2023 SENATE SCENE WEEK THIRTEEN – 1st&nbsp;Adjournment

Senate Highlights – Weekly overview April 17

This was the last week of legislative activity before VETO session.&nbsp; Early Friday morning, the Senate gaveled out for adjournment and will reconvene on April 26th.&nbsp; When we return, the legislature will consider any items the governor has vetoed and complete its work on the budget and any other remaining bills.&nbsp; The wrap-up period is expected to not last long, but work remains on a few topics.

The Senate voted on numerous conference committee reports and also debated bills on the Senate Floor.&nbsp; 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; Within ten days after passage, a bill must be signed by the presiding officers of each chamber, the chief clerk of the House and the secretary of the Senate, and be presented to the governor for approval.&nbsp; The governor has ten days after receipt of the bill to act on it.&nbsp; If the governor does not act on it during the ten-day period, the bill automatically becomes law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Most bills passed by the Legislature are approved by the governor.&nbsp; However, the governor may veto a bill by refusing to sign it and returning it to the chamber in which the bill originated, together with a statement of the reasons for the veto.&nbsp; In appropriation bills only, the governor may veto some items (line-item) and approve the others by signing the bill.&nbsp; However, should the governor veto a bill, the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, may override (overturn) the governor's veto and the bill will be enacted into law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Once the bill becomes a law, whether by the governor’s approval or a legislative override, it is filed with the Secretary of State.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2238/" target="_blank">HB 2238</a>&nbsp;– will create the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act to require student athletes to compete in gender-specific sports based upon the student’s biological gender.&nbsp; The Fairness in Women’s Sports Act will now become law. The Kansas Senate on April 5th&nbsp;followed in the footsteps of the Kansas House (vote of 84-40) in voting to override the veto of HB 2238 by Governor Kelly.&nbsp;HB&nbsp;2238 passed 28-12.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2184/" target="_blank">HB 2184</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp; The Senate and House both passed their budget for the year.&nbsp; This budget bill, HB&nbsp;2184, makes appropriations to various state agencies for fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028.&nbsp; The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 24-12 and the House by a vote of 79-44.&nbsp; The budget will now be presented to the governor for consideration. It is important to note that HB 2184 does not contain K-12 education funding, so it only represents about 50% of state expenditures.&nbsp; The education funding will be taken care of in the omnibus budget during veto session.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a>I voted yes.</a>

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb169/" target="_blank">House Sub. for SB 169</a>&nbsp;- Both chambers passed their major tax legislation, SB 169, late last week.&nbsp; The bill makes various changes to income, sales, and property tax law.&nbsp; Specifically, the bill replaces current individual income tax brackets with a single rate of 5.15 percent.&nbsp; The bill also expands the exemption of Social Security income and provides for annual standard deduction increases by a cost-of-living adjustment.&nbsp; The bill accelerates the elimination of state sales tax on food to January 1, 2024, lowers the corporate tax rate by 1% and also increases the amount of the appraised value of residential property exempt from the statewide uniform 20-mill school finance levy to $60,000 (from the current $40,000).&nbsp; The bill passed the Senate 24-13 and the House 85-38 and is also under consideration by the Governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;House Sub. for SB 169 heads to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1611/" target="_blank">SCR 1611</a>&nbsp;if adopted by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the Kansas Legislature and approved by voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit, for property tax purposes, the valuation growth of any real property to 4 percent per year.&nbsp; The limit would not apply when the property (among other exemptions) includes new construction or when improvements have been made, title to the property is transferred, changed, or conveyed to another person.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCR 1611 passed 28-11.&nbsp; If it passes the House, it will go to the voters for approval.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2138/" target="_blank">Senate Sub. for HB 2138</a>&nbsp;would require school district boards of education to adopt a policy regarding separate overnight accommodations for students of each biological sex during school district sponsored travel and provide for administrative review by the State Board of Education of resolutions adopted by school district boards to permanently close a school building.&nbsp; Senate Sub. for HB&nbsp;2138 passed 28-10.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2039/" target="_blank">HB 2039</a>&nbsp;would require the Secretary of Wildlife and Parks or the Secretary’s designee to issue a free permanent hunting and fishing license to any person residing in the state upon providing proof to the Secretary that such person is a disabled veteran.&nbsp; The bill also would designate the Lehigh Portland Trails in Allen County as Lehigh Portland State Park.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2039 passed 35-5.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb116/" target="_blank">House Sub. for SB 116</a>&nbsp;would amend the Personal and Family Protection Act to remove certain fees paid by persons who have applied for a concealed carry license (CCL) or who are seeking renewal of such license, specifying no such fees would be required to be paid except to cover the cost of taking fingerprints.&nbsp;&nbsp;House Sub. for SB 116 passed 27-10.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2264/" target="_blank">HB 2264</a>&nbsp;would amend the Woman’s-Right-to-Know Act to add a notification requirement about reversal of abortion options with certain medications and amend the definition of abortion.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2264 passed 26-11.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb209/" target="_blank">SB 209</a>&nbsp;would change the deadline for all advance voting ballots to be received by the county election officer from the third day following the date of the election to 7:00 p.m. on the date of the election.&nbsp;SB 209 passed 23-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1603/" target="_blank">SCR 1603</a>&nbsp;states the Kansas Legislature urges&nbsp;the President of the United States to restore energy independence in the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCR 1603 passed 29-10.&nbsp; Having also passed the house, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2100/" target="_blank">HB 2100</a>,&nbsp;would create the Kansas Public Investments and Contracts Protection Act and would amend law governing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement Fund (Trust Fund) and investment standards to prohibit state agencies and other political subdivisions from giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against companies based on environmental, social, or governance (ESG) criteria.&nbsp;HB 2100 passed 27-12.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb217/" target="_blank">SB 217</a>&nbsp;would amend law regarding the use of electronic tracking systems (air tags) to target a person’s location, movement, or travel patterns and the timeframes of protective orders.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB&nbsp;217 passed 37-0. Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb180/" target="_blank">SB 180</a>&nbsp;would establish the Women’s Bill of Rights and provide a meaning of biological sex for purposes of statutory construction.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 180 passed 28-12.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2350/" target="_blank">HB 2350</a>&nbsp;would create the crimes of human smuggling and aggravated human smuggling, provide for criminal penalties, and make these provisions supplemental to the Kansas Criminal Code.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2350 passed 36-2.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb26/" target="_blank">SB 26</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Child Mutilation Prevention Act (Act).&nbsp; The bill would allow an individual who had gender reassignment service performed as a child to bring a civil cause of action under the Act against the physician who performed such service.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 26 passed 23-12.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the Governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2020/" target="_blank">HB 2020</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to the employment classification of drivers for motor carriers and transportation network companies (TNCs) such as Uber.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2020 passed 28-12. Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2298/" target="_blank">HB 2298</a>&nbsp;would designate two portions of highways in honor of deceased Kansans:

