This is to provide notice that members of the Fort Scott Community College Board of Trustees may be in attendance at the Fort Scott Community College Foundation Scholarship Dinner this evening.
The event is scheduled for April 7 at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Ellis Center.
It is possible that more than four Board members will be present. No official business will be conducted during this event.
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.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Public Comments
Susan Walker, County Clerk
Elections: Commissioners for Districts 1, 3, and 4 are on the ballots for this year and all the clerks in the townships of Bourbon County, as well as one precinct committee man in each precinct and one precinct committee man for each of the political parties.
The deadline for candidates to file is June 1 at noon. The primary will be held Aug. 4 for the precinct positions.
Commissioner David Beerbower asked about deadlines for adding questions to the ballot. Walker said she would find that information for him.
Accounts Payable Process for Internal Controls:
Walker gave a handout to commissioners to point out to the commissioners some controls to add to the county’s accounts payable process. The first is to have the commissioners sign the vouchers they are asked to review. The chairman signs the checks.
If there are issues with things not being filled out properly, the clerk’s office will ask the departments to resubmit them for coding purposes.
“In the future if we have commissioner expenses … we will just send those to the commission and you can just have your administrative assistant fill out the information and code it how it should be coded,” said Walker.
“We are probably going to be a little bit more strict in the process,” she added.
Commissioner Samuel Tran asked why the commission’s administrative assistant would code for accounts payable. Walker explained that all the other departments do their own coding of bills.
“We may need another assistant,” said Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee.
Walker offered to continue to code the commission’s expenses.
“I asked one question. I don’t need to open up Pandora’s box, thank you very much,” replied Tran.
Walker asked if the commission wanted her office to continue to code their expenses. Tran said he would take it under advisement.
Micheal Bryant
Last week it was mentioned that there was an external audit done on the sheriff’s department. Bryant requested a copy of that audit through the clerk’s office, but was told there was no audit completed.
“Am I missing something that’s not public that was referenced?” he asked.
Milburn-Kee handed him a document (KORA Audit). He asked if it was a completed audit. No commissioners answered.
“Until I read this, I’m going to go under the assumption that it was not completed,” Bryant said.
He then referenced a 2021 audit with three discrepancies in the sheriff’s accounting where they had 100% control of those accounts, in violation of KS281004.
He said that excluding the sheriff’s department from an audit, knowing there is a history of issues doesn’t make sense.
Empirical evidence that there is fraud afoot should go to the sheriff’s department, he said, not cause the commission to spend thousands of dollars on an audit.
Then he referred to previous allegations that went through a sheriff’s investigation and referral to the county attorney and on to the state attorney general who determined that there was no fraud in that case.
The commission refused to respond to his questions about the accuracy of his recounting.
“We continue to have discrepancies in some of the facts that are presented. From a commission, that’s a huge issue. Obviously you guys can’t interact with the public, you can’t even answer emails, can you?” Bryant asked. “I would challenge this commission….to reopen the audit that was voted on last week and….at a minimum to include the sheriff.”
“How do we get a response from a commissioner on a question that we have? Do I need to be a part of the neighborhood club? What has to happen here?” He concluded.
Commissioner Joe Allen offered to take his call at any time.
Sewer Discussion with County Attorney James Crux
The commission conducted a work session about the sewer problem, however several county residents with an interest in the topic attended the regular meeting.
Tran summarized the work session saying that the codes are “very hard to enforce,” and the issue has not been resolved. They discussed adopting a new code making non-compliance a Class A misdemeanor. It would require a trained employee to enforce.
“It may end up going to the planning committee,” Tran said. “We are working the issue.”
Crux said that some civil suits have been filed about this issue as well.
Milburn-Kee said that there is also a possibility of adding assessments to properties. “Which gives a little bit of motivation to fix those things.”
Executive Session K.S.A. 75-4319 (b)(1) Subject: Employee Performance – 5 commissioners, Terry Halsey, Leslie Heron and Jennifer Hawkins for 30 minutes. Motion for session carried with Milburn-Kee opposing.
Returned to session no action.
Reentered for another 5 minute session.
Returned to session with no action.
Department Updates Clerk, Treasurer, ROD, County Attorney – Courthouse Space and Destruction of Property
County Attorney James Crux asked for clarity about the basement clean out project. Beerbower clarified that files, maps, and historical books are not included in the clean out.
Crux asked who is moving the items and where they are going.
Beerbower said that any department wanting to keep their items is fine, but the goal is to “create space where space can be used.”
Crux also clarified that the evidence room is not in the list of places to be cleared out.
Commissioner Joe Allen said the plan is to consolidate the items and then asking various county departments to take what they need before disposing of the rest. The majority of the items in question are desks, chairs, and cabinets, as well as items left behind by previous tenants of a building the ER department now has use of.
Allen asked for a week to get loose ends tied up before going ahead with moving the items.
Old Business
SEK Juvenile Detention Contract
The commission moved to end the contract last year, it was too late to end it at that time. The new commission needs to decide their action regarding the letter that will official end the agreement.
