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Daily Legislative Update 🐝
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Below is today’s morning update on published activities in the Kansas Legislature.
Table of Contents
Top Stories of the Day
Even bees need naps…
My goal for Capitol Bee is that it’s always worth your time to read it.
If we’ve ever talked in person about these newsletters, I’ve always started by saying how important it is to me that it’s worth your time to open it. We’re all drowning in information and email, and I refuse to just add noise for the sake of the attention economy1.
So, today’s blast is short. I’m recovering from one of the various viruses currently circulating, my thoughts are not as sharp. I expect to be skipping tomorrow’s Topeka Buzz, so enjoy your three day weekend!
That said, I did want to highlight a couple of things that might be useful.
LetterSwarm now supports login with an email
Up until now, if you wanted to use LetterSwarm you had to have a login through a Google account. We did this in the initial days for testing to help manage the volume (and watch for spam), but we’re ready to open up more broadly.
Login with Email or Google
We’ll be adding Facebook login soon!
Five campaigns are now live
For the early adopters out there who’ve already purchased tokens for printed letters, we now have five campaigns up and running. Some of you have sent in your own ideas for new campaigns; you can always email me with those suggestions, or if you’d like to be able to publish your own just ask.
LetterSwarm of the Day
With the recent launch of LetterSwarm, it’s now fast and easy to promote advocacy and letter-writing campaigns to express your view to your legislator(s). When appropriate, I’ll highlight an active “swarm” for your consideration. Today’s swarm is a request to write your state senator to oppose private school vouchers.
Are you enjoying these daily updates? (The newsletter itself, we have no direct control over what’s currently happening in Topeka.) If so, consider upgrading to a Supporter!
Bills Under Consideration
House Bills on the Floor for Consideration
Final Action on Bills and Concurrent Resolutions:
Consent Calendar (Bills Eligible for Fast-Track Approval):
SB 8 – Amends fines for unlawful passing of stationary vehicles.
Session Highlights for March 5, 2025
House of Representatives
The House, presided over by Speaker Hawkins, convened at 11:00 a.m.
Roll Call:
118 members were present, with Reps. Brownlee Paige, Butler, Sawyer, and Winn excused for verified illness, and Reps. Barth, Poetter, Parshall, and Waggoner excused by the Speaker.
Bill Actions:
Additional Notes:
Prayer Highlights: Chaplain Holmes delivered a prayer emphasizing wisdom, clarity, compassion, and support for the less fortunate.
Personal Privilege: Rep. Ballard delivered remarks celebrating Black History Month and highlighting the contributions of black inventors.
Committee Assignments:
Rep. Mosley appointed to replace Rep. Brownlee Paige on the Committee on Child Welfare and Foster Care.
Rep. Ballard appointed to replace Rep. Winn on the Committee on Education.
Rep. Wikle appointed to replace Rep. Sawyer on the Committee on Taxation.
Senate
The Senate, presided over by President Ty Masterson, convened at 2:30 p.m.
Roll Call:
39 senators were present, with Senator J. R. Claeys excused.
Bill Actions:
Additional Notes:
Prayer Highlights: Chaplain Doug Henkle delivered an invocation focusing on peace, insight, and wisdom in legislative debates.
Pledge of Allegiance: Led by President Masterson.
Committee Reports:
Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development recommended passing SB 9 as amended.
Various standing committees recommended amendments and passing of multiple bills, including HB 2092, HB 2117, HB 2043, HB 2062, HB 2155, HB 2124, and HB 2289.
Adjournment: The Senate adjourned until 2:30 p.m. on March 6, 2025.
Have any ideas or feedback, just let us know!
1 Amazon link - but this is a good read!
