Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Child Abuse Prevention Month: April

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TOPEKA – (April 1, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and the Kansas State Child Death Review Board are encouraging Kansans to wear blue on Friday, April 10, to increase awareness of child abuse. The effort is part of April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The State Child Death Review Board indicates that child abuse and neglect can take many forms and often occur behind closed doors, making awareness and prevention efforts critical. While physical abuse may be the most visible, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect can have equally serious and lasting impacts on a child’s health, development, and well-being. Recognizing the signs and taking action to support families and report concerns are essential steps in preventing abuse and helping ensure children across Kansas grow up in safe and supportive environments.

“Child abuse prevention requires a collective effort from communities across Kansas,” said Sara Hortenstine, Youth Services Division Chief. “Wearing blue helps raise awareness and reminds us all that we share a responsibility to support families, recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, and report concerns. Speaking up can make a critical difference in protecting children and preventing tragedy.”

For additional information on child abuse and neglect, visit www.ag.ks.gov, or call (785) 296-7970. The Kansas Department for Children and Families maintains the state’s Protection Report Center. Residents who suspect a case of child abuse or neglect may report it at (800) 922-5330. In cases in which the child may be in imminent danger, call 911.

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

Legislative Update by Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson

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Caryn Tyson
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
March 27, 2026
The Property Tax Revenue Limit bill (Senate substitute for HB 2745) was sent to the governor; it puts the breaks on annual property-tax collection increases with a revenue limit (the previous year’s property tax collection plus Midwest Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower).  If a governing body attempts to exceed the limited amount, a voter petition of 10% of registered voters in that taxing subdivision can stop the increase.  The Senate added some safeguards: the revenue‑neutral notices you get in the mail must flag if a budget exceeds revenue‑neutral (property tax collected the previous year) levels and if revenue limits are to be exceeded; if revenue limits are exceeded a petition signature area is to be included on the notice; petition signatures may be collected Aug. 10–Sept. 15, and if 10% of registered voters sign, the governing body may not exceed revenue neutral.  The House had changed the petition process so that they do not have be notarized.  It’s a meaningful step to slow government growth.  I hope the governor signs it.  It passed the Senate 22–18.  I voted yes.
Early in the session, House and Senate leaders agreed to work on two items: an assessment cap (Senate position, 3%, that must be implemented by constitutional amendment) and a revenue cap (House position, allowing voters to stop increases 3% or more by petition).  Each measure would offer protection: the assessment cap would protect individual properties, while the revenue limit would help slow government growth.  Unfortunately, the assessment cap was rejected by the House – even after the House offered a 10% cap and no rollback on assessment values; the Senate position was 3% or lower with a 2022 baseline year.  To move on the measure, I was asked to acquiesce to a 9% cap, with the understanding it could be lowered by statute, and a baseline assessment value year of 2024, which the House accepted – but rejected it on the House floor.  There is still a slim chance to pass something in veto session.
Some House members continue to spread misinformation about assessment limits, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the legislation.  For example, claims that it “will hurt first-time homebuyers” are inaccurate: the measure transfers the capped assessed value to the new homeowner.  A major benefit because the capped assessment value goes with the property, unlike today where some are seeing increases that can tax them out of their home in just a few years.
As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked day and night trying to get a limit on property tax increases passed – one that would protect homeowners and save them money.  We need to stop these runaway increases.  However, as a leader in lowering your taxes, there are members of the legislature trying to blame me for not getting results when they vote against the limits.  Go figure.
The Legislature will return April 9th for consideration of bills vetoed by the Governor and possible action on other legislation.  Currently, there are 50 bills on the Governor’s desk for consideration and over 80 bills on the way to her desk.  All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
 
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Elections, Kansas

Republican Scam Alert

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SCAM ALERT!!

Do not buy gift cards for a County GOP chair or other GOP official without talking to the requestor via telephone first!

Scammers are targeting Republican activists, posing as GOP officials and asking that the activists purchase gift cards on behalf of the GOP. WE DON’T NEED GIFT CARDS!! Please do not purchase any cards or any other item without making a phone call first!

We don’t want to see anyone else get scammed.
Paid for by the Kansas Republican Party. Roger Lomshek, Treasurer
Kansas Republican Party | 114 SW 8th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66603 US
Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Ken Collins. Submitted photo.

