Kansas Senate

Current law prohibits sexual relations between a student and a “teacher or other person of authority." But the law doesn't currently apply to school resource officers, nurses, bus drivers or other contracted employees.

The bill prohibits state and local governments from requiring centers perform abortions, counsel clients in favor of abortion, and hire people “who do not affirm the center’s mission or pro-life ethic.” Gov. Laura Kelly can veto the bill, sign it or let it become law without her signature.

The bill would require school districts to verify the income of students who qualify for free school lunches. That number determines how much more funding Kansas school districts can receive to serve academically at-risk students.

The Kansas Supreme Court determined in 2019 that the state's constitution protects abortion because it protects a woman's right to personal autonomy.

Some legislators were unclear if Kansas law already requires the use of turn signals in a roundabout. "As much as I hate them stupid things," Berryton Republican Sen. Rick Kloos said, "I like the bill."

Proponents are worried that soccer fans in Johnson and Wyandotte counties will cross the border to bars and stores in Missouri, which already passed legislation to extend liquor sales to 23 hours of the day.

The GOP bill would require schools to ask for legislative approval to participate in a federal free meal program, and make them verify the household income of every student that applies for free lunch. Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly opposes the proposal.

Victims of a former chiropractor were shocked when a judge released the man on bond after he was charged with 51 counts of sexual assault. They're supporting a bill endorsed by a Senate committee that requires convicted felons to be held behind bars before sentencing.

The bill has support from more than two-thirds of the Kansas Senate, including leaders from both parties.

Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said that enough Republican lawmakers signed on in his chamber to call a special session to consider gerrymandering the state's congressional map. It's not clear if the Kansas House has enough support yet, though.

Republican leaders in the Kansas Legislature want to follow the lead of states like Texas and Missouri by gerrymandering the state's congressional maps to favor Republicans. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat who represents the state's 3rd district, says the idea of splitting up Johnson County is "ludicrous."

Lawmakers promised major property tax cuts this year, but they're running out of time. The Kansas House and Senate are at odds on how to do it.