The Officer Donald Burton Gamblin Jr Memorial Highway would be the portion of I-435 in Johnson County and The Robert Lessen Memorial Highway would be the portion of US-69 in Crawford County.&nbsp;HB 2298 passed 40-0. Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2147/" target="_blank">HB 2147</a>&nbsp;would create and amend law to change procedures regarding purchase of a vehicle that had been towed.&nbsp; It also would amend the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways to add law to prohibit counterfeit airbags and to amend law to authorize certain ground effect lighting on vehicles.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2147 passed 40-0. Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2059/" target="_blank">HB 2059</a>&nbsp;would amend various provisions of the Kansas Liquor Control Act, Kansas Cereal Malt Beverage Act, and Club and Drinking Establishment Act concerning remittance of gallonage taxes, samples, Sunday sales, the food sales requirement, and common consumption areas.&nbsp; The bill would also permit food establishments to allow dogs in outside areas on the premises.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2059 passed 34-6. Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2346/" target="_blank">HB 2346</a>&nbsp;would authorize “Back the Blue” and City of Topeka distinctive license plates and permit, on and after January 1, 2025, any distinctive license plate to also be a personalized plate.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2346 passed 40-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb66/" target="_blank">SB 66</a>&nbsp; would enact the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact.&nbsp; In addition, the bill would require state licensing bodies to provide paper-based and verified electronic credentials to all credential holders, and to also utilize a centralized electronic credential data management system.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 66 passed 37-3.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb132/" target="_blank">SB 132</a>&nbsp;would authorize a Buffalo Soldier license plate for use on a vehicle.&nbsp; The bill would allow the Richard Allen Cultural Center and Museum to authorize the organization’s logo to be affixed on these license plates.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 132 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb44/" target="_blank">SB 44</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Financial Institutions Information Security Act.&nbsp; Covered entities under the act would be required to set standards for developing and maintaining safeguards to protect the security, confidentiality, and integrity of customer information.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 44 passed the Senate 36-4.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2335/" target="_blank">HB 2335</a>&nbsp;would authorize the Rail Service Improvement Fund to be used for qualified track maintenance and would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund (SHF) to the Rail Service Improvement Fund from $5.0 million to $10.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2023.&nbsp; Continuing law authorizes use of these funds for financing, acquisition, or rehabilitation of railroad and rolling stock.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2335 passed 35-2. &nbsp;Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2279/" target="_blank">HB 2279</a>&nbsp;would add sections to the Kansas Groundwater Management District Act to require groundwater management districts to submit annual reports to the Legislature and conservation and stabilization action plans to the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture.&nbsp; The bill would be part of and supplemental to the Kansas Groundwater Management Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2279 passed 34-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb44/" target="_blank">SB 44</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Financial Institutions Information Security Act.&nbsp; The bill would designate covered entities, define terms, outline requirements for covered entities, and provide for responsibilities of the State Bank Commissioner under the Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 44 passed 36-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb119/" target="_blank">SB 119</a>&nbsp;would clarify the definition of “insurance company,” add certain legal entities to the definition of “person,”; make the annual update to risk-based capital (RBC) and other technical corrections and reconciling changes in the Insurance Code.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 119 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2090/" target="_blank">HB 2090</a>&nbsp;would make several changes to the Insurance Code to decrease the premium tax rate assessed for certain surplus lines business, modify reporting and fee requirements relating to prepaid service plans, and amend the Uniform Insurance Agents Licensure Act and the Public Adjusters Licensing Act to allow the Commissioner of Insurance to set certain fees lower than the established statutory maximum amounts and also amend fingerprinting criteria for resident agents.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2090 passed 37-3.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2015/" target="_blank">HB 2015</a>&nbsp;- would modify the law governing court-ordered infectious disease testing.&nbsp; Current law allows the head of an agency or head of an entity that employs certain persons to petition a court to apply for a court-ordered infectious disease test of another person when an employee is exposed to the transmission of bodily fluids of another person during the course of their work.&nbsp; Employees within the scope of this law include corrections officers, emergency services staff, juvenile correctional facility staff, and law enforcement employees.&nbsp; The bill would allow a designee of the head of an agency or head of an entity to apply for such court-ordered testing. The bill would also make technical changes to ensure consistency in statutory phrasing.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB&nbsp;2015 passed 32-8.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2216/" target="_blank">HB 2216</a>&nbsp;contains important criminal justice reform.&nbsp; It would remove, for a first-time offender, the mandatory term of imprisonment for driving with a driver’s license that was canceled, suspended, or revoked for failure to appear in response to a traffic citation or failure to pay fines or otherwise comply with a traffic citation.&nbsp; Convictions for the offense would be subject to a mandatory fine of at least $100.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2216 passed 34-6.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2065/" target="_blank">HB 2065</a>&nbsp;would modify law governing name changes during a divorce to allow the court to change a spouse’s name to a name other than the spouse’s former name at the request of the spouse and to give the court jurisdiction to make such a change at or after the time the decree of divorce becomes final.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2065 passed 39-1.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2131/" target="_blank">HB 2131</a>&nbsp;would create law concerning the mission of the Judicial Council and amend law related to Judicial Council funds.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2131 passed 37-3.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2130/" target="_blank">HB 2130</a>&nbsp;would amend law in the Kansas Probate Code concerning: certain dollar amount limits and thresholds referenced in the Code; transfer-on-death deeds; publication of notice of probate hearings and sales of probate real estate; and filing of wills in court.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2130 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2093/" target="_blank">HB 2093</a>&nbsp;would establish the Group-funded Pools Refund Fund and eliminate assessments paid by municipal group-funded liability pools and group-funded workers’ compensation pools; amend provisions pertaining to premium taxes paid by municipal group funded liability pools and group-funded workers’ compensation pools; and amend law requiring certain municipalities to pay for the premiums for the continuation of insurance coverage under COBRA for the surviving spouse and eligible dependent children of a firefighter who dies in the line of duty.&nbsp; The bill would also make technical changes.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2093 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2302/" target="_blank">Senate Sub. for HB 2302</a>&nbsp;would establish funding for the State Water Plan and water infrastructure projects, create the Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund, authorize the Kansas Water Office to provide grants and adopt rules and regulations to establish criteria for grants, update reporting requirements for the Kansas Water Authority, and make technical amendments.&nbsp; Senate Sub. for HB 2302 passed 38-1.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2014/" target="_blank">HB 2014</a>&nbsp;would modify the Boiler Safety Act and emergency medical services (EMS) statutes relating to certain job qualifications and position descriptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2014 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2336/" target="_blank">HB 2336</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to the issuance of general obligation bonds by airport authorities enacted under the Surplus Property and Public Airport Authority Act.&nbsp; The bill would further specify any issuance of bonds subject to approval by a board of county commissioners could be petitioned by qualified electors of the county to be submitted to a general election in the manner provided for in continuing law.&nbsp; The bill would also limit the costs applying to the thresholds from the total project costs to the construction costs of the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2336 passed 31-7.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb17/" target="_blank">SB 17</a>&nbsp;would update the designation of and references to the Kansas Rural Housing Incentive District Act to the Kansas Reinvestment Housing Incentive District Act and would create certain housing projects criteria in designated cities with a population of 60,000 or more.&nbsp;SB 17 passed 31-9.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb85/" target="_blank">SB 85</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Travel Insurance Act as part of the Kansas Insurance Act and remove the requirement that the Kansas State Employees Health Care Commission offer as a benefit the option to purchase long-term care insurance and indemnity insurance.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;SB 85 passed 36-4.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb42/" target="_blank">House Sub. for SB 42</a>&nbsp;would exempt a rural emergency hospital licensed under the Rural Emergency Hospital Act from an assessment imposed on hospital providers as part of the Health Care Access Improvement Program.&nbsp; The bill would also require members of a hospital board to be qualified electors of either the county where the hospital is located or any county adjacent to such county and require a member living in an adjacent county to own real property within the taxing district of the hospital.&nbsp; The bill would require a majority of the members of the hospital board to be residents of the county in which the hospital is located.&nbsp;&nbsp;House Sub. for SB 42 passed 38-1.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb221/" target="_blank">SB 221</a>&nbsp;is a comprehensive bill brought to the legislature by the Secretary of State aimed at cleaning up our election laws with a focus on ensuring our laws are consistent throughout statutes and clear for election officials at both the state and county level. It amends several provisions of law related to elections and would amend law on election-related subjects including procedures for write-in candidates for certain elected offices, election administration, qualifications for office, dates and deadlines, notices, certain election crimes, and equipment.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 221 passed 30-6.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2058/" target="_blank">Senate Sub. for HB 2058</a>&nbsp;would amend law to authorize any gaming compact concerning sports wagering to include provisions governing sports wagering outside the boundaries of Indian lands.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senate Sub. for HB 2058 passed 26-13.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2170/" target="_blank">Senate Sub. for HB 2170</a>&nbsp;would create the Donor Intent Protection Act, which would provide legal recourse to an individual charitable donor when the donor’s gift restrictions are not followed by the recipient charitable organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senate Sub. for HB 2170 passed 37-3.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2196/" target="_blank">HB 2196</a>&nbsp;would authorize the affiliation of certain persons employed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks into the Kansas Police and Firemen’s (KP&amp;F) Retirement System on July 1, 2023, and would expand the defined membership of the Deferred Retirement Option Program to include any member of KP&amp;F who is eligible to participate in DROP.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2196 passed 32-6.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2094/" target="_blank">HB 2094</a>&nbsp;would continue the existing statutory requirement that parents cooperate with child support services administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF) as a condition of receiving a child care subsidy and maintain the periods of ineligibility for a child care subsidy for non-cooperation.&nbsp; The bill would also amend law pertaining to eligibility requirements for the food assistance program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) to require work registrants ages 50 through 59 without dependents who are not exempt under federal law to participate in an employment and training program.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2094 passed 26-12.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2234/" target="_blank">HB 2234</a>&nbsp;would enact the Kansas Film and Digital Media Production Development.&nbsp; The Act would create a sales tax exemption and nonrefundable income tax credits for qualifying film production activities and establish educational and economic development programs to incentivize and promote the growth of film and digital media production and industry in Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2234 passed 32-6.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2292/" target="_blank">HB 2292</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Apprenticeship Act, which would establish a tax credit and grant incentive programs for apprenticeships and create a matching grant program within the Department of Commerce to provide grants to eligible institutions of higher education based on the number of engineering program graduates of the institution.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2292 passed 32-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2019/" target="_blank">HB 2019</a>&nbsp;would add requirements for reporting significant cybersecurity incidents by entities maintaining personal information provided by the State or using information systems operated by the State.&nbsp;HB 2019 passed 38-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2024/" target="_blank">HB 2024</a>&nbsp;would amend the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children relating to the Newborn Infant Protection Act to provide an alternate means to legally surrender an infant pursuant to the Act; to create a program within the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for the training of and payment for Child Abuse Review and Evaluation (CARE) providers who conduct CARE exams; and would enact the Representative Gail Finney Memorial Foster Care Bill of Rights to enumerate and codify in statute the rights of children in need of care in the child welfare system (foster youth) and the rights of foster parents and kinship caregivers.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2024 passed 36-1.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb243/" target="_blank">SB 243</a>&nbsp;would create law concerning requirements and procedures for a person having legal custody of a minor to enter into a settlement agreement without court approval on behalf of the minor when the settlement is less than a net amount of $25,000.&nbsp;SB 243 passed 38-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb244/" target="_blank">House Sub. for SB 244</a>&nbsp;would create a new section of law and substantially update various articles of the Kansas General Corporation Code.&nbsp; The bill would also amend various provisions concerning Secretary of State business filings, reports, and fees in the Code and the Kansas Revised Limited Liability Company Act; Business Entity Transactions Act; the Business Entity Standard Treatment Act; Kansas Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act; and the Kansas Uniform Partnership Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;House Sub. for SB 244 passed 28-8.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb75/" target="_blank">SB 75</a>&nbsp;would amend law governing the rate of legal interest for civil tort actions where prejudgment interest is awarded.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 75 passed 38-0.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb189/" target="_blank">SB 189</a>&nbsp;would amend law regarding file and information sharing by law enforcement agencies regarding applicants for employment.&nbsp; The bill would require each applicant who has submitted an application for a law enforcement officer position to execute a written waiver that authorizes disclosure of an applicant’s previous employment records to the hiring agency when such applicant has submitted an application for a law enforcement officer position with another state or local law enforcement agency or governmental agency.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB&nbsp;189 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb123/" target="_blank">SB 123</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Adult Learner Grant Act (Adult Learner Act) and a workforce retention incentive tax credit; establish the Career and Technical Education Credential and Transition Incentive for Employment Success Act; address the residency status of veterans, their spouses, and dependents regarding postsecondary tuition and fees; and amend the Kansas Promise Scholarship Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 123 passed 35-2.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb228/" target="_blank">SB 228</a>&nbsp;would update language in Article 19 of Chapter 19 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated concerning county jails.&nbsp; The bill would also create law concerning reimbursement of costs when a person is confined in a county jail awaiting examination, evaluation, or treatment for competency to stand trial under the Kansas Code of Criminal Procedure.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 228 passed 33-3.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a></a><a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2060/" target="_blank">Senate Sub. for HB 2060</a>&nbsp;would make various technical changes to statutes, including changes to law relating to the Drivers’ Training School License Act.&nbsp; The bill would also amend law relating to the State Medical Student Loan Program and the Medical Residency Bridging Program (loan programs), and would establish an obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) medical loan repayment program.&nbsp; Additionally, the bill would authorize several items that qualified students must be provided reasonable access to under the AO-K to Work Program.&nbsp; Similarly, the bill would amend law to include individuals who receive a high school equivalency (HSE) credential, or who are pursuing an HSE credential, in the calculation of and subsequent distribution of performance-based payments for community colleges and technical colleges.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senate Sub. for HB 2060 passed 32-3.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2002/" target="_blank">HB 2002</a>&nbsp;would create two sales tax exemptions, authorize additional sales tax authority for Grant and Dickinson counties, make various changes to property tax law, and establish a requirement for filing the release of tax warrants by the Secretary of Revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2002 passed 37-0.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb229/" target="_blank">House Sub. for SB 229</a>&nbsp;addresses this issue by establishing a nine-member Legislative Compensation Commission and requires the Commission to study compensation, salary, and retirement benefits of legislative members; make recommendations on legislator retirement benefits; and set compensation and salary rates for legislators.&nbsp; Also, beginning January 1, 2025, and subject to appropriations, the bill would establish compensation rates for certain state officials, judges, and certain elected district attorneys that would be equal to a percentage of the salaries for a U.S. congressional member, a U.S. district judge, or a district judge.&nbsp;&nbsp;House Sub. for SB 229 passed 25-8. Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