 

Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

 

 

Benny’s Bill was passed unanimously in the Senate as I have previously reported and was bundled in conference committee with three other public safety measures and is now on the way to Governor Kelly’s desk for approval. The package combines several good pieces of legislation and was done in the memory of the late Representative John Resman. The bill includes:

 

Benny’s Bill (HB2412): Elevate child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Electronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB2479)

 

Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB2594): Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images especially involving minors including cases involving AI.

 

Position of Authority Law (HB2762): Strengthens law prohibiting sexual relations with students by clarifying adults in positions of authority at schools.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill (SB 360) that I have previously mentioned was recently passed by the House under the new designation of SB 20. This bill puts some much needed regulation on the PBM monopoly that currently exists in this country. The House vote on this measure was 104-17 and it is now headed to the Governor for her signature.

 

Recently the House voted on and rejected by a vote of 46-75 was House Bill 2527. The purpose of HB 2527 was to restrict registered sex offenders from entering school property. That is a goal that I think that almost everyone would support but the bill did not address some of the possible scenarios that could come about and thus could cause unintended consequences. I voted no and I believe that was why most of my colleagues did as well.

 

The House and Senate are both adjourned until April 9th when we return for veto session. I would like to remind everyone that I have two legislative update events planned. The first one will be at the Mulberry Senior Citizens Center on Monday April 13th at 6:30 with the other one a week later on April 20th at the Galesburg Community Center. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Masterson: Senate Will Ring-In Another Override

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Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued the following statement in regard to the Governor’s veto of HB 2635.

“Yet again, Laura Kelly has chosen to veto good legislation that saves lives. This bill simply protects pregnancy resource centers’ ability to educate mothers and provide life-affirming care. I look forward to ringing-in another override soon,” said Masterson.
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2635

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed House Bill 2635.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2635:

“The people of Kansas have made it clear, time and time again, that they want government to stay out of women’s private medical decisions. That means we shouldn’t be spending tax dollars trying to interfere with that very personal, very private, medical decision. That’s why I’m vetoing this bill.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2635.”

Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Gives Update on HB2479

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Just a quick update on Benny’s Bill. It has been bundled with several other related bills under the number HB 2479 and the bundle has passed both the house and senate and will now go to the Governor. The bundle includes the following:
lectronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB 2479)
Requires courts to consider GPS monitoring with victim notification for certain domestic violence cases to help protect victims before trial.
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB 2594)
Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images, videos, and AI-generated content.
Privacy and Exploitation Protections (HB 2518)
Strengthens penalties for recording or sharing private images, especially involving minors, including cases involving AI or digital manipulation.
Position of Authority Law (HB 2762)
Clarifies that adults in positions of authority at schools, including volunteers age 21 and older, cannot engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
I will follow up later with a new Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

620-240-0778

 

Re
Government, Kansas

Senate Will Lower Healthcare Costs and Override Governor’s Veto

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Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued a statement on Governor Kelly’s veto of SB 368.

“Laura Kelly has deliberately chosen to drive up the cost of healthcare for the many Kansans that choose to use healthcare sharing ministries with her veto of SB 368. This bi-partisan bill simply provides a tax deduction for Kansas taxpayers that use these important sharing ministries to cover healthcare costs for their families. The Senate will override this ridiculous veto and provide relief to Kansas families dealing with high healthcare costs,” said Masterson.

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Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Senate Bill 368

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed Senate Bill 368.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 368:

“There’s a reason that regulators across the country are taking action against these so-called health care ministries because too often, everyday people are left with huge medical bills. These health care ministries aren’t regulated, which opens the door to all sorts of fraud and abuse.

“Let me be clear, this is not about limiting anyone’s ability to practice their faith freely, it’s entirely about ensuring that Kansans are in a health care system that’s reliable and actually covers their medical expenses.

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto Senate Bill 368.”

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Kansas, Youth

Foster Home Initiative: A Home For Every Child

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Kansas Joins National ‘A Home for Every Child’ Initiative to Bolster Access to Foster Homes

~~Kansas Becomes 7th State to Join Nationwide Initiative Aimed at Improving Ratio of Homes to Youth in Foster Care, 1st State with Approved Plan~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Thursday announced that Kansas has joined the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families’ (ACF) ‘A Home for Every Child’ initiative to improve the ratio of foster homes to children in Kansas and across the country. Governor Kelly made the announcement alongside federal officials from ACF and the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Kansas is the first state to receive ACF approval for its ‘A Home for Every Child’ plan.

