Kansas Senate

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.

Kansas artists and cultural organizations would be stripped of state grants if the Kansas Legislature adopts a Senate-approved budget, which entirely eliminates funding the Kansas Arts Commission. The impact would be felt even harder in smaller and rural communities.

Medical marijuana is becoming a perennial debate in Topeka, and it’s annually unclear how likely it is for a bill to pass. The Kansas House has passed a plan before, but it's the Senate where the roadblock remains.

Kansas Republicans have a veto-proof supermajority in both the House and Senate, meaning they can steamroll Democrats on any issue — and override the governor's veto — if they stand united. But Democrats could change that by flipping seats in Johnson County.

Johnson County has a number of competitive down-ballot races, including elections for sheriff and district attorney. But the county also has competitive races in the Kansas House and Senate, which could determine if Republicans preserve their total control of the legislature.