TOPEKA — Area town hall meetings have been scheduled by Sen. Rick Billlinger, R-Goodland, for April 4 and 5.

The public is encouraged to attend.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. (Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedTOPEKA — Area town hall meetings have been scheduled by Sen. Rick Billlinger, R-Goodland, for April 4 and 5.The public is encouraged to attend.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648477151221.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Billinger schedules NW Kansas town hall meetings

Agents with RE/MAX Pro in Hays qualified for esteemed
RE/MAX Awards, which honor high-achieving real estate professionals for their service to buyers and
sellers during the past year.


“We are incredibly proud to celebrate our agents’ achievements in 2021,” said Mike Downing, owner
of RE/MAX Pro. “These awards recognize our agents’ commitment to delivering an unmatched
experience to their clients and positions them as leaders in the real estate industry.”


The following agents were honored with Club Awards, which are annual sales awards, as part of the
2021 RE/MAX R4 Convention: 
Executive Club: Shelly Jones &amp; David Krien 
Platinum Club: Tim Cossaart

Also recognized for her helpfulness and for always being a teamplayer was MaryBeth Fisher with the
Cooperative Spirit Award.


In addition, Tim Cossaart achieved a Career Award for sales during his career with RE/MAX. He was
recognized with the Hall of Fame Award for his dedication for his service to buyers and sellers during
his career.

RE/MAX Pro is located at 4333 Vine St, Suite 40, Hays. The office specializes in residential, commercial and land
real estate.


<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648485600878.jpeg" alt="Cossaart" />
 <figcaption>Cossaart</figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedAgents with RE/MAX Pro in Hays qualified for esteemed
RE/MAX Awards, which honor high-achieving real estate professionals for their service to buyers and
sellers during the past year.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate our agents’ achievements in 2021,” said Mike Downing, owner
of RE/MAX Pro. “These awards recognize our agents’ commitment to delivering an unmatched
experience to their clients and positions them as leaders in the real estate industry.”
The following agents were honored with Club Awards, which are annual sales awards, as part of the
2021 RE/MAX R4 Convention: 
Executive Club: Shelly Jones &amp; David Krien 
Platinum Club: Tim Cossaart<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648485622021.png" alt="Krien" />
 <figcaption>Krien</figcaption>
 </figure>Also recognized for her helpfulness and for always being a teamplayer was MaryBeth Fisher with the
Cooperative Spirit Award.
In addition, Tim Cossaart achieved a Career Award for sales during his career with RE/MAX. He was
recognized with the Hall of Fame Award for his dedication for his service to buyers and sellers during
his career.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648485645847.jpeg" alt="Fisher" />
 <figcaption>Fisher</figcaption>
 </figure>RE/MAX Pro is located at 4333 Vine St, Suite 40, Hays. The office specializes in residential, commercial and land
real estate.
<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648485671728.jpeg" alt="Jones" />
 <figcaption>Jones</figcaption>
 </figure>

Hays real estate agents honored by RE/MAX Pro

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648495539577.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

🎥 SPONSORED: A look at your Hays Public Library

March 31 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Cmmission work session that evening.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/3/1584473406560.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>City of HaysMarch 31 is a fifth Thursday of the month; therefore, there won't be a Hays City Cmmission work session that evening.

No Hays City Commission work session Thursday 

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

The Hays USD 489 school board at its meeting at 6 tonight at Rockwell Administration Center will discuss a long-range plan for the district.

&nbsp;A community group has met during the last two months to make recommendations to the board.

Common themes that arose during the meetings included: • Supporting students, families, teachers and staff • Retaining and recruiting quality educators • Focusing on inclusivity and diversity • Improving transparency and communication

The group broken into smaller groups to discuss specific strategies to achieve the goals listed above.

Eliminating or reducing student fees was mentioned several times. Other support strategies included providing enough planning time and materials for teachers, adding social workers at the schools and sponsoring family nights at schools.

To increase recruitment and retention, the groups suggested such things as increasing pay for teachers, compensation for professional development and means for teachers to give feedback or report problems without repercussions.

Under diversity, the groups discussed introducing foreign language to younger students, diversity training for staff, recruiting diverse staff and disability awareness.

The groups said communication needs to be improved with parents, especially at the high school and middle school. The groups also said the district needs a dedicated public relations office and more clear policies for emergency communication. 

The next step will be for the school board and administration to evaluate the group's recommendations and work to develop specific strategies to implement the goals.

The school board will also here a report on the Hays High School Boost program, which helps students with credit recovery, and an agreement with Thomas More Prep-Marian to use Victory Road to alleviate overcrowding during school release at O'Loughlin Elementary School.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostThe Hays USD 489 school board at its meeting at 6 tonight at Rockwell Administration Center will discuss a long-range plan for the district.&nbsp;A community group has met during the last two months to make recommendations to the board. Common themes that arose during the meetings included: • Supporting students, families, teachers and staff • Retaining and recruiting quality educators • Focusing on inclusivity and diversity • Improving transparency and communication The group broken into smaller groups to discuss specific strategies to achieve the goals listed above.Eliminating or reducing student fees was mentioned several times. Other support strategies included providing enough planning time and materials for teachers, adding social workers at the schools and sponsoring family nights at schools.To increase recruitment and retention, the groups suggested such things as increasing pay for teachers, compensation for professional development and means for teachers to give feedback or report problems without repercussions.Under diversity, the groups discussed introducing foreign language to younger students, diversity training for staff, recruiting diverse staff and disability awareness.The groups said communication needs to be improved with parents, especially at the high school and middle school. The groups also said the district needs a dedicated public relations office and more clear policies for emergency communication. The next step will be for the school board and administration to evaluate the group's recommendations and work to develop specific strategies to implement the goals. The school board will also here a report on the Hays High School Boost program, which helps students with credit recovery, and an agreement with Thomas More Prep-Marian to use Victory Road to alleviate overcrowding during school release at O'Loughlin Elementary School.

Hays USD 489 school board to discuss long-range planning tonight

The Rahjes Report 03-28 -22

&nbsp;We
are in the final days moving towards first adjournment on April 1st.&nbsp; It has been a session filled with a whole lot
of bills that did not go anywhere and since this is the end of the two year
cycle, those bills will go away and could be re-introduced next session. 

There will be town hall meetings on Tuesday, April 5th:&nbsp; (Ellis County) 8:00 a.m. Ellis Public Library
– 9007 Washington St.; 9:45 a.m. (Graham County) Hill City -&nbsp; Brick Pointe &amp; Co. – 307 N Pomeroy Ave. ;
(rooks County) Plainville-&nbsp; 11:00 a.m.–
The Hub co-Working Space 223 W. Mill Street ; 1;30 p.m. ( Phillips County) Phillipsburg
- Huck Boyd Center 860 Park St. ; (Norton) Norton – Heaton Building, 112 S.
Kansas Ave, Suite 308. We will be joined by Senator Billinger or Senator Bowers
depending on county and Representative Wasinger will be at the Ellis town
hall.&nbsp; Look forward to seeing you.