“This initiative underscores my administration’s work to strengthen Kansas’ child welfare system by expanding support for foster children and families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By taking steps to eliminate barriers to safe, reliable foster homes, we’re setting more Kansas children up for long-term success and empowering them to live full, thriving lives in comfortable and supportive environments.”

‘A Home for Every Child’ reinforces Governor Kelly’s longstanding commitment to making Kansas the best state to raise a family. According to ACF, nationwide there are only 57 homes for every 100 children entering foster care. The ‘A Home for Every Child’ initiative aims to achieve a foster-home-to-child ratio of at least 1:1 nationwide through effective collaboration with states, which includes cutting bureaucratic red tape, improved data collection and reporting, new incentives, support for kin-first placements, and more.

“The Administration for Children and Families is grateful for the bipartisan support behind A Home for Every Child, and we are confident Governor Kelly’s leadership will continue to deliver meaningful reforms to child welfare that protect children and keep families together when possible,” said Assistant Secretary Alex Adams, Administration for Children and Families. “By joining A Home for Every Child, Kansas is focusing on what matters most while allowing its caseworkers to spend more time actually serving children and families across the state rather than filling out federal paperwork.”

ACF offered states the ability to voluntarily transition from existing Child and Family Services Review Program Improvement Plans into the ‘A Home for Every Child’ pilot framework. This shift enables Kansas to become more outcome focused and relies on data-driven accountability. As the 7th state to join ‘A Home for Every Child,’ Kansas has the opportunity to engage early, contribute to federal learning, and modernize performance improvement efforts while maintaining accountability for safety, permanency, and well-being.

“We’re proud to partner in this opportunity to further achieve meaningful outcomes for Kansas families. This effort provides flexibility for innovative approaches alongside families through targeted, practical measures that reflect our state’s goals to prevent and reduce the need for foster care,” said Secretary Laura Howard, Kansas Department for Children and Families. “Every child deserves safety, stability, and a sense of community—and every family deserves the support needed to thrive.”

Additional information about ACF’s ‘A Home for Every Child’ initiative can be found here.

Photos from today’s event are available for media use below:

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Government, Kansas

Kobach warns consumers to be wary of fake traffic violation scam

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CONSUMER ALERT

 

TOPEKA – (March 26, 2026) –Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach today issued a consumer alert warning Kansans about a growing scam involving fraudulent “Notice of Hearing” notices for alleged traffic violations.

Scammers are sending fake notices via text message and email that mimic official court documents. These notices often include realistic details such as court headings, case numbers, statute citations, and a QR code or link directing recipients to pay a fictitious fine and associated costs.

“Courts do not serve legal documents on individuals via text or email,” Kobach said. “Kansans should not respond to unsolicited messages or emails containing purported legal documents from courts requesting payments. Kansans should also avoid interacting with texts or emails that include alleged notices or direct the consumer to scan any QR code within them. If you receive any of these notices, please report it to my office so we can investigate.”

How to Spot and Avoid the Scam

  • Unsolicited delivery: Real court notices for traffic violations or hearings are never sent by text or email.
  • Pressure to pay: The notices urge quick payment via QR code or link to “resolve” the matter and avoid further penalties.
  • Professional appearance: They often feature official-looking formatting to appear legitimate.

What to Do If You Receive One

  • Do not reply, call any provided number, scan the QR code, or click any links. Interacting with the message could introduce malware to your device.
  • Verify any claim independently: Contact the clerk of the relevant court directly using a phone number from the court’s official website (never one listed in the suspicious message).
  • Think before you act: Pause and double-check before responding to any unexpected legal communication.

Kansans who receive these fraudulent notices are encouraged to report them to the Kansas Attorney General’s Public Protection Division at www.ag.ks.gov or by calling (785) 296-3751 or 1-800-432-2310.

About the Kansas Attorney General’s Office

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office protects Kansas consumers through enforcement of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act, investigation of fraud and scams, and education to help residents avoid deceptive practices. For more information, visit www.ag.ks.gov.

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