<a href="http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb205/" target="_blank">SB 205</a>&nbsp;would amend law concerning water rights, the establishment of multi-year flex accounts, and participation in a water bank.&nbsp; The bill would require the Chief Engineer, Division of Water Resources, Kansas Department of Agriculture, to approve a complete application for the establishment of a multi-year flex account.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 205 passed 40-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.

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>.&nbsp;

SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY -&nbsp;Kansas Unclaimed Property Quick Link

Type in or click this link for the instant search entry form-<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php" target="_blank">https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php</a>

Please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785-243-3325 at my office in Concordia with questions or concerns during the break.

Senator Elaine Bowers Kansas State Capitol Building Room 223-E 300 SW 10th St. Topeka, KS 66612 <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389 <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/">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, Smith and Washington Counties * Marshall County: Cities: Blue Rapids, Marysville, Oketo and Waterville; Townships: Blue Rapids, Blue Rapids City, Cottage Hill, Elm Creek, Herkimer, Logan, Marysville, Oketo, Walnut and Waterville * Phillips County: Cities: Agra, Glade, Kirwin and Phillipsburg; Townships: Arcade, Bow Creek, Crystal Deer Creek, Freedom, Glenwood, Greenwood, Kirwin, Phillipsburg, Plum, Rushville, Solomon(part), Sumner, Valley and Walnut

BOWERS: Senate Scene Week 13

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris this weekend urged Americans to take action during “a critical point in our nation’s history” as thousands of protesters demonstrated across the country against new limits to abortion rights making their way through the courts.

