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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.
HB 2029 🐝: Marvin S. Robinson II Memorial Highway Designation
This bill designates a portion of K-5 highway in Wyandotte County as the Representative Marvin S. Robinson II Memorial Highway, honoring his contributions to the state. It also redesignates a portion of the Harry Darby Memorial Highway for Interstate 635. The bill directs the Secretary of Transportation to install appropriate signage along these highways at proper intervals. [link]
HB 2030 🐝: Exemptions for Trailer Dealers and Manufacturers
This bill modifies the Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Act to exempt trailer dealers and manufacturers from specific regulatory provisions, excluding semitrailers and travel trailers. The change aims to streamline regulations for smaller trailer businesses. [link]
HB 2031 🐝: Motorcycle Instructor Licensing Requirements
This bill allows motorcycle driving instructors to possess a valid motorcycle driver’s license from any state, rather than requiring a Kansas-issued license. This adjustment simplifies the hiring process for driving schools and aims to expand the pool of eligible instructors. [link]
HB 2032 🐝🐝: Electric Utility Return on Equity Adjustments
This bill grants the State Corporation Commission the authority to adjust an electric utility’s return on equity based on changes in the utility's all-in average retail rate. Utilities that maintain rate increases below 1% annually may receive a modest increase in their return on equity, while those exceeding the threshold could see decreases. The bill aims to align financial incentives with consumer affordability, ensuring that utilities manage costs responsibly while maintaining service quality. [link]
The legislation introduces a regulatory mechanism to balance ratepayer interests with utility financial health, potentially benefiting consumers by discouraging excessive rate hikes. However, it may generate debate among utilities concerned about profit stability.
HB 2033 🐝🐝: Expansion of At-Risk Educational Programs
This bill broadens the definition of approved at-risk educational programs to include those offered by nonprofit organizations accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council1. The legislation emphasizes evidence-based practices, requiring nonprofits to demonstrate measurable student outcomes, such as improved attendance, academic performance, or behavioral changes. [link]
HB 2034 🐝🐝: Chaplains in School Districts
This bill permits school districts to employ or accept volunteer chaplains to provide student support services, programs, and guidance, with oversight from local boards of education. Chaplains would not be required to hold teaching licenses but would be subject to the same criminal background checks as other school employees. However, individuals with a history requiring sex offender registration are explicitly barred from serving in this role. [link]
The bill addresses the need for additional student support resources, particularly in areas where mental health or social services are lacking. While it opens opportunities for schools to access volunteer-based assistance, it raises questions about the potential blending of religious and educational roles in public institutions. By empowering districts to implement this program at their discretion, the bill maintains local control, but its implementation may spark debate over constitutional and community concerns.
SB 39 🐝🐝🐝: Kansas Legal Tender Act
This bill establishes the Kansas Legal Tender Act, reaffirming gold and silver coin as legal tender within the state. It provides a subtraction modification for gains from the sale of specie on state income taxes, aligning Kansas policy with a growing trend in states seeking alternatives to fiat currency. Specie, as defined in the bill, includes gold and silver coins issued by the United States and refined bullion valued based on metal content. The legislation explicitly prohibits taxing or regulating specie as personal property and ensures that exchanges of specie do not incur tax liabilities. [link]
HB 2729 was introduced in the previous session as well, and shared a foundational goal of recognizing gold and silver as legal tender in Kansas, reflecting a broader interest in diversifying monetary systems and promoting economic stability. Both bills emphasize the treatment of gold and silver coin and bullion as tax-exempt legal tender and aim to reduce regulatory burdens on the use of these assets for financial transactions.
However, HB 2729 (ultimately dying in committee) proposed a more expansive framework. It included provisions for establishing a state-operated bullion depository, introducing an electronic currency backed by specie, and permitting state funds to be invested in gold and silver. These additional measures sought to institutionalize the use of precious metals within state finances, creating a comprehensive infrastructure to manage and secure such assets.
SCR 1604 🐝🐝🐝: Convention of States to Amend the U.S. Constitution
This resolution applies to Congress to convene a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose amendments that impose fiscal restraints, limit federal powers, and establish term limits for federal officials. It underscores the role of state legislatures as checks against federal overreach and expresses concerns over the national debt, unfunded mandates, and encroachments on civil liberties. SCR 1604 envisions a nationwide effort to address these systemic issues through amendments designed to restore a balance of power. [link]
Supporters of the resolution emphasize the need for structural changes to federal governance, particularly to address fiscal irresponsibility and political entrenchment. They view this initiative as an exercise of constitutional rights and a proactive step to preserve liberty for future generations. Kansas would join other states in a growing national movement to convene an Article V convention.
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House of Representatives
Session Highlights for January 17
The House of Representatives convened at 11:00 a.m. with Speaker pro tem Carpenter presiding.
121 members were recorded as present, with absences excused for verified illness or legislative business.
The session showcased legislative priorities on infrastructure, education, and utilities, alongside deliberations on at-risk populations and fiscal accountability.
Legislation Referred to Committees:
HB 2015 & HB 2027: Referred to the Welfare Reform Committee.
HB 2016–HB 2023: Referred to the Elections Committee.
HB 2024: Referred to the Taxation Committee.
HB 2025: Referred to the Local Government Committee.
HB 2026 & HB 2028: Referred to the Federal and State Affairs Committee.
HB 2029, 2030, 2031: Referred to the Transportation Committee.
HB 2032: Referred to the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee.
HB 2033, 2034: Referred to the Education Committee.
HB 2034: Referred to the Education Committee.
Committee Updates:
Representative Long replaced Representative Bloom on the Transportation and Public Safety Budget Committee for January 17.
Several standing committees received additional communications and reports, including an annual report from the Kansas Water Authority.
House Committee Schedule
The House committees this week will tackle a range of pressing matters: state agency budget hearings, updates on key policy areas (like water management, tax proposals, and foster care), and presentations from various departments. Notable highlights include multiple subcommittee budget reports in Appropriations, child welfare system discussions in the Child Welfare and Foster Care Committee, and potential legislative reforms in Welfare Reform. If you’re looking to testify on budget allocations or propose new legislation, check out the detailed agendas in the table below.
Committee | Meeting Date | Agenda |
|---|---|---|
Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Budget Hearing: Kansas Department of Credit Unions, Office of the State Bank Commissioner | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Budget recommendations: KCC, CURB | |
Agriculture and Natural Resources | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Appropriations | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Child Welfare and Foster Care | Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions |
Commerce, Labor and Economic Development | Tuesday, January 21 | - Joint Meeting with Senate Commerce |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Joint Meeting with Senate Commerce | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Joint Meeting with Senate Commerce | |
Corrections and Juvenile Justice | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill sponsorship |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill sponsorship | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill sponsorship | |
Education | Tuesday, January 21 | - SparkWheel Update (Katherine Starr) |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) Update (KDHE, Lainey Faulkner) | |
Elections | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Thursday, January 23 | - Presentation on Coal in Kansas (Randy Eminger) | |
Federal and State Affairs | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Financial Institutions and Pensions | Wednesday, January 22 | - Introductions & Committee Rules |
General Government Budget | Tuesday, January 21 | - Budget Hearing: KS State Treasurer, Pooled Money Investment Board |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Budget Hearing: KS Lottery, Racing & Gaming Commission | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Budget Hearing: Office of the Governor, Office of the Secretary of State | |
Friday, January 24 | - Budget Hearing: KS Insurance Dept, KS Dept of Labor, KPERS | |
Health and Human Services | Tuesday, January 21 | - Presentations: Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Medical Society, Silver Haired Legislature |
Thursday, January 23 | - Presentations: InterHab, Kansas Nursing Homes, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kansas | |
Higher Education Budget | Tuesday, January 21 | - Presentations on: KS Historical Society Budget, State Library Budget |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Recommendations for KS Historical Society & State Library | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Presentations on: Community College, Technical College, Private & Independent College Budgets | |
Insurance | Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions |
Judiciary | Tuesday, January 21 | - Requests for committee-sponsored bills |
K-12 Education Budget | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Legislative Budget (House) | Thursday, January 23 | - Legislative Branch Budget Reports: LCC, KLRD, Legislature, Post Audit, Revisor of Statutes |
Legislative Modernization | Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions |
Local Government | Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions |
Rules and Journal | Tuesday, January 21 | - Discussion & action on HCR5003 (Joint Rules for 2025-2026) and HR6004 (Permanent House rules) |
Social Services Budget | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Friday, January 24 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Taxation | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Transportation and Public Safety Budget | Tuesday, January 21 | - Budget Hearing: Abstracters' Board of Examiners, KS State Board of Indigents' Defense Services |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Budget Recommendation: KS Board of Technical Professions, Abstracters' Board, Indigents' Defense Services | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Budget Hearing: Kansas Bureau of Investigation, State Fire Marshal | |
Transportation | Tuesday, January 21 | - Informational briefing: KOMA/KORA (Chris Waggoner) |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Presentation on KS Turnpike (Steve Hewitt) | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Briefing on Kansas Department of Transportation (Secretary Calvin Reed) | |
Veterans and Military | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Thursday, January 23 | - Meeting on call of the chair | |
Water | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Welfare Reform | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for committee-sponsored bills |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for committee-sponsored bills |
Senate
Session Highlights for January 15
The Senate convened at 2:30 p.m. with Vice President Tim Shallenburger presiding.