March 23rd marked an important deadline in the 2022
Legislative Session. That is the date by which all non-exempt bills, from
committees other than Appropriations, Federal and State Affairs, and Taxation,
had to be considered in either chamber.&nbsp;
This past week the House debated and approved 55 bills.&nbsp; Senate bills that were not amended by the
House will be advanced to the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; This week, Conference Committees will be
meeting to hammer out differences between House and Senate versions of bills
that have passed at least one chamber.&nbsp;
The Legislature will then vote on Conference Committee Reports, which
reflect the bill language agreed upon by members of each conference
committee.&nbsp; These reports will be voted
on prior to the Legislature’s First Adjournment deadline, which is set for April
1.

Highlights of legislation passed last week include:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Implementation
of the 988 Suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline in Kansas.&nbsp; Federal law has created 988 as an alternative
to using the 911 system.&nbsp; The 988 system
will connect people in crisis to immediate care and assistance (SB 19)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honoring
the Gold Star Families of Kansas with a memorial to be placed on the Statehouse
grounds (SB 330)

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Protecting
Kansas ranchers with passage of the Fake Meat labeling bill (SB 261)

The House adopted a map (HB 2737) for reapportioning the
House’s 125 seats based on population shifts in our state. This map is the
result of a bipartisan compromise. No amendments were presented during floor
debate, keeping the map identical to what passed out of committee. Highlights
of the Free State 3 map include:

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Priority
was given to keeping rural counties whole, especially in western Kansas. This
helps county election officers be efficient with local elections by avoiding
creation of unnecessary new voting districts in lower populated areas. It also
makes it easier for citizens to know who their Representatives are when needing
assistance or voicing concerns to their legislators.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Two
existing House Districts, 108 and 117, will become new districts in Johnson
County based on the state’s shifts in population over the past 10 years.

•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keeps new
districts close to the ideal population for each district, with the deviation
varying by just over 3 percent.

The 110th District changes include the addition
of the remainder Graham County and most of rural Ellis County that was not
already a part of the district.

HB 2737 passed with a vote of 112-10.&nbsp; The bill heads to the Senate for its
consideration.&nbsp; The House also passed the
Senate’s reapportionment map, SB 563, following amending the Senate Bill.&nbsp; SB 563 now contains both the House and Senate
maps and goes to the Senate for a vote to consider the House’s amendment.&nbsp; The Senate has introduced the State Board of
Education maps.&nbsp; Reapportioning the State
Board of Education districts will be the final redistricting measure of the
Session.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The House passed
SB 267, the state budget minus K-12 expenditures, with a vote of 73-49.&nbsp; The K-12 budget can be found in HB 2512.&nbsp; Priorities in the budget include:

•&nbsp; Setting aside $500
million in the Rainy Day Fund, so that our families will not be on the hook for
higher taxes as the economy ebbs and flows.

•&nbsp; Caring for our most
vulnerable citizens with additional dollars for social service programs.

•&nbsp; Removing the
Governor’s one-time tax handout, recommending meaningful tax cuts.

•&nbsp; Addressing rural
housing needs with a $50 million appropriation.&nbsp;
House Republicans continue to work on legislation to best address how to
keep rural Kansas thriving.

•&nbsp; Crafting reasonable
recommendations on state employee pay by funding essential retention pay, while
providing a flat increase for all other employees.&nbsp; In addition, the bill requests an interim
study to look at pay issues across all agencies.

The budget bill now goes to a conference committee to work
out differences between the House and Senate budgets.

Once again, this year, the House took the K-12 funding out
of the budget process in the Appropriations committee and made it a standalone
bill.&nbsp; It contained constitutional school
finance appropriations and adjustments to K-12 policy.&nbsp; I voted against this and the other education
bill that created forced “open enrollment.”&nbsp;
The reason I voted NO was, these policy additions would not have
positive impacts on the K-12 schools in the 110th District.&nbsp;&nbsp; I did vote for HB 2631 which enacting the
career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment
success act to provide additional state aid for school districts based on
students obtaining a credential.&nbsp; 

Other bills of interest included:

HB 2340 Increasing the minimum
age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products.&nbsp; The bill passed 79-43.&nbsp;

HB 2609 Allowing restricted driver's license
holders to drive to and from worship services for any religious organizations
at age 15.&nbsp; The bill passed 95-27.

A group of grade school students from Sabetha led the charge
on HB 2644: Designating the Sandhill plum as the official state fruit.&nbsp; The bill passed 115-7. &nbsp;

SB 200&nbsp; Expanding the
pharmacist's scope of practice to include initiation of therapy for influenza,
strep throat or urinary tract infection, pursuant to a statewide protocol
adopted by the collaborative drug therapy management advisory committee.&nbsp; The bill passed 119-3.

SB 346 Concerning agriculture; relating to milk and dairy
products; allowing on-farm retail sale of milk and milk products; extending
certain milk and dairy license fees; authorizing the secretary of agriculture
to declare an imminent health hazard; authorizing civil penalties for certain
dairy law violations; relating to animals; transporting animals into the state;
authorizing the animal health commissioner to assess a civil penalty for
violations relating thereto.&nbsp; The bill
passed 119-3.&nbsp;

SB 479 Authorizing a permanent memorial commemorating the
Kansas suffragist movement to be placed in the state capitol and establishing
the Kansas suffragist memorial fund.&nbsp; The
bill passed 122-0.

This week Conference Committees will continue their work to
find compromise between the House and Senate versions of bills.&nbsp; Once agreements are reached, the Conference
Committee Reports will be voted upon by each chamber.&nbsp; The Legislature will adjourn on April 1 and
return for Veto Session on April 25. This break will allow time for the House
Clerk and Senate Secretary to get all the bills agreed to by both chambers to
the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; Any
bills and budget line items vetoed by the Governor will be considered by the
Legislature for possible override upon its return.

You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online
at kslegislature.org &nbsp;and when the house
and senate are on the floor on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel.&nbsp; If you would like to contact me?&nbsp; Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can
always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist.