Saturday’s nationwide rallies were sparked by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-ff152a443d8439e8fa5d9376070822b2">U.S. Supreme Court’s actions</a>&nbsp;the day before, when the high court intervened to delay rule changes that would have limited the way the abortion drug mifepristone could be used and dispensed. The limits were paused while the court reviews the case more thoroughly.

Harris made a surprise stop in Los Angeles at one of the rallies, where she called the latest upheaval over abortion rights a further incursion by conservatives into myriad “fundamental rights” many Americans thought they had.

“And so this is a moment that history will show required each of us — based on our collective love of our country — to stand up, and fight for, and protect our ideals. That’s what this moment is,” she said Saturday, speaking to several hundred demonstrators from the steps of City Hall. “When you attack the rights of women in America, you are attacking America.”

Some of the protesters voiced their anger at the steps of the nation's high court, which took Friday's action at the request of the federal Justice Department. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pill-appeal-fe13d36218f1fb43590aff29b5ba4e9c">asked the high court</a>&nbsp;to lift restrictions on mifepristone imposed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">an appellate court</a>&nbsp;in Texas earlier in the week. The decision by the appellate court reduced the window of time when the drug could be used and prevented the drug from being dispensed by mail.

Critics of the Texas and appellate court decisions, including pharmaceutical companies, viewed the courts’ actions as a dangerous intrusion into the authority of the FDA, which regulates how medications are sold and used in the United States.

Demonstrators in New York City stood behind a sign with a four-letter expletive directed at Texas, where a federal judge set off the latest salvo in the battle over abortion. They held signs urging the government to defend medication abortions.

But the crowd was modest, attracting a little more than 100 people outside the picturesque public library along Fifth Avenue.

Still, the demonstrators attracted looks from passersby along the busy thoroughfare, some briefly joining the group to lend their voices.

“It can be hard to get people out, because people are being bombarded with all kinds of assaults on their bodies and people are tired and poor,” said Viva Ruiz, who said she helped organize the rally.

“The news cycle is so fast that when one thing happens something terrible happens the next day. So it’s hard to sustain the momentum or the energy for people to be on the streets,” Ruiz said.

With few exceptions, many of the rallies — organized under the banner of a group calling itself “Bigger than Roe” — were held in smaller cities.

Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">last year's reversal</a>&nbsp;of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized the right to an abortion,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-states-lawsuits-ac6dc09c0dd66a146d3ddfde061fc1a6">more than a dozen states</a>&nbsp;have effectively outlawed abortion, while additional states have moved to further tighten abortion laws.

On Thursday, the GOP-dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-florida-desantis-07c1543fe28b6c09e777bec58de7640f">Florida Legislature</a>&nbsp;moved to became the latest state to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Restrictions on the delivery and use of mifepristone, part of a two-drug regimen to end a pregnancy, would be a further blow to abortion rights advocates. The other drug, misoprostol, can be used on its own, but doing so is less effective than using both drugs in combination.

When mifepristone was initially approved, the FDA limited its use to up to seven weeks of pregnancy. It also required three in-person office visits: the first to administer mifepristone, the next to administer the second drug, misoprostol, and the third to address any complications.

If the appeals court’s action stands, those would again be the terms under which mifepristone could be dispensed.

States that support abortion rights, including California and New York,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-states-stockpiling-abortion-pills-mifepristone-bab172f4037eb73fe90142ba28c23cc0">have begun stockpiling</a>&nbsp;misoprostol to assure their states have adequate supplies. Washington state is among those stockpiling a supply of mifepristone or its generic form. And Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said the administration is dedicating $1 million to help providers contracted with the Department of Public Health buy additional quantities of mifepristone.

More than 5.6 million women in the U.S. had used mifepristone as of June 2022, according to the FDA. In that period, the agency received 4,200 reports of complications in women, or less than one-tenth of 1% of women who took the drug.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris this weekend urged Americans to take action during “a critical point in our nation’s history” as thousands of protesters demonstrated across the country against new limits to abortion rights making their way through the courts.Saturday’s nationwide rallies were sparked by the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-abortion-pill-mifepristone-ff152a443d8439e8fa5d9376070822b2">U.S. Supreme Court’s actions</a>&nbsp;the day before, when the high court intervened to delay rule changes that would have limited the way the abortion drug mifepristone could be used and dispensed. The limits were paused while the court reviews the case more thoroughly.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">We march today to keep abortion safe and legal — and to protect a women’s right to choose. Honored to have <a href="https://twitter.com/VP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@VP</a> in Los Angeles standing with us for the fight of our lives. <a href="https://t.co/i4YOj4q1uz">pic.twitter.com/i4YOj4q1uz</a>&mdash; Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayorOfLA/status/1647395820487192578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Harris made a surprise stop in Los Angeles at one of the rallies, where she called the latest upheaval over abortion rights a further incursion by conservatives into myriad “fundamental rights” many Americans thought they had.“And so this is a moment that history will show required each of us — based on our collective love of our country — to stand up, and fight for, and protect our ideals. That’s what this moment is,” she said Saturday, speaking to several hundred demonstrators from the steps of City Hall. “When you attack the rights of women in America, you are attacking America.”Some of the protesters voiced their anger at the steps of the nation's high court, which took Friday's action at the request of the federal Justice Department. The agency&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-abortion-pill-appeal-fe13d36218f1fb43590aff29b5ba4e9c">asked the high court</a>&nbsp;to lift restrictions on mifepristone imposed by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pill-lawsuit-mifepristone-misoprostol-kacsmaryk-74cb1c4cfab2c04f6cf2696151bc86ef">an appellate court</a>&nbsp;in Texas earlier in the week. The decision by the appellate court reduced the window of time when the drug could be used and prevented the drug from being dispensed by mail.Critics of the Texas and appellate court decisions, including pharmaceutical companies, viewed the courts’ actions as a dangerous intrusion into the authority of the FDA, which regulates how medications are sold and used in the United States.Demonstrators in New York City stood behind a sign with a four-letter expletive directed at Texas, where a federal judge set off the latest salvo in the battle over abortion. They held signs urging the government to defend medication abortions.But the crowd was modest, attracting a little more than 100 people outside the picturesque public library along Fifth Avenue.Still, the demonstrators attracted looks from passersby along the busy thoroughfare, some briefly joining the group to lend their voices.“It can be hard to get people out, because people are being bombarded with all kinds of assaults on their bodies and people are tired and poor,” said Viva Ruiz, who said she helped organize the rally.“The news cycle is so fast that when one thing happens something terrible happens the next day. So it’s hard to sustain the momentum or the energy for people to be on the streets,” Ruiz said.With few exceptions, many of the rallies — organized under the banner of a group calling itself “Bigger than Roe” — were held in smaller cities.Since&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-supreme-court-decision-854f60302f21c2c35129e58cf8d8a7b0">last year's reversal</a>&nbsp;of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized the right to an abortion,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-pills-mifepristone-states-lawsuits-ac6dc09c0dd66a146d3ddfde061fc1a6">more than a dozen states</a>&nbsp;have effectively outlawed abortion, while additional states have moved to further tighten abortion laws.On Thursday, the GOP-dominated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-florida-desantis-07c1543fe28b6c09e777bec58de7640f">Florida Legislature</a>&nbsp;moved to became the latest state to ban abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.Restrictions on the delivery and use of mifepristone, part of a two-drug regimen to end a pregnancy, would be a further blow to abortion rights advocates. The other drug, misoprostol, can be used on its own, but doing so is less effective than using both drugs in combination.When mifepristone was initially approved, the FDA limited its use to up to seven weeks of pregnancy. It also required three in-person office visits: the first to administer mifepristone, the next to administer the second drug, misoprostol, and the third to address any complications.If the appeals court’s action stands, those would again be the terms under which mifepristone could be dispensed.States that support abortion rights, including California and New York,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/democrats-states-stockpiling-abortion-pills-mifepristone-bab172f4037eb73fe90142ba28c23cc0">have begun stockpiling</a>&nbsp;misoprostol to assure their states have adequate supplies. Washington state is among those stockpiling a supply of mifepristone or its generic form. And Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said the administration is dedicating $1 million to help providers contracted with the Department of Public Health buy additional quantities of mifepristone.More than 5.6 million women in the U.S. had used mifepristone as of June 2022, according to the FDA. In that period, the agency received 4,200 reports of complications in women, or less than one-tenth of 1% of women who took the drug.

