March 6, 2026
Budget Overspending continues. As with any budget, there seems to always be good, bad, and just downright ugly. This budget wasn’t as bad as we have seen in the past, but it still spends more than is projected to be collected in taxes. The legislature must pass a budget, and doing so responsibly means confronting an uncomfortable truth: there is a pattern of spending increases that outpaced taxes to be collected, especially in discretionary programs that lack clear performance metrics. Some of this spending is a result of the billions of federal COVID dollars that we were assured were one time spends and would not burden Kansas taxpayers. The budget passed the Senate 21 to 19. I voted no on this government growth. The Senate and House budget committee leaders will now meet to work out differences for a final budget.
Welfare benefits were established to help those in need. The fraud and abuse of these programs is occurring at a staggering rate. Just look at Minnesota, where billions of dollars were fraudulently stolen. Kansas is acting to stop fraud and abuse by strengthening the eligibility rules and work requirements of programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, TANF and other programs. Another provision in SB 363 makes it so people who are permanently disabled would only have to file once, not annually as they do now. Kansans support safety net programs to be preserved for those who truly need them, and SB 363 does that. It passed the Senate 25 to 13. I voted yes.
An Emergency Declaration for the wildfires in south central and southwestern Kansas. There were some counties in the 12th Senate district also included in HCR 5033, allowing for exemptions on weight limits and other such restrictions to transport hay and items needed because of the fires. It passed the Senate unanimously.
Elections would be more secure by verifying signatures of mail-in ballots. While it may seem obvious that such a safeguard should already be standard practice, legislation is needed to codify it. SB 394 would also allow another individual to sign a voter’s ballot envelope when the voter is unable to sign personally. It passed 26 to 11. I voted yes.
Electronic devices would be prohibited in Kansas schools by requiring each district to adopt a policy that removes cell phones, tablets, smart watches, and other personal communication devices from classroom use. Senate Substitute for HB 2299 would also require district policies governing social‑media platforms. Limited exceptions would be permitted. For example, when a student needs a device to remind them to take medication or when a school‑issued device is required for instructional purposes. Research consistently shows that reading on paper yields better comprehension and retention than reading on most electronic devices. The legislation was drafted to avoid excessive bureaucracy while delivering safety benefits by restricting non‑educational electronic devices use at school. Parents, school administrators, and other stakeholders can help refine the policy at the local level. It passed 32 to 4. I voted yes.
Federal Law Enforcement and their vehicles would be treated as Kansas law‑enforcement officers if SB 452 becomes law. The bill also creates a new misdemeanor that prohibits anyone from approaching within 25 feet of a police officer, EMT, or firefighter after being given a visual or audible signal to stay back. Proponents say the measure closes gaps between state and federal policing authority, while critics argue it could impinge on civil liberties because it criminalizes proximity to officers who are performing their duties. Although individuals may still be present in the vicinity and may record the activity, they must remain at least 25 feet away once an officer signals them to do so. The bill passed 31 to 7. I voted yes.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn