FINAL WEEK

The final week is a week of uncertainty under the dome. We are still working significant pieces of legislation on the House and instead of committee work, we are working in conference committees to get agreement on the bills that have been amended in the process. The conference committees are made up of leadership of each committee from both the House and the Senate. Some bills are significantly different and take a great deal of time to make it through conference. The major health reform bill from the Health committee is one of those issues that has taken multiple meetings to get agreement from both chambers.

LEFT UNDONE

When session began, it was not my intent to be the author of many bills, but I ended up working on several. The SEMA bill that would give unique registration to street rods did not get a committee hearing and the Resolution that made a statement of the damage and danger of Gangsta Rap, got locked down in Federal and State Affairs with no hope of coming out this year. There is hope that next year may give opportunities to address these two issues because I do feel they deserve a public hearing.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Salvia will now be an illegal substance in Kansas if the Governor is willing to sign the bill. This may keep our kids a little safer.

Kansas as well as Federal adoption credits for adopting a special needs child or a child from state custody will now be possible if the Governor chooses to sign the bill.

Executive Director Larry Buening and attorney Mark Stafford have resigned from the Kansas Board of Healing Arts after years of little accountability from their agency.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES

It looks likely voting sites may come to the residents of nursing facilities and other long term care facilities. This will allow them greater opportunities to be an active voter. It may even give them the opportunity to see more of those who are running for office.

Unless you are 65 or older or have a disability, you will be required to show photo ID to vote. This is being required in a growing number of states to prevent voter fraud.

Individuals who choose to serve in the military may be eligible for the new Military Service Scholarship Awards to help them with college expenses when they return home. The awards will be given on a priority basis dependent on financial need.

A Resolution has passed asking the United States to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America. There are many people who are becoming concerned about the costs to our society of a merger with South America and Canada.

CONTROVERSY AGAIN

A bill that passed the house has raised concerns about fully automatic weapons being available on the streets. The bill passed out with a lot of support because it allows Kansas dealers to supply firearms to our own law enforcement and previously this was not allowed. Only firearms manufactured between 1934 and 1986 that have been registered with the FBI and BATFE under the National Firearms Act will be available to civilians and the price will be very high. It is intended for collectors only and will be closely monitored.

With the regular session drawing to a close, please feel free to contact me once again at home either by email pmast@ink.org or phone. 620-343-2465. Sincerely, Peggy