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- Topeka Buzz: Tuesday, January 21
Topeka Buzz: Tuesday, January 21
Kansas legislators tackle key issues today, including gold and silver as legal tender, a convention of states to limit federal power, and expanded support for at-risk students. Stay informed with our 🐝 ratings for the latest bills and resolutions.
Jason Anderson
January 21, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 25 minutes
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Introducing the 🐝 Rating System
To help you quickly understand the potential significance of proposed legislation, we've introduced the 🐝 Rating System. Each bill is evaluated based on four key factors: Scope of Impact, Financial Impact, Urgency, and Controversy. These factors are weighted to reflect their influence on the bill's overall importance. Here's how the ratings break down:
🐝 Minimal Impact: Legislation with limited reach or lower urgency and controversy.
🐝🐝 Moderate Impact: Proposals with a broader or more notable influence, addressing issues of medium urgency or financial significance.
🐝🐝🐝 High Impact: Bills with widespread consequences, urgent needs, or significant public and political attention.
Daily Legislative Update 🐝
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Below is today’s morning update on published activities in the Kansas Legislature.
Table of Contents
Top Stories of the Day
A Second Effort at Establishing Gold as Legal Tender?
The introduction of SB 39, the Kansas Legal Tender Act, marks a significant step toward reaffirming gold and silver as legal tender in the state. This high-impact bill proposes tax exemptions for gains from the sale of specie and aligns Kansas with a growing trend among states advocating for alternatives to fiat currency.
Yes, the US Dollar is still legal tender. No, you won’t be required to stockpile gold bars. No, states don’t have constitutional authority to establish their own currencies.
Proposal to Join Call for Constitutional Convention
SCR 1604, a resolution calling for a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution, has drawn some attention. The resolution aims to propose amendments that impose fiscal restraints, limit federal power, and establish term limits for federal officials. Supporters argue it is a vital step in addressing the national debt and restoring state control over federal encroachment. Opponents, however, raise concerns about the potential for unintended consequences during the convention process. If passed, Kansas would join a growing coalition of states advocating for structural changes in federal governance.
Bills and Resolutions
New Bills Introduced
House Bills:
🐝 HB 2029: Designates a portion of K-5 highway as the Representative Marvin S. Robinson II Memorial Highway and redesignates a portion of the Harry Darby Memorial Highway for I-635.
🐝 HB 2030: Excludes trailer dealers and manufacturers from certain provisions of the Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Act, with exceptions for semitrailers and travel trailers.
🐝 HB 2031: Allows motorcycle driving instructors to possess a valid motorcycle driver's license from any state, rather than being limited to Kansas licenses.
🐝🐝 HB 2032: Authorizes the State Corporation Commission to adjust electric utility returns on equity based on retail rate changes.
🐝🐝 HB 2033: Expands at-risk educational programs to include services provided by nonprofit organizations accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council.
🐝🐝 HB 2034: Permits school districts to employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide support and services to students, with specified restrictions.
Senate Bills:
🐝🐝🐝 SB 39: Establishes the Kansas Legal Tender Act, reaffirming gold and silver as legal tender and providing a tax subtraction for gains from the sale of specie.
Concurrent Resolutions:
🐝🐝🐝 SCR 1604: Calls for a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose amendments imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government and limiting federal powers.