Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

Supported Decision-making Agreements Act Is Signed

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Establishing the Supported Decision-making Agreements Act


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 84 (SB 84), establishing the Supported Decision-making Agreements Act, which will allow adults to enter into supported decision-making agreements to receive assistance with an adult’s affairs from one or more other adults. This bill provides individuals who need assistance with decision-making with the option to receive support from one or more adults while remaining as independent as possible.

“Senate Bill 84 is thoughtful legislation that empowers Kansans to receive support as they make key decisions about their lives, while preserving their independence,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These voluntary agreements will equip those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health needs, or other impairments, with assistance from trusted adults as they navigate decisions about health care, finances, housing, and more.”

SB 84 establishes the legal framework for a supportive adult to provide decision-making assistance to another adult (the principal), who could be an adult with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, mental health needs, or more, who wants support while maintaining control over decisions in their life. A supporter could provide the principal with aid in making and communicating decisions, and understanding information, options, responsibilities, and consequences related to those decisions. The supporter could also access and obtain information relevant to decisions necessary for managing the principal’s affairs; ascertain the wishes and decisions of the principal and help communicate those decisions to others; advocate to ensure those wishes and decisions are implemented; and accompany the principal, as well as participate in discussions with others, when the principal is making decisions.

“I’m pleased to support this commonsense legislation that establishes a legal framework to help Kansans receive voluntary support from other adults as they navigate their lives, while maintaining their control and independence,” said Representative Mari-Lynn Poskin, District 20. “Everyone has the right to agency in their own life, and this bill will enable more Kansans to make choices that are best for them with the comfort of knowing they have reliable assistance from others. Congratulations to disability advocates who have been working on this for years.”

The supportive adult would not be allowed to exert undue influence on the principal, make decisions for or on behalf of the principal, sign for the principal, obtain information not reasonably related to the matters the supporter is authorized to assist the principal with under the agreement without consent, and use information acquired for a purpose other than authorized under the agreement. Violations would be added to the crime of mistreatment of a dependent adult or an elder person, for which felony or misdemeanor penalties would apply, depending on the amount of financial resources involved.

“Through Senate Bill 84, we’re offering Kansans more avenues to be active participants not only in their own lives, but also in their communities across the state,” said Senator Rick Billinger, District 40. “This is strong, bipartisan legislation that will truly help more Kansans make life-changing decisions that will be in their best interests.”

In addition to Senate Bill 84, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Substitute for Senate Bill 260: Establishing the born to invest act and requiring the office of vital statistics to provide data to the office of the state treasurer for distribution of informational materials regarding certain government-administered savings accounts

Senate Bill 398: Aligning a part of the Kansas Rules of Evidence dealing with Expert witnesses with the Federal Rules of Evidence by requiring a proponent to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that certain specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand evidence before certain qualified witnesses may testify.

Senate Bill 418: Enacting the by-right housing development act to provide a streamlined permit approval process for by-right housing developments and allowing third-party review of new residential construction development documents and inspection of improvements, along with making other updates to zoning and regulations.

Senate Bill 459: Removing the prisoner review board from the supervision of the secretary of corrections, changing the appointing authority, creating qualifications for the members of the board, and requiring parole hearings to be postponed if proper notice of the public comment session is not made to the victim.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2402: Requiring eligible boards of education to consider participation in the community eligibility provision, providing a financial hardship exception to such participation and requiring the state department of education to assist school districts seeking such participation.

House Bill 2739: Relating to housing code requirements, removing the definition of apartment houses from chapter 31 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, providing requirements for adoption of the national fire protection association standards, 2024 edition, and providing that certain state accessibility standards are not applicable to moderate income housing program and Kansas investor tax credit housing act projects.

House Bill 2528: Requiring all state board of nursing actions related to certain nonpractice violations be void, allowing for late license renewal for professional, practical and advanced practice registered nurses, setting fees for late license renewal, limiting unprofessional conduct to acts related to the practice of nursing, prohibiting the board from taking retaliatory action against a licensee based on certain lawful actions and creating a civil cause of action for violation thereof, requiring termination of current board members on January 1, 2027 and requiring the governor to appoint interim board members subject to senate confirmation and requiring the board to issue refunds for overpayment or duplicate payment.

House Bill 2652: Requiring the clerk of the appellate courts to publish monthly a list of cases of the supreme court and court of appeals in which a decision has not been entered and filed within six months of submission and a list of cases in which a petition for review has not been granted or denied within six months of submission.

###
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Vetoes Eight Bills

Leave a comment


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed eight bills.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 254:

“America’s immigration system is broken, but this is not the way to fix it. This bill targets Kansans who were brought to the United States as children. To punish these kids for decisions their parents made years ago is not only cruel, but also not in the best interest of the state. Kansas needs these young people to be educated and trained so they can enter our workforce and contribute to our state’s economy.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 254.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2468:

“After years of neglect and budget disasters before I took office, we’ve worked hard to make sure Kansas’ public schools are fully funded and back on track. We must prioritize meaningful increases in Special Education funding over expanding the private school tax credit program. I will continue to fight for the full funding of our public schools.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2468.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2727:

“Kansans have made it clear that they want the government to stay out of women’s private health care decisions. This bill is another attempt by politicians to involve themselves in these private decisions, this time by trying to intimidate health care providers. At some point, I hope the politicians in Topeka will recognize that Kansans want them out of their doctors’ offices, but until they do, I’ll continue to veto bills like this.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2727.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2729:

“This bill requires the state to put false medical information out that has no scientific basis and only serves to mislead women. Kansans have made it clear that they want the government to stay out of women’s private health care decisions. This bill does the opposite.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2729.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2603:

“I’ve always believed that local elected officials are best suited to make these types of policy decisions for their constituents. Local leaders and law enforcement officials, not the state government, should determine how these types of security fences are used in their communities.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2603.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 30:

“This bill would require updates to existing occupational licenses or new licenses to be reviewed and approved by the legislature. This is another inappropriate power grab inserting legislators without the technical knowledge to appropriately judge. Not only do they lack the required expertise, but this process would simply add bureaucratic red tape and bloated administrative busy work. It is the role of the legislature to solve big problems only it can, not micromanage the state agencies with technical expertise for these professions.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 30.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of Senate Bill 375:

“The process by which this bill came to my desk was one of political games.  A bill of this magnitude needed much further vetting and a full debate in the House. Kansans expect their laws to be considered and written in a thoughtful manner that allow their elected officials in both chambers the opportunity to represent them. Not whatever this process was.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto Senate Bill 375.”

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2719:

“While I appreciate the Legislature’s efforts to clean up a bill that should have not been passed in the first place, this bill further confuses the rule-making process and makes state government less efficient and cost effective, not more. It is a blatant attempt by the Legislature to undermine the separate, but equal, authority of the executive branch by micro-managing state agency functions.

“Therefore, under Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution, I hereby veto House Bill 2719.”

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

KS Combats Sexual Extortion

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Signs Caleb’s Law to Strengthen Protections Against Sexual Extortion


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed House Bill 2537, known as Caleb’s Law, which expands and strengthens Kansas law to better combat sexual extortion and protect victims. The legislation is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, Kansas, who died by suicide after being targeted by an online sextortion scheme.

“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”

House Bill 2537 enhances criminal penalties and establishes new offenses to expand the types of exploitation that are covered by Kansas law. It also broadens the definition of sexual extortion and requires statewide education efforts to help students, parents, and educators recognize and prevent exploitation. The bill requires the attorney general to work with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies to prepare and provide educational materials and information regarding sexual extortion.

“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” said Representative Bob Lewis, District 123. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped. I look forward in the next legislative session to continuing to work across the aisle to protect our kids from online threats.”

House Bill 2537 strengthens existing Kansas statute by expanding the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images, increasing penalties when an offender is 18 years of age or older and the victim is less than 18 years of age or a dependent adult.

“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” said Representative Dan Osman, District 48. “Thank you to the family and friends of Caleb Moore who championed this legislation. It’s because of your effort that Kansas can help protect our young people against future attacks.”

In addition to House Bill 2537, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Bill 2574: Removing the expiration on certain cybersecurity requirements, modifying the duties of chief information security officers and cybersecurity programs, and requiring assessment of executive branch agency compliance with cybersecurity requirements.

