Senate works on 60 bills in one week

In a rush to pass bills before turnaround (the halfway point in session) over 60 bills were worked in two days on the Senate floor. It was a grueling pace. All bills can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov. Below is a sample of the bills that passed the Senate and were sent to the House.

A U.S. Senate, Insurance Commissioner, or State Treasurer vacancy replacement would be filled by an appointed committee of legislators providing three names to the Governor. The Governor would then select one from the three names, unless the legislature is in session. When the legislature is in session, a resolution with three names would have to pass both chambers and then the Governor would select a replacement from the three names on the resolution. Two years ago, I introduced legislation that would have held a replacement convention, much like we do with other positions, but it couldn't get traction. Timing is everything. Now that Senator Marshall could be considered for a Presidential appointment, it has become urgent to pass replacement legislation instead of just letting the Governor name a person. SB 105 would respect the voters' decision by requiring nominees to be a member of the same party for at least six years, as the vacated seat. It would also block any of the legislative nominating committee members from being a nominee. SB 105 passed 31 to 9.

Healthy Choices are the intent of SB 79 by excluding candy and soft drinks from eligible foods on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formally known as food stamps. Some argued that it was mean and restrictive. It doesn't stop other welfare money from being used on these items, only SNAP. It passed 29 to 11. I voted Yes.

Bail Bonds for Illegal Immigrants would get special treatment if an illegal defendant were deported outside the U.S. in SB 105. The court would have to return 95% of the bond issued for an illegal immigrant who was then sent back to another country. The Sheriffs association expressed concern that someone could put up a bond knowing the person was a major flight risk. The bill passed on a vote of 31 to 9. I voted No because illegal immigrants shouldn't be bonded out.

Given Name Act would prohibit students from changing their name without a parent or guardian permission and would prohibit students from using pronouns. It is an attempt to stop the woke nonsense in K-12 schools. SB 79 passed 26 to 14. I voted Yes.

Search Warrants could only be issued by law enforcement if SB 138 becomes law. Currently, anyone can issue a search warrant. It passed the Senate unanimously.

Low Income Scholarship Program would be expanded to allow children in foster care, children of active-duty military, or children of law enforcement, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel to qualify for a scholarship to attend alternative K-12 schools. Currently, any Kansas student whose family income is less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines can qualify for the scholarship program. SB 87 also increased the program cap from $10 to $15 million for the tax credit portion. It passed 24 to 16. I voted Yes.

Student Loans would have an established uniform interest rate, repayment schedules, and establish authority of the State Board of Regents to administer the student financial aid programs in SB 50. It makes more sense than using taxpayer money to pay off student loans for people. It passed 39 to 1. I voted Yes.

Help Not Harm Act was passed into law after overriding the Governor's veto by 2/3 the legislature voting Yes. Senate Bill (SB) 63 would stop chemical and surgical sex changes on anyone younger than 18 years of age. The vote to pass the bill was 32 to 8, but one Senator who voted for the bill did not vote for the override. It passed the Senate on a vote of 31 to 9. I voted Yes on both measures.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.

Caryn