Vice President rallies as high court eyes abortion pill rules

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident during a law enforcement pursuit just before 2:30a.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Wichita Police 2019 Dodge Charger driven by Officer Nathaniel A. Denshaw, 32, Wichita, was westbound on Kellogg at Greenwich engaged in a pursuit.

The driver failed to yield at a stop light and struck a northbound 2017 Ford Fusion driven by Brianna N. Coon, 22, Augusta.

EMS transported officer, Coon, and a passenger in the Ford identified as Cameron A. Tadayon, 22, Wichita, to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase or additional information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Three people were injured in an accident during a law enforcement pursuit just before 2:30a.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Wichita Police 2019 Dodge Charger driven by Officer Nathaniel A. Denshaw, 32, Wichita, was westbound on Kellogg at Greenwich engaged in a pursuit.The driver failed to yield at a stop light and struck a northbound 2017 Ford Fusion driven by Brianna N. Coon, 22, Augusta.EMS transported officer, Coon, and a passenger in the Ford identified as Cameron A. Tadayon, 22, Wichita, to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. All three were properly restrained, according to the KHP.Authorities have not released details on what prompted the chase or additional information.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Crash during pursuit injures Kansas officer, 2 others

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The investigation into the shooting by a homeowner of a Black teenager who went to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers includes questions about whether it was racially motivated, authorities in Kansas City said.

Police are quickly preparing evidence for prosecutors in Thursday's shooting, Chief Stacey Graves said Sunday at a news conference at police headquarters.

“I want everyone to know that I am listening,” Graves said, “and I understand the concern we are receiving from the community.”

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses">Click here to view</a>&nbsp;the the GoFundMe to assist the family

The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article274380535.html">reported</a>&nbsp;the 16-year-old, whom family members have identified online as Ralph Yarl, was hospitalized Thursday night after he was shot while trying to pick up his younger twin brothers from a friend's house. Police said he went to the wrong house and was shot there.

Officials would not confirm the number of times the homeowner shot the victim or where his injuries were. Police initially said Yarl was stable but had a life-threatening injury. His current condition has not been released, other than that he is stable.

Police have not identified the shooter or his race, though civil rights attorney Ben Crump told The Star the shooter appears to be white. Information that officials have now does not point to the shooting being racially motivated, but Graves said that aspect also remains under investigation.

Investigators also will consider whether or not the suspect was protected by “Stand Your Ground” laws, Graves said.

Yarl was meant to pick up his brothers from a friend’s house on 115th Terrace. He ended up ringing the doorbell at a home on 115th Street, Faith Spoonmore, the teen’s aunt, wrote online.

A man opened the door, saw Yarl and shot him in the head. When Yarl fell to the ground, the man shot him again. Yarl got up and ran from the property, but he had to ask at three different homes before someone helped him, Spoonmore wrote.

Kansas City police officers said they responded around 10 p.m.

Graves said Sunday that the homeowner was taken into custody Thursday and placed on a 24-hour hold. While searching the scene for evidence, detectives found the firearm used. Law enforcement released the suspect pending further investigation after consulting with the Clay County prosecutor’s office.

Missouri law allows a person to be held up to 24 hours for a felony investigation. At that point, the person must be released or arrested and formally charged. In order to arrest someone, law enforcement needs a formal victim statement, forensic evidence and other information for a case file to be completed, Graves said.

Because of the teen’s injuries, Graves said, police haven’t been able to get a victim statement.

Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended the news conference, said police understand the community’s concern that the shooting could be racially motivated. Some members of the police department attended Sunday’s protest in the neighborhood where the shooting took place to listen to community concerns, he said.

“This is not something that has been dismissed, marginalized or diminished in any way. This is something that is getting the full attention of the Kansas City Police Department," Lucas said.

Crump told The Star on Sunday that the family has retained his Florida-based law firm.

“You can’t just shoot people without having justification when somebody comes knocking on your door and knocking on your door is not justification," Crump said. “This guy should be charged.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trayvon-martin-death-of-george-floyd-florida-race-and-ethnicity-michael-brown-96d01a255bebe5762a9bf356768a5e5c">Crump has represented families</a>&nbsp;in several high-profile cases, including those of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, as well as Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

Crump said the homeowner initially shot the teen in the head and then a second time after the boy fell to the ground. The family also has retained Lee Merritt, a Texas-based civil rights attorney who previously represented the family of Cameron Lamb, who was fatally shot by Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere in 2019.

Crump said that judging by what he was told by the teen’s family, the shooter is white.

“It is inescapable not to acknowledge the racial dynamics at play,” he said.

Even though Yarl "is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally,” Spoonmore wrote in a GoFundMe she started to raise money for Yarl’s medical bills and other expenses.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Yarl-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Yarl-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The investigation into the shooting by a homeowner of a Black teenager who went to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers includes questions about whether it was racially motivated, authorities in Kansas City said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Chief Graves spoke with media regarding updates in the case involving the juvenile who was shot Thursday night. <a href="https://t.co/ZTHPbwWcto">pic.twitter.com/ZTHPbwWcto</a>&mdash; kcpolice (@kcpolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/kcpolice/status/1647716769073860608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police are quickly preparing evidence for prosecutors in Thursday's shooting, Chief Stacey Graves said Sunday at a news conference at police headquarters.“I want everyone to know that I am listening,” Graves said, “and I understand the concern we are receiving from the community.”<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses">Click here to view</a>&nbsp;the the GoFundMe to assist the familyThe Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article274380535.html">reported</a>&nbsp;the 16-year-old, whom family members have identified online as Ralph Yarl, was hospitalized Thursday night after he was shot while trying to pick up his younger twin brothers from a friend's house. Police said he went to the wrong house and was shot there.Officials would not confirm the number of times the homeowner shot the victim or where his injuries were. Police initially said Yarl was stable but had a life-threatening injury. His current condition has not been released, other than that he is stable.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Like many, I am heartbroken and angered by the recent shooting of a child in our community who simply came to a doorstep to pick up his younger siblings. This never should have happened.&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1647735414898270208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Police have not identified the shooter or his race, though civil rights attorney Ben Crump told The Star the shooter appears to be white. Information that officials have now does not point to the shooting being racially motivated, but Graves said that aspect also remains under investigation.Investigators also will consider whether or not the suspect was protected by “Stand Your Ground” laws, Graves said.Yarl was meant to pick up his brothers from a friend’s house on 115th Terrace. He ended up ringing the doorbell at a home on 115th Street, Faith Spoonmore, the teen’s aunt, wrote online.A man opened the door, saw Yarl and shot him in the head. When Yarl fell to the ground, the man shot him again. Yarl got up and ran from the property, but he had to ask at three different homes before someone helped him, Spoonmore wrote.Kansas City police officers said they responded around 10 p.m.Graves said Sunday that the homeowner was taken into custody Thursday and placed on a 24-hour hold. While searching the scene for evidence, detectives found the firearm used. Law enforcement released the suspect pending further investigation after consulting with the Clay County prosecutor’s office.Missouri law allows a person to be held up to 24 hours for a felony investigation. At that point, the person must be released or arrested and formally charged. In order to arrest someone, law enforcement needs a formal victim statement, forensic evidence and other information for a case file to be completed, Graves said.Because of the teen’s injuries, Graves said, police haven’t been able to get a victim statement.Mayor Quinton Lucas, who attended the news conference, said police understand the community’s concern that the shooting could be racially motivated. Some members of the police department attended Sunday’s protest in the neighborhood where the shooting took place to listen to community concerns, he said.“This is not something that has been dismissed, marginalized or diminished in any way. This is something that is getting the full attention of the Kansas City Police Department," Lucas said.Crump told The Star on Sunday that the family has retained his Florida-based law firm.“You can’t just shoot people without having justification when somebody comes knocking on your door and knocking on your door is not justification," Crump said. “This guy should be charged.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trayvon-martin-death-of-george-floyd-florida-race-and-ethnicity-michael-brown-96d01a255bebe5762a9bf356768a5e5c">Crump has represented families</a>&nbsp;in several high-profile cases, including those of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, as well as Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.Crump said the homeowner initially shot the teen in the head and then a second time after the boy fell to the ground. The family also has retained Lee Merritt, a Texas-based civil rights attorney who previously represented the family of Cameron Lamb, who was fatally shot by Kansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere in 2019.Crump said that judging by what he was told by the teen’s family, the shooter is white.“It is inescapable not to acknowledge the racial dynamics at play,” he said.Even though Yarl "is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally,” Spoonmore wrote in a GoFundMe she started to raise money for Yarl’s medical bills and other expenses.----------