Bourbon County is part owner of the detention center, has about $450,000 in equity in the center, and pays $130,000 per year to remain part owner.
Motley mentioned that the Sheriff thinks the letter of termination should be signed.
Tran read the letter and the commission decided to bring it back at the next meeting with updated dates and commission names.
Commission Comments
Motley: Will attend the SEK RPC board meeting this week.
Allen: Stay positive and remember the meaning of Easter.
Timothy Dean York, age 62, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. Private burial will take place at the U.S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to the Timothy York Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Andrew William Miles, known to many as Andy, passed away on April 2, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born on December 4, 1989, in Fort Scott, Kansas, and lived a life marked by love, adventure, and selfless devotion to the people who knew him best.
Andy was a Christian man whose faith was an important part of his life and the way he treated others. He was the kind of person who made an impression wherever he went, not because he sought attention, but because of the steady kindness, warmth, and sincerity he brought into every room. Those who loved him will remember him as loving, adventurous, and selfless, qualities that were evident in the way he cared for his family, his friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Andy attended Fort Scott Harley Davidson school, where he developed the skills and knowledge that supported his work as a motorcycle mechanic. He took pride in his work and found purpose in doing what he loved. His hands and his heart were both dedicated to motorcycles, and he appreciated the craftsmanship, freedom, and spirit that came with them. His work reflected his character, steady and dependable, and he was respected for the care he gave to every job he took on.
Motorcycles were more than a profession to Andy. They were a lifelong interest and a source of joy. He enjoyed traveling, spending time on the open road, and making memories along the way. He especially treasured hanging out with his wife and friends on weekends, where laughter, conversation, and simple time together meant the most. Andy understood the value of shared moments, and he made those around him feel welcome, appreciated, and loved.
Family was at the center of Andy’s life. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Miles, and their children, Karsten Miles, Kristian Miles, Mackinzie Larrabee, and Loretta Miles. He also leaves behind his stepdaughters, Chanelle Cravens and Peyton Cravens. He was deeply loved by his mother, Pepper Miles; his father, James Andrew Miles; his stepmother, Misty Miles; his brothers, James Miles, Steven Morris, and Adam Miles; his sisters, Amanda Collins and Christine Hall; and his aunt, Crystal Greenway. Many nieces, nephews, cousins. His family will forever carry his memory in their hearts and remember the many ways he showed up for them with loyalty, humor, and care.
Andy was also welcomed in death by those who went before him, including his grandpa Edward Knoblich, grandma Ann Lee, uncle Nickie Knoblich, great-grandma May Knoblich, great-grandpa Edward Knoblich, grandma Jane Knoblich, grandpa Norman Earl Miles, grandma Helen Miles, and several others in heaven with him. Though his passing leaves a painful emptiness, his loved ones take comfort in knowing he is now reunited with those who loved him and await him beyond this life.
Andy’s life, though far too short, was filled with meaning. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his adventurous heart, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and kindness that will continue to live on in the stories shared about him and in the lives of those who were blessed to know him. His memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration, and he will be dearly missed always.
Rev. Paul Rooks will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Thursday, April 9th at the Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Following services, there will be cremation. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Andy Miles Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
The north wing, east side of the Bourbon County Courthouse.
Bourbon County Planning Committee Agenda for Tuesday April 7th, 2026
1. Pledge
2. Roll
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of minutes from February 11th and April 1st
5. Review Comprehensive Plan RFP submissions with Mel
6. New Business
7. Public Comment
8. Next Meeting and Agenda
9. Adjournment
FREEDOM! Our ancestors fought for it, and this year our country celebrates it on our 250th Anniversary! We have much for which to be thankful! True, we are not perfect. That’s why we should try to be, and give, our best in return.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month. The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union has worked 152 of those 250 years to educate about the harm alcohol does to individuals as well as families in the United States.
Thankfully, more and more health organizations in our country are speaking up to educate about the toxic poison alcohol is on our bodies.
We are being advised to drink alcoholic beverages less, or not at all, because of the harm it does on all major organs in our body: Liver, Heart, Brain, Pancreas. It also damages the digestive system, kidneys, immune system, and increases cancer risk in the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast, and colon.
The National Institute of Health (nih.gov) reports that alcohol use causes more than 178,000 deaths per year.
Spring is an exciting time for new life and change!
Why not decide to throw off the bondage, or even the possibility of bondage, from alcoholic beverages?!
Perhaps you already know FREEDOM from alcohol. If not, why not choose to be FREE! Saying “No” to alcohol will not only make you healthier, but our nation will be healthier too!
National WCTU has new 2026 Youth Temperance Education flyers and posters to help educate others. Order yours at [email protected], or call (847)864-1396.
Submitted by
Mrs. Loreta Jent, Education Director,
National Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
Welcome to “Kansas Common Sense.” Thanks for your continued interest in receiving my weekly newsletter. Please feel free to forward it on to your family and friends if it would interest them.