House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644854972078.jpeg" alt="State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 110th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Rahjes Report 03-28 -22 Hello from Topeka. &nbsp;We
are in the final days moving towards first adjournment on April 1st.&nbsp; It has been a session filled with a whole lot
of bills that did not go anywhere and since this is the end of the two year
cycle, those bills will go away and could be re-introduced next session. There will be town hall meetings on Tuesday, April 5th:&nbsp; (Ellis County) 8:00 a.m. Ellis Public Library
– 9007 Washington St.; 9:45 a.m. (Graham County) Hill City -&nbsp; Brick Pointe &amp; Co. – 307 N Pomeroy Ave. ;
(rooks County) Plainville-&nbsp; 11:00 a.m.–
The Hub co-Working Space 223 W. Mill Street ; 1;30 p.m. ( Phillips County) Phillipsburg
- Huck Boyd Center 860 Park St. ; (Norton) Norton – Heaton Building, 112 S.
Kansas Ave, Suite 308. We will be joined by Senator Billinger or Senator Bowers
depending on county and Representative Wasinger will be at the Ellis town
hall.&nbsp; Look forward to seeing you.March 23rd marked an important deadline in the 2022
Legislative Session. That is the date by which all non-exempt bills, from
committees other than Appropriations, Federal and State Affairs, and Taxation,
had to be considered in either chamber.&nbsp;
This past week the House debated and approved 55 bills.&nbsp; Senate bills that were not amended by the
House will be advanced to the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; This week, Conference Committees will be
meeting to hammer out differences between House and Senate versions of bills
that have passed at least one chamber.&nbsp;
The Legislature will then vote on Conference Committee Reports, which
reflect the bill language agreed upon by members of each conference
committee.&nbsp; These reports will be voted
on prior to the Legislature’s First Adjournment deadline, which is set for April
1.Highlights of legislation passed last week include:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Implementation
of the 988 Suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline in Kansas.&nbsp; Federal law has created 988 as an alternative
to using the 911 system.&nbsp; The 988 system
will connect people in crisis to immediate care and assistance (SB 19)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Honoring
the Gold Star Families of Kansas with a memorial to be placed on the Statehouse
grounds (SB 330)•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Protecting
Kansas ranchers with passage of the Fake Meat labeling bill (SB 261)The House adopted a map (HB 2737) for reapportioning the
House’s 125 seats based on population shifts in our state. This map is the
result of a bipartisan compromise. No amendments were presented during floor
debate, keeping the map identical to what passed out of committee. Highlights
of the Free State 3 map include:•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Priority
was given to keeping rural counties whole, especially in western Kansas. This
helps county election officers be efficient with local elections by avoiding
creation of unnecessary new voting districts in lower populated areas. It also
makes it easier for citizens to know who their Representatives are when needing
assistance or voicing concerns to their legislators.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Two
existing House Districts, 108 and 117, will become new districts in Johnson
County based on the state’s shifts in population over the past 10 years.•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Keeps new
districts close to the ideal population for each district, with the deviation
varying by just over 3 percent.The 110th District changes include the addition
of the remainder Graham County and most of rural Ellis County that was not
already a part of the district. HB 2737 passed with a vote of 112-10.&nbsp; The bill heads to the Senate for its
consideration.&nbsp; The House also passed the
Senate’s reapportionment map, SB 563, following amending the Senate Bill.&nbsp; SB 563 now contains both the House and Senate
maps and goes to the Senate for a vote to consider the House’s amendment.&nbsp; The Senate has introduced the State Board of
Education maps.&nbsp; Reapportioning the State
Board of Education districts will be the final redistricting measure of the
Session.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The House passed
SB 267, the state budget minus K-12 expenditures, with a vote of 73-49.&nbsp; The K-12 budget can be found in HB 2512.&nbsp; Priorities in the budget include:•&nbsp; Setting aside $500
million in the Rainy Day Fund, so that our families will not be on the hook for
higher taxes as the economy ebbs and flows.•&nbsp; Caring for our most
vulnerable citizens with additional dollars for social service programs.•&nbsp; Removing the
Governor’s one-time tax handout, recommending meaningful tax cuts.•&nbsp; Addressing rural
housing needs with a $50 million appropriation.&nbsp;
House Republicans continue to work on legislation to best address how to
keep rural Kansas thriving.•&nbsp; Crafting reasonable
recommendations on state employee pay by funding essential retention pay, while
providing a flat increase for all other employees.&nbsp; In addition, the bill requests an interim
study to look at pay issues across all agencies.The budget bill now goes to a conference committee to work
out differences between the House and Senate budgets.Once again, this year, the House took the K-12 funding out
of the budget process in the Appropriations committee and made it a standalone
bill.&nbsp; It contained constitutional school
finance appropriations and adjustments to K-12 policy.&nbsp; I voted against this and the other education
bill that created forced “open enrollment.”&nbsp;
The reason I voted NO was, these policy additions would not have
positive impacts on the K-12 schools in the 110th District.&nbsp;&nbsp; I did vote for HB 2631 which enacting the
career technical education credential and transition incentive for employment
success act to provide additional state aid for school districts based on
students obtaining a credential.&nbsp; Other bills of interest included: HB 2340 Increasing the minimum
age to 21 to purchase or possess cigarettes and tobacco products.&nbsp; The bill passed 79-43.&nbsp; HB 2609 Allowing restricted driver's license
holders to drive to and from worship services for any religious organizations
at age 15.&nbsp; The bill passed 95-27.A group of grade school students from Sabetha led the charge
on HB 2644: Designating the Sandhill plum as the official state fruit.&nbsp; The bill passed 115-7. &nbsp;SB 200&nbsp; Expanding the
pharmacist's scope of practice to include initiation of therapy for influenza,
strep throat or urinary tract infection, pursuant to a statewide protocol
adopted by the collaborative drug therapy management advisory committee.&nbsp; The bill passed 119-3.SB 346 Concerning agriculture; relating to milk and dairy
products; allowing on-farm retail sale of milk and milk products; extending
certain milk and dairy license fees; authorizing the secretary of agriculture
to declare an imminent health hazard; authorizing civil penalties for certain
dairy law violations; relating to animals; transporting animals into the state;
authorizing the animal health commissioner to assess a civil penalty for
violations relating thereto.&nbsp; The bill
passed 119-3.&nbsp; SB 479 Authorizing a permanent memorial commemorating the
Kansas suffragist movement to be placed in the state capitol and establishing
the Kansas suffragist memorial fund.&nbsp; The
bill passed 122-0.This week Conference Committees will continue their work to
find compromise between the House and Senate versions of bills.&nbsp; Once agreements are reached, the Conference
Committee Reports will be voted upon by each chamber.&nbsp; The Legislature will adjourn on April 1 and
return for Veto Session on April 25. This break will allow time for the House
Clerk and Senate Secretary to get all the bills agreed to by both chambers to
the Governor for her consideration.&nbsp; Any
bills and budget line items vetoed by the Governor will be considered by the
Legislature for possible override upon its return.You can follow along on happenings in the legislature online
at kslegislature.org &nbsp;and when the house
and senate are on the floor on the Kansas Legislature’s YouTube channel.&nbsp; If you would like to contact me?&nbsp; Email is: ken.rahjes@house.ks.gov and you can
always try my cell number at (785) 302-8416.&nbsp;&nbsp;
&nbsp;Thanks for reading. It is my honor to serve you.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, is the Kansas state representative of the 110th Dist. House District 110 includes:&nbsp; Norton and Phillips Counties Ellis County: Cities: Catharine, Ellis and Schoenchen;&nbsp;Townships: Big Creek (part), Buckeye, Catherine, Ellis, Herzog (part),&nbsp;Lookout (part) and Wheatland (part) Graham County: City: Hill City;&nbsp;Townships: Hill City (part) and Nicodemus (part) Rooks County: Cities: Damar, Palco, Plainville,&nbsp;Stockton, Woodston and Zurich

RAHJES REPORT: March 28, 2022

NESS CITY — Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, the Ness County Sheriff's Office was contacted about an aggressive male suspect in the 100 block of West Locust, discharging a firearm and aiming the firearm at surrounding homes.

 When responding deputies arrived on scene, the suspect fled into his home and a barricaded subject standoff continued for over four hours, the department said in a news release.

Surrounding neighbors were contacted and asked to evacuate the area for their safety.

Agencies including Lane, Hodgeman and Ford counties, as well as Kansas Highway Patrol, responded to assist with scene security and conflict de-escalation and resolution. 

Shortly after 1 a.m. Friday, the suspect came to the front door with a rifle and aimed at law enforcement officers. 

The suspect then stepped outside unarmed, in what appeared to be, an attempt to taunt law enforcement, the department reported.