🎥Homeowner shoots, injures Black teen who went to wrong house

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The death toll from Russian missile strikes on eastern Ukraine's city of Sloviansk rose to 11 as rescue crews tried to reach people trapped in the rubble of an apartment building, Ukrainian authorities said.

Ukraine's air force said the country would soon have weapons with which to try to prevent attacks like the one on Friday. The delivery of the Patriot air defense system&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-b90ce5a55b1f6b820d03da96612b3796">promised by the U.S.</a>&nbsp;was expected in Ukraine sometime after Easter, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said.

The primarily Orthodox Christian country observed Easter on Sunday. Speaking Saturday on Ukrainian state TV, Ihnat declined to give a precise timeline for the arrival of the defensive missile system but said the public would know “as soon as the first Russian aircraft is shot down.”

A group of 65 Ukrainian soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-patriot-missiles-fort-sill-8afb4a17cae52cb19428c5a5adcacb7f">completed their training</a>&nbsp;last month at Fort Sill, a U.S. Army post in Oklahoma, and returned to Europe to learn more about using the defensive missile system to track and shoot down enemy aircraft.

Officials said at the time that the Ukrainians would then go back to their country with a Patriot missile battery, which typically includes six mobile launchers, a mobile radar, a power generator and an engagement control center.

Germany and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-politics-netherlands-government-united-states-03128d7faeb04340cc8a1421cf6ae42e">the Netherlands</a>&nbsp;also have pledged to provide a Patriot system each to Ukraine. In addition, a SAMP/T anti-missile system pledged by France and Italy “should enter Ukraine in the near future,” Ihnat said this week.

The Ukrainian military is looking to beef up its ability to intercept missiles as it prepares for an expected spring counter-offensive to retake Russian-occupied areas of the country. Although more than a year of fighting has depleted weapons supplies on both sides, Russian forces have intensified their 8 1/2-month campaign to seize the city of Bakhmut, the focus of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-bakhmut-3036cdd95c89ae2df31ded0ba80bb7c8">the war's longest battle</a>&nbsp;so far.

Bakhmut and Sloviansk are located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) apart in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk province.

Rescue teams in Sloviansk recovered the bodies of two people from under the rubble of a house hit in Friday's missile strikes, according to the State Emergency Service. They also searched Saturday for five people who remained in the wreckage of the apartment building, as well as the residents of three units who were reported missing, Vadym Liakh, the head of the local government, said.

Separately, a 48-year-old woman and her 28-year-old daughter died Saturday after Russian forces shelled a neighborhood of the city of Kherson, the regional administration said on Telegram. The southern port city was occupied by Russian forces in the early months of the war, but Ukrainian forces regained control of it in November, one of the most notable battlefield defeats for Moscow.

A new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-draft-mobilization-conscription-notices-bf18ad64dd08c9d11aab2e222cabfee9">signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;on Friday that allows military offices to send draft notices electronically instead of delivering them in person is part of Russia’s preparation for a protracted war in Ukraine, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in a Saturday morning assessment.

According to British intelligence, a “unified registry of individuals eligible for military service” will be digitally linked to other government services, allowing Russian authorities to “punish draft-dodgers by automatically limiting employment rights and restricting foreign travel.”

Since the law does not come into force until later in the year, the U.K. Defense Ministry said the e-notices do not automatically point to a “major new wave of enforced mobilization” but rather form part of a “longer-term approach to provide personnel as Russia anticipates a lengthy conflict in Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, 52,000 young Russian men already have received draft orders as part of the country's regular spring call-up, and 21,000 of them qualified for military service, Col. Andrey Biryukov, who is in charge of mobilization, said Saturday.

Biryukov addressed concerns that the new electronic conscription law presaged a broader mobilization of reservists, like one Putin ordered in September.

“I’d like to stress that all army deferrals for citizens will still be valid. And e-draft orders will not be mailed in bulk,” Biryukov said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673396092973.png" alt="-Ukrainian troops trained at Oklahoma’s Fort Sill Army base operating and maintaining the Patriot missile defense system-Photo U.S. Defense Department" />
 <figcaption>-Ukrainian troops trained at Oklahoma’s Fort Sill Army base operating and maintaining the Patriot missile defense system-Photo U.S. Defense Department</figcaption>
 </figure>KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The death toll from Russian missile strikes on eastern Ukraine's city of Sloviansk rose to 11 as rescue crews tried to reach people trapped in the rubble of an apartment building, Ukrainian authorities said.Ukraine's air force said the country would soon have weapons with which to try to prevent attacks like the one on Friday. The delivery of the Patriot air defense system&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-b90ce5a55b1f6b820d03da96612b3796">promised by the U.S.</a>&nbsp;was expected in Ukraine sometime after Easter, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said.The primarily Orthodox Christian country observed Easter on Sunday. Speaking Saturday on Ukrainian state TV, Ihnat declined to give a precise timeline for the arrival of the defensive missile system but said the public would know “as soon as the first Russian aircraft is shot down.”A group of 65 Ukrainian soldiers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-war-patriot-missiles-fort-sill-8afb4a17cae52cb19428c5a5adcacb7f">completed their training</a>&nbsp;last month at Fort Sill, a U.S. Army post in Oklahoma, and returned to Europe to learn more about using the defensive missile system to track and shoot down enemy aircraft.Officials said at the time that the Ukrainians would then go back to their country with a Patriot missile battery, which typically includes six mobile launchers, a mobile radar, a power generator and an engagement control center.Germany and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-politics-netherlands-government-united-states-03128d7faeb04340cc8a1421cf6ae42e">the Netherlands</a>&nbsp;also have pledged to provide a Patriot system each to Ukraine. In addition, a SAMP/T anti-missile system pledged by France and Italy “should enter Ukraine in the near future,” Ihnat said this week.The Ukrainian military is looking to beef up its ability to intercept missiles as it prepares for an expected spring counter-offensive to retake Russian-occupied areas of the country. Although more than a year of fighting has depleted weapons supplies on both sides, Russian forces have intensified their 8 1/2-month campaign to seize the city of Bakhmut, the focus of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-bakhmut-3036cdd95c89ae2df31ded0ba80bb7c8">the war's longest battle</a>&nbsp;so far.Bakhmut and Sloviansk are located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) apart in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk province.Rescue teams in Sloviansk recovered the bodies of two people from under the rubble of a house hit in Friday's missile strikes, according to the State Emergency Service. They also searched Saturday for five people who remained in the wreckage of the apartment building, as well as the residents of three units who were reported missing, Vadym Liakh, the head of the local government, said.Separately, a 48-year-old woman and her 28-year-old daughter died Saturday after Russian forces shelled a neighborhood of the city of Kherson, the regional administration said on Telegram. The southern port city was occupied by Russian forces in the early months of the war, but Ukrainian forces regained control of it in November, one of the most notable battlefield defeats for Moscow.A new law&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-draft-mobilization-conscription-notices-bf18ad64dd08c9d11aab2e222cabfee9">signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>&nbsp;on Friday that allows military offices to send draft notices electronically instead of delivering them in person is part of Russia’s preparation for a protracted war in Ukraine, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in a Saturday morning assessment.According to British intelligence, a “unified registry of individuals eligible for military service” will be digitally linked to other government services, allowing Russian authorities to “punish draft-dodgers by automatically limiting employment rights and restricting foreign travel.”Since the law does not come into force until later in the year, the U.K. Defense Ministry said the e-notices do not automatically point to a “major new wave of enforced mobilization” but rather form part of a “longer-term approach to provide personnel as Russia anticipates a lengthy conflict in Ukraine.”Meanwhile, 52,000 young Russian men already have received draft orders as part of the country's regular spring call-up, and 21,000 of them qualified for military service, Col. Andrey Biryukov, who is in charge of mobilization, said Saturday.Biryukov addressed concerns that the new electronic conscription law presaged a broader mobilization of reservists, like one Putin ordered in September.“I’d like to stress that all army deferrals for citizens will still be valid. And e-draft orders will not be mailed in bulk,” Biryukov said.