House Bill 2602: Establishing requirements for a portable benefit plan for independent contractors, determining types of contributions to such plans, and providing a subtraction modification for Kansas income tax purposes.

House Bill 2618: Requiring the state board of education to report to the legislature on federal moneys received by the state, ending certain educational reporting requirements and applying expiration dates to other educational reporting requirements.

House Bill 2644: Requiring a county appraiser to adjust the value of residential and commercial property upon final determination or obtain a fee simple appraisal if the appraised value exceeds 5% increase over three years.

House Bill 2737: Enacting the taxpayer agreement act to provide for an alternative method of tax increment financing of municipal economic development projects through taxpayer agreements.

House Bill 2747: Specifying that courts shall consider certain factors in determining whether a prior violation of law is comparable to any act described in certain driving under the influence crimes when calculating a person’s criminal history score under the Kansas sentencing guidelines act.

House Bill 2769: Requiring members of governing bodies of subordinate service taxing areas to be residents of such taxing areas.

House Bill 2781: Authorizing the state historical society to acquire the junior officers’ quarters at Fort Dodge and provide for the use, preservation, improvement, control and maintenance thereof.

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

KS Bill Expands Opportunities For Rural Attorneys

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Expanding Opportunities for Attorneys in Rural Areas


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Substitute for House Bill 2595 (Sub for HB 2595), establishing the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act to encourage and expand opportunities and incentives for licensed attorneys or Kansas law students to practice in rural areas. The bill also establishes the Attorney Loan Repayment Program for Rural Kansas.

“Increasing access to attorneys in rural areas is key to ensuring that all Kansans have access to the well-qualified representation they are legally entitled to,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By signing this commonsense bill, we are supporting law students and addressing our current shortage of attorneys in rural areas to build stronger, thriving Kansas communities.”

Sub for HB 2595 increases opportunities and incentives for licensed attorneys or those pursuing a law degree at the University of Kansas or Washburn University to practice law in rural Kansas, specifically in counties other than Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. The bill also establishes the Law Student Training and Stipend Program for Rural Kansas, which will be administered by the Department of Commerce in coordination with Washburn University and the University of Kansas for law students at those respective universities. Preference will be given to students who are Kansas residents.

“This bill takes meaningful, long-term steps to address the shortage of attorneys in Kansas’ rural areas, which has been decreasing as older attorneys retire,” said Representative Ken Rahjes, District 110. “Access to legal representation is a fundamental pillar of our justice system. Now more than ever, it is critical that we have qualified legal representation to preserve the economic and civic health of rural Kansas.”

The bill will provide a stipend of up to $3,000 per school year for up to three years to each student entering the Law Student Training and Stipend Program. The stipend can be used for tuition, books, supplies, or other school expenses. Students would be required to practice law in a rural area for a minimum of one year for each year they receive the stipend. Additionally, Sub for HB 2595 establishes the Attorney Training and Loan Repayment Program for Rural Kansas, providing loan repayment of $20,000 per year for attorneys who live and practice in a qualifying area for up to five years.

“Sub for HB 2595 is a good example of what the legislature can do when it sets aside partisanship and focuses on what is best for Kansans. The lack of attorneys in rural areas has put the state on the verge of a constitutional crisis,” said Representative Linda Featherston, District 16. “Sub for HB 2595 will help avert this crisis by encouraging legal practices in rural Kansas. This will help ensure justice for all Kansans.”

In addition to Sub for HB 2595, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Bill 2444: Providing that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case and creating special sentencing rules and requiring certain minimum bonds when a felony is committed by certain offenders while on probation, parole, or post-release supervision.

House Bill 2467: Prohibiting past convictions or sanctions for failure to comply with a traffic citation that are more than five years old from being considered by courts and the division of vehicles in determining suspended or restricted driving privileges and eliminating certain notice requirements for the division of vehicles.

House Bill 2470: Providing that certain municipalities may designate the entire municipality within a neighborhood revitalization area under the Kansas neighborhood revitalization act.

House Bill 2487: Defining teacher and paraprofessional for purposes of eligibility for a scholarship under the Kansas education opportunity scholarship program.

House Bill 2520: Increasing the number of allowed residents in a home plus facility from 12 to 16.