As the suspect re-entered the home, law enforcement officers followed and ultimately subdued the suspect inside the home, with no further danger to the public. 

A subsequent search warrant was issued for the weapons and any motive for the threat. 

The suspect has been transported to the Ford County jail for charges relating to aggravated assault. 

"A special thank you to all Agencies involved that assisted with this resolution with no casualties," the department said in a news release. "All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. This case has been forwarded to the Ness County Attorney's Office for formal charges."

The suspect was no identified in the news release.

Ness County Sheriff's DepartmentNESS CITY — Just after 9 p.m. Thursday, the Ness County Sheriff's Office was contacted about an aggressive male suspect in the 100 block of West Locust, discharging a firearm and aiming the firearm at surrounding homes. When responding deputies arrived on scene, the suspect fled into his home and a barricaded subject standoff continued for over four hours, the department said in a news release.Surrounding neighbors were contacted and asked to evacuate the area for their safety.Agencies including Lane, Hodgeman and Ford counties, as well as Kansas Highway Patrol, responded to assist with scene security and conflict de-escalation and resolution. Shortly after 1 a.m. Friday, the suspect came to the front door with a rifle and aimed at law enforcement officers. The suspect then stepped outside unarmed, in what appeared to be, an attempt to taunt law enforcement, the department reported.As the suspect re-entered the home, law enforcement officers followed and ultimately subdued the suspect inside the home, with no further danger to the public. A subsequent search warrant was issued for the weapons and any motive for the threat. The suspect has been transported to the Ford County jail for charges relating to aggravated assault. "A special thank you to all Agencies involved that assisted with this resolution with no casualties," the department said in a news release. "All suspects are innocent until proven guilty. This case has been forwarded to the Ness County Attorney's Office for formal charges."The suspect was no identified in the news release.

Sheriff: Standoff in Ness City leads to arrest

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County since Friday.

<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>

As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported three COVID inpatients, one active and two recovering.

On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated — a figure that has remained constant for several weeks.

<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-tracker">The Mayo Clinic</a>&nbsp;reported that as of Friday, just more than 65 percent of all eligible Americans and about 61 percent of eligible Kansans are considered fully vaccinated.

Since reporting began, there have been 7,131 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648486686194.png" alt="KDHE" />
 <figcaption>KDHE</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Health and Environment on Monday reported no new COVID-19 cases had been identified in Ellis County since Friday.<a href="https://www.ellisco.net/97/Health">CLICK HERE</a>&nbsp;for information on how to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/75f061b1-d7f1-4dba-ad9d-36bcbccc8ee8">RELATED: Drive-through testing site returns to Big Creek Crossing</a>As of Monday morning, HaysMed reported three COVID inpatients, one active and two recovering.On Wednesday, the Kansas Hospital Association reported 54 percent of eligible Ellis County residents (5 and older) are considered fully vaccinated — a figure that has remained constant for several weeks.<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-tracker">The Mayo Clinic</a>&nbsp;reported that as of Friday, just more than 65 percent of all eligible Americans and about 61 percent of eligible Kansans are considered fully vaccinated.Since reporting began, there have been 7,131 cases of COVID-19 identified in Ellis County, including 79 coronavirus-related deaths.&nbsp;

KDHE: No new COVID cases in Ellis Co. since Friday

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS - WEEKLY OVERVIEW

The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor working near 2:00 a.m. in the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday.&nbsp; Monday will start a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2022 legislative session.&nbsp; Next week’s work will primarily consist of voting on conference committee reports, which are produced by conference committees working on ironing out differences between House and Senate versions of legislation.&nbsp;&nbsp; After the conclusion of the regular session, the legislature is scheduled to take a three week break before returning for the veto session in late April and early May.&nbsp; This year, the primary duties of the legislature are to adopt the maps for the next decade, in addition to the constitutional requirement to pass a budget for the next fiscal year.

A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill.&nbsp; Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.&nbsp;

The Kansas Senate on Wednesday confirmed Dwight D. Keen to a second four-year term as a commissioner on the Kansas Corporation Commission.&nbsp; Commissioners are appointed by the Governor, are confirmed by the Kansas Senate and serve staggered four-year terms. State law provides that no more than two of the three commissioners may belong to the same political party. The KCC is an independent regulatory agency that oversees the state’s electric, natural gas, telecommunications, oil and gas, and transportation industries with the responsibility of ensuring safe, adequate, and reliable services at reasonable rates for the citizens of Kansas.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5030/" target="_blank">HCR 5030</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;a resolution making certain findings regarding antisemitism, and adopting a definition of the term by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, or IHRA.&nbsp;Special Note: On the same day the Senate passed HCR 5030, the Senate welcomed Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, the Consul General of Israel. We were delighted that that the Consul General was able to watch passage of such an important resolution. HCR 5030 passed both the Kansas Senate and Kansas House without opposition.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb541/" target="_blank">SB 541</a>&nbsp;addresses closing of businesses/limits on gatherings - the bill would state if a city adopts an ordinance or takes any action related to a contagious or infectious disease declared state of disaster or state of local disaster emergency under KEMA which limits the size of gatherings of individuals, restricts the operation of business or controls the movement of persons, such ordinance could not exceed 30 days in duration at a time. The bill would allow any party aggrieved by such decision of the city to file a civil action, within 30 days after the issuance of the decision and conduct a hearing within 72 hours of receiving a petition in such action.&nbsp; It would prohibit any governmental entity or public official from requiring a person to wear a face mask as a response to a contagious or infectious disease and prohibit all educational institutions, including school boards, from issuing vaccine passports or segregating students based on vaccination status.&nbsp; The bill prohibits restrictions on or the closing of churches so churches will remain open.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 541 passed the Senate 24-14.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2416/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2416</a>&nbsp;would create law regarding compensation for the use, restriction of use, loss, or destruction of property as a result of governmental actions related to the prevention of or response to contagious or infectious disease. The bill also would amend law related to property tax relief for businesses affected by governmental shutdowns or restrictions related to certain emergencies and would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act to provide for claims for refunds to be paid for tax years 2020 and 2021 for certain claimants that were operationally shut down or restricted at their retail storefront by a COVID-19-related order or action imposed by the State, a local unit of government, or a local health officer.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2416 passed 26-11.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS&nbsp; <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5022/" target="_blank">HCR 5022</a>, which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff.&nbsp;HCR 5022 passed 30-2.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hcr5014/" target="_blank">HCR 5014</a>&nbsp;which if approved by the voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to allow for legislative revocation or suspension of rules and regulations issued by the executive branch with a simple majority vote.&nbsp; Currently, after the legislature makes laws then the administrative agencies issue rules and regulations to implement the law.&nbsp;&nbsp;HCR 5014 passed 27 -13.&nbsp;

Both of the above amendments having already passed the House will&nbsp; head to the ballot this November.