Ukraine anxious for US missile system after latest Russian strike

ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Atchison.

According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Toyota Tacoma driven by Bryan Barraza, 23, Atchison, turned westbound into the 1400 Block of Country Club Road.

The pickup left the roadway on the south side and struck a residence. EMS transported Barraza was to a hospital for treatment of injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681652399050.png" alt="photo Atchison Police" />
 <figcaption>photo Atchison Police</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 8p.m. Saturday in Atchison.According to Police Chief Mike Wilson, a Toyota Tacoma driven by Bryan Barraza, 23, Atchison, turned westbound into the 1400 Block of Country Club Road.The pickup left the roadway on the south side and struck a residence. EMS transported Barraza was to a hospital for treatment of injuries. The accident remains under investigation.

Kansas man hospitalized after pickup crash into home

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.

A Pontiac G6 driven by 18-year-old Madison Dahl of Haysville was northbound in the 1200 Block of Seneca from Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; The driver lost control shortly after crossing the railroad tracks and collided with a tree.

Dahl was trapped in the vehicle. Wichita Fire Department personnel&nbsp; extricated her and transported her to an area hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased, according to Macy.

EMS also transported a 19-year-old male passenger to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This is the fifth fatality crash in 2023 and the fifth traffic fatality.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 12:30a.m. Sunday in Sedgwick County.A Pontiac G6 driven by 18-year-old Madison Dahl of Haysville was northbound in the 1200 Block of Seneca from Harry in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; The driver lost control shortly after crossing the railroad tracks and collided with a tree.Dahl was trapped in the vehicle. Wichita Fire Department personnel&nbsp; extricated her and transported her to an area hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased, according to Macy.EMS also transported a 19-year-old male passenger to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.This is the fifth fatality crash in 2023 and the fifth traffic fatality.

18-year-old Kansas woman dies after car strikes a tree

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.

Just before midnight Friday, police responded to report of gunshots in the area of the 700 Block . of SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;

First responders found three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of these victims’ injuries were considered non-life threatening. One of the victim’s injuries was considered life-threatening. All three were transported to a local area hospital.

As a result of the investigation, police arrested Marcus D. Kindle, 42, of Topeka on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Marijuana, according to Stanley.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681650123035.png" alt="Kindle-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Kindle-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a shooting and have a suspect in custody.Just before midnight Friday, police responded to report of gunshots in the area of the 700 Block . of SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.&nbsp;First responders found three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Two of these victims’ injuries were considered non-life threatening. One of the victim’s injuries was considered life-threatening. All three were transported to a local area hospital.As a result of the investigation, police arrested Marcus D. Kindle, 42, of Topeka on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Child Endangerment, Possession of Marijuana, according to Stanley.

Kan. man accused in shooting that sent three to the hospital

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's House gave final passage Friday to a bill banning the social media app TikTok from operating in the state, a move that's bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-ceo-congressional-hearing-bytedance-china-44d948c5b0ba18e2a714e0fa62d52779">TikTok-free America many national lawmakers envision</a>&nbsp;due to concerns over potential Chinese spying.

The House voted 54-43 in favor of the measure, which would make Montana the first state with a total ban on the app. It goes further than prohibitions already put in place by nearly half the states — including Montana — and the U.S. federal government that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">prohibit TikTok on government-owned devices</a>.

The measure now goes to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who declined to say Friday if he plans to sign it into law. A statement provided by spokesperson Brooke Metrione said the governor “will carefully consider” all bills the Legislature sends to his desk.

Gianforte banned TikTok on state government devices last year, saying at the time that the app posed a “significant risk” to sensitive state data.

TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter promised a legal challenge over the measure's constitutionality, saying the bill's supporters “have admitted that they have no feasible plan” to enforce “this attempt to censor American voices.”

The company "will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach,” Oberwetter said.

TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">worries it could hand over user data</a>&nbsp;to the Chinese government or push pro-Beijing propaganda and misinformation on the platform. Leaders at the FBI and the CIA and numerous lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, have raised such concerns but have not presented any evidence that it has happened.

Ban supporters point to two Chinese laws that compel companies in the country to cooperate with the government on state intelligence work. They also cite troubling episodes such as a disclosure by ByteDance in December that it fired four employees who accessed the IP addresses and other data of two journalists while attempting to uncover the source of a leaked report about the company.

Congress is considering legislation that does not single out TikTok specifically but gives the Commerce Department the ability more broadly to restrict foreign threats on tech platforms. That bill is being backed by the White House, but it has received pushback from privacy advocates, right-wing commentators and others who say the language is too expansive.

TikTok has said it has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-china-biden-bytedance-data-misinformation-02b59e4a6611ce97c775da19de31d7ad">plan to protect U.S. user data</a>.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, whose office drafted the state’s legislation, said in a social media post Friday that the bill “is a critical step to ensuring we are protecting Montanans’ privacy,” even as he acknowledged that a court battle looms.

The measure would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.

The ban would not take effect until January 2024 and would become void if Congress passes a national measure or if TikTok severs its connections with China.

The bill was introduced in February, just weeks after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chinese-surveillance-balloon-united-states-montana-47248b0ef2b085620fcd866c105054be">Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;drifted over Montana, but had been drafted prior to that.

A representative from the tech trade group TechNet told state lawmakers that app stores do not have the ability to geofence apps on a state-by-state basis, so the Apple App Store and Google Play Store could not enforce the law.

Ashley Sutton, TechNet’s executive director for Washington state and the northwest, said Thursday that the “responsibility should be on an app to determine where it can operate, not an app store.”