House Bill 2539: Requiring that the members of the Eudora community library district board of directors be elected to such positions.

House Bill 2552: Requiring criminal presentence investigation reports and journal entries to be completed and submitted in the form and manner prescribed and approved by the Kansas Sentencing Commission.

House Bill 2562: Permitting the issuance of a special license plate or permanent or temporary placard for a person with a disability based on documentation of satisfactory proof of disability from a physical therapist.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2571: Increasing the cost threshold for when a county shall use the public bidding process in awarding a construction contract.

###
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by KS Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
April 3, 2026
2026 Session There were 237 bills introduced in the Senate and 507 in the House.  Most of the bills didn’t get a hearing because there just wasn’t time.  Since this session was compressed, even more than previous years, it was intense.  Over 150 bills were sent to the Governor in the last week of session.  So far, thirty-four of those were signed into law, three vetoed, and one became law without the Governor’s signature.
 Nursing Instructors will only be required to have one degree higher than the students they are teaching.  “Additional or more advanced credentials for faculty shall not be required by the board.”  There is a shortage of healthcare providers, but how will lowering the requirements to be a teacher help?  SB 344 passed 38 to 2.  I voted no.  The Governor let it become law without her signature.
Vetoed Bills so far this year include SB 244, requiring multi use showers, bathrooms, and other such facilities in public buildings be designated for use by only one sex; SB 368, enacting income tax deductions for participants of health care ministries; and HB 2635, an act to protect the ability of private pregnancy centers to provide life-affirming care.  All three vetoes were overridden to become law.  I voted for each override.
Moving or Disposing of Human Remains with the intent to conceal a death or crime is now explicitly a criminal offense as HB 2331 was signed into law.  The original bill addressed unclaimed remains, allowing coroners to authorize burial after three years.  I was able to offer an amendment on the Senate floor to also make it a crime to move or dispose of a body with the intent to conceal a death or crime.  After Senators learned of the tragedy in Linn County, they unanimously supported adding this provision. The bill then went to conference committee, and following negotiations, it passed both chambers before being signed into law.
Vehicle Tags purchased at the County Treasurers office can be cumbersome and time-consuming in some counties.  Most Treasurers have said they do not receive enough of this money to cover their costs, although there are billions collected that goes to fund other aspects of local government.  CCR 325 creates a temporary group tasked with studying problems and recommending an updatedsystem.  The task force report will be due January 2028.  Meantime, a fee that is normally $5, will be allowed for the locals to increase to $10 for the next three years, until a new system can be implemented.  These funds must be used only for vehicle-related staffing, equipment, and operations.  County treasurers will also report back to the legislature on the increase in fees and how the money is being used.  It passed the Senate 33 to 7.  I voted yes as this has been a major issue in some counties and the process could be simplified for all Kansans.  CCR 325 was sent to the Governor.
Chief’s Stadium in Kansas continues to move forward.  There doesn’t appear to be any way to stop it.  Especially after CCR 2466 establishes the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority, an 11-member board to oversee the development and operation of the new stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs.  Most of the members are appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker, Majority and Minority leaders.  It doesn’t give me comfort that the appointees may not have experience in building a multi-billion-dollar facility.  I didn’t vote for the STAR bond bill in 2024 that started this effort and I did not vote to continue it.  If these STAR bonds projects were so helpful, why does Wyandotte have some of the highest property taxes?  Maybe because these developments usually do not pay property taxes and sales tax goes to pay off the bonds for the project – can you say NASCAR?  It will be the same for the Chiefs stadium.
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
Government, Kansas

Skilled Nursing Workforce Shortage Bill Becomes Law

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Allows Senate Bill 334 to Become Law Without Signature


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has allowed Senate Bill 334 to become law without her signature.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding Senate Bill 334:

“I understand the urgent need to address the workforce shortage in skilled nursing and to have a sufficient number of educators to prepare future nurses. However, I have concerns that the lowered educational requirements for educators in Senate Bill 334 would result in a decreased level of rigorous academic training that would leave prospective nurses unprepared to deliver the standard of care Kansans trust nursing professionals to provide. Nurses are on the frontlines of caring for Kansans in medical situations ranging from simple preventive care to emergency trauma response, and we should honor the responsibility of these roles by ensuring they receive the highest quality education possible.