Constitutional Amendments reforming Judicial Selection (to mirror federal model)- SCR 1621 and requiring a super majority for tax increases -&nbsp; SCR1620 failed to receive the needed 27 votes failed in the Senate.&nbsp;

Kansas Senate adopted two bills which would provide tax relief to Kansans <a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2239/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2239</a>&nbsp;would create the Golden Years Homestead Property Tax Freeze Program, increase the individual income tax standard deduction, enact the SALT Parity Act, amend law related to carrying forward net operating losses, create tax exemptions for federal disallowances related to certain employment tax credits, create tax credits for contributions to technical and community colleges, and provide for an income tax checkoff for state historic sites.&nbsp;&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2239 passed 36-2.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2597/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2597</a>&nbsp;would establish a property tax revenue neutral rate complaint process, authorizing the county clerk&nbsp;to limit the amount of ad valorem taxes to be levied in certain circumstances, amends the definition of land devoted to agricultural use for property tax purposes to include incidental agritourism activity and zoos, providing for land devoted to agricultural use that is subject to the federal grassland conservation reserve program to be classified as grassland, establishing a property tax exemption for antique utility trailers and allowing for the proration of value for property tax purposes when certain personal property is acquired or sold prior to September 1 of any tax year.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub for HB 2597 passed the Senate 32-6.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2448/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2448</a>&nbsp;is a bill to reduce dependency on government by able-bodied adults. It requires able-bodied adults without dependents to complete an employment and training program in order to receive food assistance.&nbsp;&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2448 passed the Senate 27-12.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb340/" target="_blank">SB 340</a>&nbsp;would make changes to the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act. The bill would address&nbsp;the responsibilities of the State Board of Regents and the responsibilities of postsecondary institutions, and it would authorize the designation of additional eligible programs and&nbsp;

fields of study.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 340 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2574/" target="_blank">HB 2574</a>&nbsp;amends law related to awards by the Crime Victims Compensation Board. The bill would raise the award limit for funeral and related expenses from $5,000 to $7,500 and raise the award limit for crime scene cleanup from $1,000 to $2,500. It also amends the definition of “crime scene cleanup” and adds to the list of victims who may be awarded compensation for mental health counseling certain victims who are required to testify in a sexually violent predator commitment.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2574 passed 37-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2510/" target="_blank">HB 2510</a>&nbsp;would amend certain investment limitation requirements to increase the permissible investment options in equity interests and preferred stock for Kansas-domiciled life insurance companies.&nbsp;HB 2510 passed 37-2.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2564/" target="_blank">HB 2564</a>&nbsp;would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital instructions for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB&nbsp;2564 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb546/" target="_blank">SB 546</a>&nbsp;would permit operation of driverless-capable vehicles without a human driver with the&nbsp;

automated driving system engaged under certain circumstances.&nbsp;SB 564 passed 24-12.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/scr1619/" target="_blank">SCR 1619</a>&nbsp;urges the adoption of the 2021 Special Committee on Taxation’s conclusions and recommendations regarding the fiscal future of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCR 1619 passed the Senate 28-11.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2110/" target="_blank">HB 2110</a>&nbsp;would require, for the next State Employee Health Plan (SEHP) coverage year 2023, the State Employees Health Care Commission to provide coverage for the diagnosis and prescribed treatment for pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS).&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2110 passed 32-4.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2363/" target="_blank">HB 2363</a>&nbsp;would amend law governing compensation for services provided to indigents to require appointed counsel be paid at a rate not to exceed $100 per hour through June 30, 2023, and at a rate not to exceed $120 per hour on and after July 1, 2023. The current rate is $80. HB 2363 passed 35-3.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2458/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2458</a>&nbsp;would clarify law regarding liability for optometrists and ophthalmologists who provide information required for issuance or renewal of an applicant’s driver’s license. The bill would specify no optometrist or ophthalmologist reporting to the Division or the Medical Advisory Board in good faith any information relating to vision would be liable to any person subsequent to the issuance or the renewal of a driver’s license to the applicant.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2458 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb489/" target="_blank">SB 489</a>&nbsp;would amend statute concerning the powers of the Secretary of Health and Environment and local health officers to issue health orders in response to infectious or contagious diseases, by&nbsp;<a>removing the ability of appointed officials to issue orders</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 489 passed the Senate 24-15.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2280/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2280</a>&nbsp;authorizes the prescribing and dispensing of medications for off-label use to prevent&nbsp;and treat COVID-19 infections and requiring child care facilities and schools to grant religious exemptions from vaccination requirements without inquiring into the sincerity of such religious beliefs.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2280 passed 21-16.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2462/" target="_blank">HB 2462</a>&nbsp;would amend law to remove committee membership requirements for legislators appointed to the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations.&nbsp;HB 2462 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2476/" target="_blank">HB 2476</a>&nbsp;would authorize two distinctive license plates related to military honors and four distinctive license plates related to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) for issuance on or after January 1, 2023. The military honors plates would be available to recipients of the Silver Star or the Bronze Star, and the KDWP plates would represent state parks, hunting, fishing, and nongame wildlife.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2476 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2481/" target="_blank">HB 2481</a>&nbsp;would authorize members of the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (KP&amp;F) to purchase service time credited as KP&amp;F service for eligible prior in-state, non-federal governmental employment.&nbsp;HB 2481 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb496/" target="_blank">SB 496</a>&nbsp; affirms the right of parents to direct upbringing, education, care, and mental health of their children. The bill would require the boards of education of each school district to develop and adopt policies to guarantee parents’ rights, including curriculum transparency that provides parents the right to be informed about and review all materials related to their children's education, including educational and health records related to their child.&nbsp;<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb496/" target="_blank">SB 496</a>&nbsp;passed 24-15.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb484/" target="_blank">SB 484</a>&nbsp;ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women.&nbsp;SB484 passed the Senate 27-12, which is a veto proof majority.