38 senators were present, with Senators J.R. Claeys and Titus excused.
Points of Personal Privilege
Senator Faust-Goudeau: Delivered remarks on the 60th Anniversary of the Piatt Street Plane Crash in Wichita, paying tribute to the victims and their families. This solemn reflection served as a reminder of the resilience of Kansans in the face of tragedy.
Senator Haley: Spoke about the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, calling it a uniquely American holiday that transcends political and cultural divides. His remarks highlighted the continued need to strive for equality and freedom from discrimination.
Legislation Introduced
Key legislative proposals introduced include:
SB 12: Strengthens oversight for municipal use of eminent domain in recreational projects.
SB 13: Streamlines administrative requirements for labor organizations and other entities, aiming to reduce bureaucratic burdens.
SB 19: Enacts the "Conscientious Right to Refuse Act," addressing individual rights in medical care decisions and public health policies.
SB 34: Introduces a proposal for Kansas public employee retirement funds to invest in Bitcoin exchange-traded products, reflecting ongoing debates about modernizing state investment strategies.
Senate Committee Schedule
On the Senate side, committees will delve into critical subjects including proposed property tax exemptions, educational levies (Assessment and Taxation), K-12 finance briefings (Education), updates on unemployment system rollout (Commerce), and daylight saving time exemptions (Federal and State Affairs). Some committees, like Public Health and Welfare and Ways and Means, plan to hear agency presentations on broader state programs and funding updates. Anyone with input or testimony related to these areas should review the agendas below and take advantage of upcoming hearings and bill introduction opportunities.
Committee | Meeting Date | Agenda |
|---|---|---|
Agriculture and Natural Resources | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Meeting scheduled – Agenda to be announced | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Meeting scheduled – Agenda to be announced | |
Assessment and Taxation | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Friday, January 24 | Meeting on call of the chair | |
Commerce | Tuesday, January 21 | (Joint meeting with House Commerce) |
Wednesday, January 22 | (Joint meeting with House Commerce) | |
Thursday, January 23 | (Joint meeting with House Commerce) | |
Education | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Federal and State Affairs | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Financial Institutions and Insurance | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Government Efficiency | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Judiciary | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Local Government, Transparency and Ethics | Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Public Health and Welfare | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Transportation | Tuesday, January 21 | - Presentation on Kansas Railways (Tom Bruno, KS Railway Association) |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Presentation on Kansas Turnpike Authority (Steve Hewitt) | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Bill introductions | |
Utilities | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Ways and Means | Tuesday, January 21 | - Request for bill introductions |
Wednesday, January 22 | - Request for bill introductions | |
Thursday, January 23 | - Request for bill introductions |
Upcoming House and Senate Actions
(January 21, 2025)
House
Session Time: 11:00 AM
Agenda Highlights:
Introduction of Bills and Concurrent Resolutions:
HB 2029: Designating portions of highways as the Representative Marvin S. Robinson II Memorial Highway.
HB 2030: Modifying the Vehicle Dealers and Manufacturers Licensing Act for trailer dealers and manufacturers.
HB 2031: Allowing motorcycle instructors to hold a driver’s license from any state.
HB 2032: Adjusting electric utility return on equity based on rate changes.
HB 2033: Including nonprofit services in at-risk educational programs.
HB 2034: Authorizing school districts to employ or accept volunteer chaplains.
Committee Updates:
Appropriations (9:00 AM): Budget reports from the Behavioral Science Regulatory Board, Board of Healing Arts, and more.
Taxation (3:30 PM): Hearing on HB 2004 to grant Seward County sales tax authority for roadway improvements.
Social Services Budget (3:30 PM): Budget hearings for the Board of Nursing and Health Care Stabilization Fund.
Senate
Session Time: 2:30 PM
Agenda Highlights:
Introduction of Bills and Resolutions:
SB 16: Prohibiting discrimination by financial companies based on social credit scores.
SB 39: Establishing the Kansas Legal Tender Act.
SCR 1604: Applying for a convention of states to propose amendments limiting federal powers.
Committee Schedules:
Assessment and Taxation (9:30 AM): Hearings on SB 10 and SB 35 concerning property tax exemptions and funding changes.
Transportation (8:30 AM): Presentation on Kansas Railways by Tom Bruno and other industry representatives.
Federal and State Affairs (10:30 AM): Final action on previously heard bills and a ballot reconciliation briefing.
Have any ideas or feedback just let us know!
1 The IMSLEC promotes a specific method for teaching related to dyslexia. This method (the Orton-Gillingham approach) has been often criticized for having weak supporting research or evidence.