Blast off: Artemis II Successful Launch
On Wednesday, our nation watched as three American astronauts and one Canadian astronaut embarked on the Artemis II mission to orbit the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years and go deeper into space than ever before. I have the responsibility of leading funding decisions for NASA, and last year Congress made a $10 billion investment in NASA in the Reconciliation Bill to bolster the Artemis program and return to the Moon.
The successful launch of Artemis II would not be possible without the Kansas suppliers who contributed to the success of this mission. Congratulations to DJ Engineering in Augusta, MPM Inc. in Wichita, Perfekta Inc. in Wichita, Wesco Aircraft Hardware Corp in Wichita, Galaxy Technologies in Winfield and Vector Tooling Technologies in Winfield on their contributions to the construction of the Space Launch system and the Orion spacecraft. We are one step closer to returning American astronauts to the Moon’s surface and beating China back to the Moon because of Kansas’ contributions to our aerospace industry. I will continue to monitor the duration of the Artemis II mission and wish the astronauts a safe journey and return to Earth.
Sen. Moran with NASA astronauts Christina Koch, Victor Glover & Reid Wiseman, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, after their selection for the Artemis II mission in 2023.
Happy Easter Rejoice, Rejoice, O Christian, lift your voice and sing eternal Hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek him, the help of all who find; none other is so loving, so good and kind.
Robba and I wish everyone a joyful Easter Sunday celebrating the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Securing America’s Energy Dominance
Kansas has a long history as a leader in both agriculture and aviation with our farmers being the top producers of sorghum, wheat and cattle and our manufacturers producing 35% of all general aviation aircraft in the U.S. We are uniquely suited with the agricultural capacity and industrial infrastructure needed to strengthen American energy dominance, all that is missing is policy support to drive this forward. That is why I introduced the Securing America’s Fuels Act, legislation that would reinstate the bonus credit to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit for an emerging fuel called Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). By strengthening SAF production, it would provide for the opening of new commodity markets, bolster our aviation industry and generate tens of thousands of new jobs for Kansas and states across the country. As a founding member of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, I am committed to making certain our farmers, manufacturers and rural communities have all they need to help power America’s skies.
You can read more from my opinion piece in Ag Week here.
Update on U.S. Military Operation in IranWith the war in Iran in its sixth week, President Trump addressed the nation on the war’s progress and asserted the campaign would last another two to three weeks. The President warned Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz to ship traffic or face devastating consequences. The potential for escalation, including the introduction of ground troops, increases the danger to our military men and women and our regional partners and the global economy. We saw this danger in the courageous rescue of two Air Force crew shot down over Iran. As the representatives of the American people, Congress needs answers on the objectives of this military campaign and what has transpired since this conflict began. Administration officials should testify before Congress and explain to the American people the threat posed by Iran and how achieving stated objectives, such as degrading Iran’s missile production, will be measured and accomplished. This is essential to sustain support for the war and make certain the fighting ends with a durable peace that leaves our country safer.
Watch my conversation with WIBW Channel 13 News here.
Happy Passover
Wishing a happy Passover to our Jewish neighbors in Kansas and around the world who are celebrating this week.
Honored to Serve You in Washington It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C. Thank you to the many Kansans who have been calling and writing in to share their thoughts and opinions on the issues our state and country face. I appreciate the words of Kansans, whether in the form of a form of letter, a Facebook comment or a phone call, who wish to make their voice heard.
Please let me know how I can be of assistance. You can contact me by email by clicking here. You can also click here to contact me through one of my Kansas offices or my Washington, D.C., office.
Very truly yours,
Jerry
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Hays
1200 Main St.,
Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-6401
Looking for a college that gives you options? At Fort Scott Community College, students can choose from associate degrees in Arts, Science, Applied Science, and General Studies, along with a variety of certificates that lead straight to rewarding careers. Whether you’re interested in healthcare fields like Certified Medication Aide, Nurse Aide, EMT, Home Health Aide, Manicuring, or Phlebotomy, or want to take on a technical challenge with certificates in Ag Technology (John Deere), Construction, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Environmental Water Tech, Farm & Ranch Management, Harley-Davidson Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, HVAC, Masonry, or Welding we’ve got you covered!
But college isn’t just about the classroom. FSCC offers plenty of ways to get involved through music and performance opportunities (band, choir, theater), student clubs and organizations (like Collegiate Farm Bureau, Phi Theta Kappa, SkillsUSA, STEAM Club, FSCC Media Team, and more), and even competitive judging teams in livestock and meat.
If athletics is more your thing, FSCC is home to intercollegiate sports for both men and women. Compete in basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, rodeo, track & field, or cross country, all while building friendships and representing the Greyhounds.
And the best part? We’re still growing. New programs, degrees, certifications, and athletic opportunities are on the horizon! There’s never been a better time to join FSCC!
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.”
Governor Kelly Signs Caleb’s Law to Strengthen ProtectionsAgainst 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 toHouse 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.