<a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb351/" target="_blank">SB 351</a>&nbsp;would require the Secretary of State to develop an affidavit system to be used for persons transferring ballots; provide for the use of electronic poll books in elections; authorize the Secretary to review, approve, and adopt rules and regulations regarding the use of such electronic poll books; prohibit voting systems from having the capability of connecting to the internet or other network; create the crime of electronic poll book fraud; and amend requirements related to the testing of election equipment.&nbsp;SB 351 passed 29-10.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb438/" target="_blank">SB 438</a>&nbsp;requires audits of any federal, statewide, or state legislative race that is within 1% of the total votes cast and requiring randomized audits of elections procedures used in four counties in even-numbered years.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 438 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2056/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2056</a>&nbsp;would limit county election offices to one remote ballot box for every&nbsp; 30,000 registered voters in the county; require remote ballot boxes to be monitored; tie the available hours of a remote ballot box to the hours of operation of a county election office; extend the advance voting period by three days; and shorten the voter registration deadline before an election by three days. Among the provisions of the bill, it would change the deadline for the receipt by mail of advance voting ballots by county election officers to 7:00 p.m. on the date of the election. It would also require remote ballot boxes, when open, to be continuously observed by an employee of the county election office. The ballot boxes would be located inside a state or municipal building where employees are physically present or located inside any other building and continuously observed by two authorized poll agents who shall not be registered with the same political party.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2056 passed 22-17.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2489/" target="_blank">HB 2489</a>&nbsp;would make several amendments to the Technology-enabled Fiduciary Financial&nbsp;Institutions Act (TEFFI Act) pertaining to an updated definition, fingerprinting requirement, existing application fee, governing documents, evaluation and examination, customer disclosure, and services and authorized activities.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2489 passed 37-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2490/" target="_blank">HB 2490</a>&nbsp;amends law governing the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) savings program to make the program compliant with the federal Internal Revenue Code and mandatory federal regulations. The program allows individuals with a disability and their families to save private funds without violating federal means-tested benefit requirements.&nbsp;HB 2490 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2547/" target="_blank">HB 2547</a>&nbsp;would amend and enact law supplemental to the Captive Insurance Act to allow a&nbsp;technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution (TEFFI) insurance company to operate as an authorized captive insurance company in Kansas.&nbsp;HB 2547 passed 36-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2559/" target="_blank">HB 2559</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil Act and create the Kansas Cotton Boll Weevil Program, which would be administered by a board of directors. The bill would allow the Board to authorize the development and implementation of an eradication plan with the Secretary of Agriculture, pursuant to the Plant Pest and Agriculture Commodity Certification Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2559 passed 32-6.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2567/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2567</a>&nbsp;would alter the calculation of local foundation aid within the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA) by removing federal impact aid from the formula. It would also exclude the Fort Leavenworth school district and virtual school students from the capital improvement state aid determination.&nbsp;S Sub for HB 2567 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2568/" target="_blank">HB 2568</a>&nbsp;would update the Kansas Mortgage Business Act (KMBA) to allow certain mortgage business to be conducted remotely and make changes to definitions and branch licensure and other registration requirements for mortgage companies.&nbsp;HB 2568 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2595/" target="_blank">HB 2595</a>&nbsp;makes certain antique vehicle titling procedures applicable to vehicles having a model year of 1960 or later instead of 1950 or later.&nbsp;HB 2595 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2605/" target="_blank">HB 2605</a>&nbsp;would expand and clarify the requirements for the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine and create an advisory committee to oversee the Program.&nbsp;HB 2605 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2703/" target="_blank">HB 2703</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to unemployment compensation regarding out-of-state reimbursing employers, fund control tables, solvency and credit rate schedules, and the My Reemployment Plan program.&nbsp;HB 2703 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2299/" target="_blank">HB 2299</a>&nbsp;would amend the Code of Criminal Procedure to extend, from 96 hours to 240 hours, the time period within which a search warrant must be executed after it is issued.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2299 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2712/" target="_blank">HB 2712</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial Act. The U.S. Semiquincentennial, on July 4, 2026, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2712 passed 39-0.

<a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2456/" target="_blank">HB 2456</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to issue a Kansas kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing license on or after January 1, 2023, to Kansas residents of certain ages upon payment of a fee, which could be paid on behalf of the child.&nbsp; For a child five years of age or younger, the license fee would be $300 and for a child six years of age or older, but not more than 12 years of age, the license fee would be $400. On and after July 1, 2027, the license fees could be increased up to an additional $100, with approval from the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission.&nbsp;HB 2456 passed 39-0. <a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2537/" target="_blank">HB 2537</a>&nbsp;would amend a statute governing hearings by the Commissioner of Insurance to add a provision allowing a person subject to any order issued by the Commissioner to request a hearing on such order. If such a request is made, the bill would require the Commissioner to conduct a hearing in accordance with KAPA provisions.&nbsp;HB 2537 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2386/" target="_blank">HB 2386</a>&nbsp;would establish requirements and restrictions for the payment and reimbursement of dental services.&nbsp;HB 2386 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2466/" target="_blank">Sub for HB 2466</a>&nbsp;would create the Promoting Advancement in Computing Knowledge Act (PACK Act), the Computer Science Pre-service Educator Program, and authorize the State Board of Education to provide grants to high-quality professional learning providers. The PACK Act would require, each secondary school to offer at least one computer science course, or submit to the State Board of Education a plan describing how the district intends to offer a computer science course and in which school year such course will be offered.&nbsp;Sub for HB 2466 passed 28-11.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2228/" target="_blank">HB 2228</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law related to sexual assault evidence kits and collection of evidence related to abuse or sexual assault. It would create law requiring all law enforcement agencies in Kansas to adopt a written policy requiring submission of all sexual assault kits that correspond to a law enforcement report of sexual assault to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Criminalistics Laboratory, Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), or another accredited forensic laboratory.&nbsp; The bill would require the policies to be adopted and implemented by all law enforcement agencies in Kansas prior to January 31, 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2228 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2607/" target="_blank">HB 2607</a>&nbsp;would amend time limitations for habeas corpus motions under KSA 60-1507 and would amend the Kansas Sexually Violent Predator Act (SVPA) regarding the notice of release or anticipated release of sexually violent predators (SVPs). Under continuing law, such motions must be filed within one year of the final order of the last Kansas appellate court to exercise jurisdiction on a direct appeal or the termination of such appellate jurisdiction or the denial of a petition for writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court or issuance of such court’s final order following granting such petition.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2607 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2377/" target="_blank">HB 2377</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law related to driving under the influence (DUI) and driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence (commercial DUI). The bill also would make additional amendments regarding diversions and commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).&nbsp;HB 2377 passed 38-1.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/sb155/" target="_blank">SB 155</a>&nbsp;would update statutes related to newborn screening and designate those statutes as the Newborn Screening Act. The bill would also establish the Universal Newborn Screening Program (UNSP) within the Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 155 passed 39-0.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2608/" target="_blank">HB 2608</a>&nbsp;removes provisions authorizing criminal restitution to be enforced as a civil judgment and authorizing judicial districts to contract for collection services for criminal restitution.&nbsp;HB&nbsp;2608 passed 34-5.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2541/" target="_blank">HB 2541</a>&nbsp;would shift deposit of certain fees and surcharges from Judicial Branch fee funds to the State General Fund.&nbsp;HB 2541 passed 34-5.

Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.

Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, is senator of the 36th District in Kansas which includes:

* Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Osborne, Ottawa, Republic, Rooks, Russell,&nbsp;Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville;&nbsp;Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek,&nbsp;Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg;&nbsp;Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom,&nbsp;Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum,&nbsp;Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner,&nbsp;Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene, Week 11

Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter March 28, 2022

TOPEKA - Major work last week included the Senate adopting a budget that includes $22.8 billion in total spending for FY 2023, with a little over $9.0 billion coming from the state general fund. It retires substantial amounts of debt including paying off the $253.9 million for the KPERS layering payments, provides state employees a 5% pay increase, puts away $600.0 million into the rainy-day fund and leaves the state general fund with a healthy ending balance of nearly $360.0 million at the end of FY 2023.

The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor work at 1:30 a.m., in the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday. The legislature had a four-day break before returning on Monday, for a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2022 legislative session. This week, the work will primarily consist of voting on conference committee reports, which are produced by conference committees working on ironing out differences between House and Senate versions of legislation. After the conclusion of the regular session, the legislature is scheduled to take a three week break before returning for the veto session in late April and early May. 

This year, the primary duties of the legislature are to adopt the maps for the next decade, in addition to the constitutional requirement to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. My focus as chair of Ways and Means will be to negotiate this year’s budget with the House Appropriation conferees. There are approximately ten pages of differences between the two budgets passed in each chamber.

Last week, the Kansas Senate adopted HCR 5030, a resolution making certain findings regarding antisemitism, and adopting a definition of the term by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or IHRA. The resolution states, the Jewish community continues to be targeted in the United States and is consistently the most likely of all religious groups to be victimized by incidents of hate. The Kansas Jewish Community has tragically experienced the hatred firsthand as it did on April 13, 2014, when three people lost their lives due to antisemitic attacks at the Jewish Community Center in Kansas City and the Village Shalom, both located in Overland Park.

Last week, the Kansas House adopted a new House map along with the Senate map approved by the Senate last week. These maps will be the new maps for the next ten years.

The Senate passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which simply ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women. The bill will ensure an equal playing field for biological females so they can fairly participate in athletics due to the distinct physiological advantages held by biological males over biological females.

HCR 5022 was adopted by the Senate, which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff. The amendment is in response to a proposal to abolish the Sheriff in areas such as Johnson County.

In our system of government, it is the legislature which makes laws and administrative agencies then issue rules and regulations to implement the law. Too often in recent years, government subsequently have crossed the line into lawmaking, issuing rules and regulations which are in effect policy-making decisions that should be left up to elected officials who are accountable to the public. As a result, the Kansas Senate

followed the Kansas House in adopting HCR5014, which if approved by the voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to allow legislative revocation or suspension of rules and regulations issued by the executive branch with a simple majority vote.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our Town Hall Meetings, the schedule is listed below.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns, my office number is 785 296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.

Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:

Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon(part) and Towanda

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist." />
 <figcaption>State Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist.</figcaption>
 </figure>Sen. Rick Billinger Newsletter March 28, 2022TOPEKA - Major work last week included the Senate adopting a budget that includes $22.8 billion in total spending for FY 2023, with a little over $9.0 billion coming from the state general fund. It retires substantial amounts of debt including paying off the $253.9 million for the KPERS layering payments, provides state employees a 5% pay increase, puts away $600.0 million into the rainy-day fund and leaves the state general fund with a healthy ending balance of nearly $360.0 million at the end of FY 2023.The Kansas Senate completed a whirlwind three days of floor work at 1:30 a.m., in the overnight hours between Wednesday and Thursday. The legislature had a four-day break before returning on Monday, for a five-day week to complete the regular part of the 2022 legislative session. This week, the work will primarily consist of voting on conference committee reports, which are produced by conference committees working on ironing out differences between House and Senate versions of legislation. After the conclusion of the regular session, the legislature is scheduled to take a three week break before returning for the veto session in late April and early May. This year, the primary duties of the legislature are to adopt the maps for the next decade, in addition to the constitutional requirement to pass a budget for the next fiscal year. My focus as chair of Ways and Means will be to negotiate this year’s budget with the House Appropriation conferees. There are approximately ten pages of differences between the two budgets passed in each chamber.Last week, the Kansas Senate adopted HCR 5030, a resolution making certain findings regarding antisemitism, and adopting a definition of the term by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or IHRA. The resolution states, the Jewish community continues to be targeted in the United States and is consistently the most likely of all religious groups to be victimized by incidents of hate. The Kansas Jewish Community has tragically experienced the hatred firsthand as it did on April 13, 2014, when three people lost their lives due to antisemitic attacks at the Jewish Community Center in Kansas City and the Village Shalom, both located in Overland Park.Last week, the Kansas House adopted a new House map along with the Senate map approved by the Senate last week. These maps will be the new maps for the next ten years.The Senate passed the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act, which simply ensures athletic teams or sports designated for women are reserved only for biological women. The bill will ensure an equal playing field for biological females so they can fairly participate in athletics due to the distinct physiological advantages held by biological males over biological females.HCR 5022 was adopted by the Senate, which if approved by voters, would amend Article 9, Sections 2 and 5 of the Kansas Constitution to require County Sheriffs to remain elected if the county had not abolished the sheriff prior to January of this year, and would allow counties who abolished it (Riley County is the only one) to restore the elected Sheriff. The amendment is in response to a proposal to abolish the Sheriff in areas such as Johnson County.In our system of government, it is the legislature which makes laws and administrative agencies then issue rules and regulations to implement the law. Too often in recent years, government subsequently have crossed the line into lawmaking, issuing rules and regulations which are in effect policy-making decisions that should be left up to elected officials who are accountable to the public. As a result, the Kansas Senatefollowed the Kansas House in adopting HCR5014, which if approved by the voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to allow legislative revocation or suspension of rules and regulations issued by the executive branch with a simple majority vote.I am looking forward to seeing many of you at our Town Hall Meetings, the schedule is listed below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648477151221.png" alt="" />
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 </figure>I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your questions or concerns, my office number is 785 296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.Rick Billingr, R-Goodland, is the 40th District senator which includes:Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon(part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 28, 2022

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

Although Hays city commissioners are somewhat unhappy with the renovation progress at Big Creek Crossing shopping center, they agreed last week to an amendment request by owner Hays Mall LLC to&nbsp;modify the Community Improvement District (CID) development agreement.&nbsp;

The amendment, passed 4-1, allows the Big Creek Crossing owner to be&nbsp;reimbursed for up to $1 million of qualified improvements they are currently making to the north end of the facility to accommodate the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/55fbb118-f74e-471a-92f2-b2cd0fd4fb1d">incoming Ollie's&nbsp;Bargain Outlet</a>.

The one-cent sales tax on purchases made at the shopping mall, located at 2918 Vine, was approved on November 13, 2014 and is in effect for up to 22 years.

The city commission&nbsp;approved up to $3.1 million in eligible reimbursement costs - hard infrastructure costs determined by city policy.&nbsp; &nbsp;

They were broken into Phase 1 and Phase 2 with completion deadlines of 2016 set by the owner.

Phase 1 improvements included lighting, flooring, façade, and the parking lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phase 2 improvements, which included&nbsp;$1 million for interior refinishing to accommodate a large retailer, were not completed, and therefore not&nbsp;eligible for reimbursement with CID revenues.

So far, the developer has spent $2 million of the $3.1 million, which was certified by the city.

The CID amendment creates an 18-month deadline for the owners to expend the remaining one million dollars and submit it for reimbursement.&nbsp;

The property owners&nbsp;have identified improvements to the interior of the facility, HVAC system, exterior, and&nbsp;parking lot that could exceed $1 million.

Commissioner Shaun Musil, who was on the commission in 2014, had already signaled a week earlier that he would likely vote against the request.

"It just feels like they do the bare minimum," Musil said, "but they do bring in sales tax dollars." 

Hays' general fund is primarily supported by the city sales tax.&nbsp;Based on information from the owners, the city estimates Ollie's Bargain Outlet annual sales tax to be between $70,000 and $87,500 each year the CID is in effect. 

"The goal was to keep that mall open," Musil concluded. "I'm glad it's still there. For me, it's just too much baggage behind the scenes with these guys."

Michael Berges agreed with Sandy Jacobs that he didn't want the mall to be vacant. He also feels there's a misunderstanding about how a CID works.&nbsp;

"The CID is simply a collection mechanism for the business," Berges explained. "... There is no direct financial impact to the city or the taxpayers. They're collecting that one cent off their own shoppers.

"So if this something you don't like, then don't shop there."

Berges still remains somewhat frustrated with the mall owners. "I'd like to say 75 percent of my vote is yes, and 25 percent of my vote is no," he joked.&nbsp;

The agreement with Hays Mall LLC is the city's only CID with an existing business, not a new business being created.&nbsp;

"I think we learned a few things with it," said Toby Dougherty, city manager.

