The legislature is officially adjourned. It’s nice to have Topeka in my rear view and a sense of accomplishment and relief on my shoulders. While there were dozens of bills discussed during the veto session (May 1 – June 10), the following are the bills I’ve received the most inquiries about within the district.
Guns
As you may know, the legislature passed a bill a few years ago allowing guns in public buildings, including hospitals and college campuses beginning July 1, 2017. There were no changes made to the law in regard to guns on college campuses; they’ll be allowed after June 30, 2017. However, the legislature passed a bill and the Governor allowed it to become law continuing the restriction of guns in mental hospitals, public hospitals, long-term care facilities, community mental health centers, and KU Hospital.
School Finance
After several hours of debate, HB 2410, the school finance bill, passed in the House, 84-39, I voted YES. As you know, I was on the school finance committee that spent hours drafting the bill. We’re pleased with the outcome of the policy and the Governor signed it into law yesterday. It is now under review by the Kansas Supreme Court.
The bill is a major overhaul to how the state funds schools:
- Restores a per-pupil funding formula which is more flexible to meet the changing needs of Kansas students,
- Adds $180 million this year, and that amount again, plus $100 million next year
- Funds all-day Kindergarten,
- Provides $2 million per year for early childhood at-risk programs,
- Enhances teacher mentoring and professional development opportunities,
- Provides an accountability mechanism for regular audits to ensure targeted funds are working as designed,
- Incentivizes school district consolidation, but does not require it.
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