 million, which is $2.0 million, or 0.7% below the estimate, and down $3.7 million, or 1.3%, from November 2023.

Click here to view the November 2024 revenue numbers.

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