"If we do have another similar situation, we now know what questions to ask them, what things to ask for, that we didn't at the time. So we took a lot of stuff on faith and didn't get it in writing.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We can probably do a lot better if a similar situation happens."

Musil cited the example of parking lot improvement.&nbsp;

"We didn't technically say you have to do all the parking lot; we just said improvements. They did do some improvements."

Jacobs agreed the city should have done a better job of negotiating the CID agreement.&nbsp;

"It's the way we outlined it and we allowed it to happen."

Jacobs also said she had not heard any objections from current mall tenants.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1647446489040.jpeg" alt="(File photo by James Bell/Hays Post)" />
 <figcaption>(File photo by James Bell/Hays Post)</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays PostAlthough Hays city commissioners are somewhat unhappy with the renovation progress at Big Creek Crossing shopping center, they agreed last week to an amendment request by owner Hays Mall LLC to&nbsp;modify the Community Improvement District (CID) development agreement.&nbsp;The amendment, passed 4-1, allows the Big Creek Crossing owner to be&nbsp;reimbursed for up to $1 million of qualified improvements they are currently making to the north end of the facility to accommodate the <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/55fbb118-f74e-471a-92f2-b2cd0fd4fb1d">incoming Ollie's&nbsp;Bargain Outlet</a>.The one-cent sales tax on purchases made at the shopping mall, located at 2918 Vine, was approved on November 13, 2014 and is in effect for up to 22 years.The city commission&nbsp;approved up to $3.1 million in eligible reimbursement costs - hard infrastructure costs determined by city policy.&nbsp; &nbsp;They were broken into Phase 1 and Phase 2 with completion deadlines of 2016 set by the owner.Phase 1 improvements included lighting, flooring, façade, and the parking lot.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phase 2 improvements, which included&nbsp;$1 million for interior refinishing to accommodate a large retailer, were not completed, and therefore not&nbsp;eligible for reimbursement with CID revenues.So far, the developer has spent $2 million of the $3.1 million, which was certified by the city.The CID amendment creates an 18-month deadline for the owners to expend the remaining one million dollars and submit it for reimbursement.&nbsp;The property owners&nbsp;have identified improvements to the interior of the facility, HVAC system, exterior, and&nbsp;parking lot that could exceed $1 million.<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sxhgc1xoRYM"></iframe>
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioner Shaun Musil, who was on the commission in 2014, had already signaled a week earlier that he would likely vote against the request."It just feels like they do the bare minimum," Musil said, "but they do bring in sales tax dollars." Hays' general fund is primarily supported by the city sales tax.&nbsp;Based on information from the owners, the city estimates Ollie's Bargain Outlet annual sales tax to be between $70,000 and $87,500 each year the CID is in effect. "The goal was to keep that mall open," Musil concluded. "I'm glad it's still there. For me, it's just too much baggage behind the scenes with these guys."Michael Berges agreed with Sandy Jacobs that he didn't want the mall to be vacant. He also feels there's a misunderstanding about how a CID works.&nbsp;"The CID is simply a collection mechanism for the business," Berges explained. "... There is no direct financial impact to the city or the taxpayers. They're collecting that one cent off their own shoppers."So if this something you don't like, then don't shop there."Berges still remains somewhat frustrated with the mall owners. "I'd like to say 75 percent of my vote is yes, and 25 percent of my vote is no," he joked.&nbsp;The agreement with Hays Mall LLC is the city's only CID with an existing business, not a new business being created.&nbsp;"I think we learned a few things with it," said Toby Dougherty, city manager."If we do have another similar situation, we now know what questions to ask them, what things to ask for, that we didn't at the time. So we took a lot of stuff on faith and didn't get it in writing.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We can probably do a lot better if a similar situation happens."Musil cited the example of parking lot improvement.&nbsp;"We didn't technically say you have to do all the parking lot; we just said improvements. They did do some improvements."Jacobs agreed the city should have done a better job of negotiating the CID agreement.&nbsp;"It's the way we outlined it and we allowed it to happen."Jacobs also said she had not heard any objections from current mall tenants.&nbsp;

🎥 In 4-1 vote, city commissioners OK Big Creek Crossing CID amendment

Four graduate students from Fort Hays State University will present research to legislators and the public at the annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit on Tuesday in Topeka.

The summit provides an opportunity for selected graduate students from the Kansas Board of Regents institutions to show state government, education officials, and the public the quality of graduate research performed in the state of Kansas.

Students selected for this event are involved in research, including physical and natural sciences, engineering, sociology, history, and education – all providing a direct impact on the state of Kansas. The Kansas Legislature extends support for basic research funding to these schools, and the summit allows student researchers an opportunity to present the results of this support.

The graduate students who will represent FHSU are listed alphabetically with their hometown, major, and poster title:

• Tamera Geyer, Leoti, education. Tamera will present “Fidelity of Implementation: A Reintegration Plan.” The study investigates the need for a reintegration plan written into a student’s education plan (IEP) that is required by the state of Kansas for students who are placed in an alternate school setting.

• Alison Helget, Hays, history. Alison will present “A Sinful Disease: The Catholic Church and the AIDS Crisis in America.”&nbsp;She will talk about how Pope Francis is attempting to amend a respectful relationship with the LGBTQ+ community that was severely strained due to the church’s reaction, or lack thereof, to the 1980s AIDS crisis in America.

• Mitchell Lukens, Palacios, Texas, geosciences. Mitchell will present “Warm-blooded mosasaurs? How a Kansas fossil may reveal ancient physiologies.”&nbsp;

• Rylee Massey, Cedar Vale, psychology. Rylee will present “Mental health services for underserved areas and groups: Workplace motivations and recommendations of mental health professionals in Kansas.”

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1648143296220.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>FHSU University CommunicationsFour graduate students from Fort Hays State University will present research to legislators and the public at the annual Capitol Graduate Research Summit on Tuesday in Topeka.The summit provides an opportunity for selected graduate students from the Kansas Board of Regents institutions to show state government, education officials, and the public the quality of graduate research performed in the state of Kansas.Students selected for this event are involved in research, including physical and natural sciences, engineering, sociology, history, and education – all providing a direct impact on the state of Kansas. The Kansas Legislature extends support for basic research funding to these schools, and the summit allows student researchers an opportunity to present the results of this support.The graduate students who will represent FHSU are listed alphabetically with their hometown, major, and poster title:• Tamera Geyer, Leoti, education. Tamera will present “Fidelity of Implementation: A Reintegration Plan.” The study investigates the need for a reintegration plan written into a student’s education plan (IEP) that is required by the state of Kansas for students who are placed in an alternate school setting.• Alison Helget, Hays, history. Alison will present “A Sinful Disease: The Catholic Church and the AIDS Crisis in America.”&nbsp;She will talk about how Pope Francis is attempting to amend a respectful relationship with the LGBTQ+ community that was severely strained due to the church’s reaction, or lack thereof, to the 1980s AIDS crisis in America.• Mitchell Lukens, Palacios, Texas, geosciences. Mitchell will present “Warm-blooded mosasaurs? How a Kansas fossil may reveal ancient physiologies.”&nbsp;• Rylee Massey, Cedar Vale, psychology. Rylee will present “Mental health services for underserved areas and groups: Workplace motivations and recommendations of mental health professionals in Kansas.”

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