“For these reasons, I am letting Senate Bill 334 become law without my signature.”

Government, Kansas

Distracted Drivers Bipartisan Bill Is Signed

Leave a comment

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Reducing Distracted Drivers in School and Construction Zones


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, which prohibits the use of a cell phone while driving in a school or construction zone.

“House Substitute for Senate Bill 366 takes concrete steps to make our communities safer for all – and safe communities are vital to making Kansas a state where people want to put down roots and raise their families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m pleased to sign smart, commonsense legislation that will help ensure drivers are distraction-free and schoolchildren, pedestrians, and constructions workers are protected.”

Under Senate Bill 366, individuals who use a cell phone while driving in school or construction zones will be subject to a warning citation. After July 1, 2027, individuals will be subject to a citation with a $60 fine. Additionally, this law permits the display of certain lighting in road construction zones by vehicles and trailers being used for highway construction and maintenance operations.

“We need to keep our kids and workers safe on the road. Car crashes and fatalities caused by distracted driving are far too prevalent in our state, with tragedy touching too many families,” said Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson. “Prohibiting cell phones in school and construction zones is a commonsense action to curb the inattention that leads to accidents. With the signing of this legislation, we are delivering on the promise to enhance public safety and protect Kansans from harm.”

By prohibiting and authorizing penalties for drivers’ cell phone use in school and construction zones, Senate Bill 366 aims to reduce accidents, protect children and construction workers, and ensure drivers are alert, focused, and distraction-free.

“Distracted driving from cell phone usage is one of the biggest preventable causes of traffic fatalities, injuries, and accidents,” said Representative for District 125 Shannon Francis. “This bill helps protect construction workers and school children where they are most vulnerable. We must build a culture of safety among Kansas drivers.”

In addition to House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2212: Authorizing the governor to make a declaration of need for enhanced public safety and security for an extraordinary event.

House Bill 2393: Authorizing the supreme court to impose a charge to fund the costs of non-judicial personnel through June 30, 2030.

House Bill 2511: Permitting money received from agricultural production on a state-owned property to be used for the management of all state-owned properties.

House Bill 2519: Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the Kansas Open Records Act.

House Bill 2622: Modifying the municipal lease-purchase protest petition requirements.

House Bill 2702: Providing that applicants for a physician assistant license submit to a criminal record check, providing for the collaboration between physicians and physician assistants, and requiring the revocation of a physician assistant license under certain circumstances.

House Bill 2761: Enacting the speech-language pathology assistant act to provide for the licensure of speech-language pathology assistants.

Senate Bill 55: Providing additional protections from exploitative contractors by prohibiting the assignment of benefits under certain property and casualty insurance contracts.

Senate Bill 425: Increasing the maximum annual registration fee limit for seed retailers and wholesalers and authorizing a late fee for registrations renewed after the registration deadline.

###
Government, Kansas

KS Total March Taxes Collected Are Below The Estimate

Leave a comment

March Total Tax Collections at $577.1 Million;
10.7% Below Estimate


TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends March 2026 with total tax collections at $577.1 million. That is $68.9 million, or 10.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 9.4% from March 2025.

“Missing revenue estimates by nearly $69 million in March and by over $175 million cumulatively since the last Consensus Revenue Estimates in November is concerning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “More concerning is that Legislative Leadership rushed through this session, turning off the lights and going home before the April Consensus Revenue Estimates are announced.

“This reckless, irresponsible approach to budgeting is not smart and it is not fair. I hope that future Legislative Leadership understands that the people expect them to be good stewards of Kansas taxpayers’ dollars and that means working until the job is done right, even during election years.”

Individual income tax collections were $271.3 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.3% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 3.7% from March 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $23.5 million. That is $63.5 million, or 158.8% below the estimate, and down 147.0% from March 2025.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $262.1 million, which is $8.1 million or 3.2% above the estimate, and up 6.2% from March 2025.

Click here to view the March 2026 revenue numbers.

###
Government, Kansas

Child Abuse Prevention Month: April

Leave a comment

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.

###
Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice
Constant Contact
Government, Kansas

Legislative Update by Kansas Senator Caryn Tyson

Leave a comment
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

Leave a comment

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