Knudsen, the attorney general, has said that apps for online gambling can be disabled in states that do not allow it, so the same should be possible for TikTok.

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers moved one step closer Thursday to passing a bill to ban TikTok from operating in the state, a move that’s bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the TikTok-free America that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-ceo-congressional-hearing-bytedance-china-44d948c5b0ba18e2a714e0fa62d52779">many national lawmakers have envisioned</a>.

Montana's proposal, which has backing from the state's GOP-controlled legislature, is more sweeping than bans in place in nearly half the states and the U.S. federal government that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">prohibit TikTok on government devices</a>.

The House endorsed the bill 60-39 on Thursday. A final House vote will likely take place Friday before the bill goes to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte. He has banned TikTok on government devices in Montana. The Senate passed the bill 30-20 in March.

TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">concerns it could hand over user data</a>&nbsp;to the Chinese government or push pro-Beijing propaganda and misinformation on the platform. Leaders at the FBI, CIA and numerous lawmakers of both parties have raised those concerns but haven’t presented any evidence to prove it has happened.

Supporters of a ban point to two Chinese laws that compel companies in the country to cooperate with the government on state intelligence work. They also point out other troubling episodes, such as a disclosure by ByteDance in December that it fired four employees who accessed the IP addresses and other data of two journalists while attempting to uncover the source of a leaked report about the company.

Congress is considering legislation that doesn't call out TikTok, but gives the Commerce Department the ability to restrict foreign threats on tech platforms. That bill is being backed by the White House, but it has received pushback from privacy advocates, right-wing commentators and others who say the language is too broad.

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen urged state lawmakers to pass the bill because he wasn't sure Congress would act quickly on a federal ban.

“I think Montana’s got an opportunity here to be a leader,” Knudsen, a Republican, told a House committee in March. He says the app is a tool used by the Chinese government to spy on Montanans.

Montana's ban would not take effect until January 2024 and would be void if Congress passes a ban or if TikTok severs its Chinese connections.

The bill would prohibit downloads of TikTok in Montana and would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access the social media platform or download the app. The penalties would not apply to users.

Opponents argued the bill amounted to government overreach and that residents could easily circumvent the proposed ban by using a Virtual Private Network. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and makes it more difficult for third parties to track online activities, steal data and determine a person's location.

At a hearing for the bill in March, a representative from the tech trade group TechNet said app stores also “do not have the ability to geofence” apps on a state by state basis and that it would be impossible for its members, like Apple and Google, to prevent TikTok from being downloaded in Montana.

Knudsen said Thursday the geofencing technology is used with online sports gambling apps, which he said are deactivated in states where online gambling is illegal. Ashley Sutton, TechNet’s executive director for Washington state and the northwest, said in a statement Thursday that the "responsibility should be on an app to determine where it can operate, not an app store."

“We’ve expressed these concerns to lawmakers. We hope the governor will work with lawmakers to amend the legislation to ensure companies that aren’t intended targets of the legislation" aren't affected, Sutton said.

TikTok said in a statement it will “continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach.”

Some opponents of the bill have argued the state wasn't looking to ban other social media apps that collect similar types of data from their users.

“We also believe this is a blatant exercise of censorship and is an egregious violation of Montanans' free speech rights,” said Keegan Medrano with the ACLU of Montana.

Democratic Rep. Katie Sullivan offered an amendment Thursday to broaden the ban to include any social media app that collected personal information and transferred it to a foreign adversary, such as Russia, Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Venezuela, along with China. The amendment was narrowly rejected 48-51.

Supporters of the bill said it made sense to target TikTok first because of specific concerns with China and that it was a step in the right direction even if it doesn't address challenges related to other social media companies.

TikTok has been pushing back against the bill. The company, which has 150 million users in the U.S., has encouraged users in the state to speak out against the bill and hired lobbyists to do so as well. It has also purchased billboards, run full-page newspaper ads and has a website opposing Montana’s legislation. Some ads placed in local newspapers highlight how local businesses were able to use the app to drive sales.

The bill would “show Montana doesn’t support entrepreneurs in our own state,” Shauna White Bear, who owns White Bear Moccasins, said during a March 28 hearing. She noted her business receives much more engagement on TikTok than on other social media sites.

Knudsen, the attorney general whose office drafted the bill, said he expects the bill to face legal challenges if it passes.

“Frankly, I think it probably needs the courts to step in here,” he said. “This is a really interesting, novel legal question that I think is ripe for some new jurisprudence.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670097767255.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's House gave final passage Friday to a bill banning the social media app TikTok from operating in the state, a move that's bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-ceo-congressional-hearing-bytedance-china-44d948c5b0ba18e2a714e0fa62d52779">TikTok-free America many national lawmakers envision</a>&nbsp;due to concerns over potential Chinese spying.The House voted 54-43 in favor of the measure, which would make Montana the first state with a total ban on the app. It goes further than prohibitions already put in place by nearly half the states — including Montana — and the U.S. federal government that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">prohibit TikTok on government-owned devices</a>.The measure now goes to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who declined to say Friday if he plans to sign it into law. A statement provided by spokesperson Brooke Metrione said the governor “will carefully consider” all bills the Legislature sends to his desk.Gianforte banned TikTok on state government devices last year, saying at the time that the app posed a “significant risk” to sensitive state data.TikTok spokesperson Brooke Oberwetter promised a legal challenge over the measure's constitutionality, saying the bill's supporters “have admitted that they have no feasible plan” to enforce “this attempt to censor American voices.”The company "will continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach,” Oberwetter said.TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">worries it could hand over user data</a>&nbsp;to the Chinese government or push pro-Beijing propaganda and misinformation on the platform. Leaders at the FBI and the CIA and numerous lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, have raised such concerns but have not presented any evidence that it has happened.Ban supporters point to two Chinese laws that compel companies in the country to cooperate with the government on state intelligence work. They also cite troubling episodes such as a disclosure by ByteDance in December that it fired four employees who accessed the IP addresses and other data of two journalists while attempting to uncover the source of a leaked report about the company.Congress is considering legislation that does not single out TikTok specifically but gives the Commerce Department the ability more broadly to restrict foreign threats on tech platforms. That bill is being backed by the White House, but it has received pushback from privacy advocates, right-wing commentators and others who say the language is too expansive.TikTok has said it has a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-china-biden-bytedance-data-misinformation-02b59e4a6611ce97c775da19de31d7ad">plan to protect U.S. user data</a>.Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, whose office drafted the state’s legislation, said in a social media post Friday that the bill “is a critical step to ensuring we are protecting Montanans’ privacy,” even as he acknowledged that a court battle looms.The measure would prohibit downloads of TikTok in the state and would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access or download the app. There would not be penalties for users.The ban would not take effect until January 2024 and would become void if Congress passes a national measure or if TikTok severs its connections with China.The bill was introduced in February, just weeks after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chinese-surveillance-balloon-united-states-montana-47248b0ef2b085620fcd866c105054be">Chinese spy balloon</a>&nbsp;drifted over Montana, but had been drafted prior to that.A representative from the tech trade group TechNet told state lawmakers that app stores do not have the ability to geofence apps on a state-by-state basis, so the Apple App Store and Google Play Store could not enforce the law.Ashley Sutton, TechNet’s executive director for Washington state and the northwest, said Thursday that the “responsibility should be on an app to determine where it can operate, not an app store.”Knudsen, the attorney general, has said that apps for online gambling can be disabled in states that do not allow it, so the same should be possible for TikTok.-----------HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana lawmakers moved one step closer Thursday to passing a bill to ban TikTok from operating in the state, a move that’s bound to face legal challenges but also serve as a testing ground for the TikTok-free America that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-ceo-congressional-hearing-bytedance-china-44d948c5b0ba18e2a714e0fa62d52779">many national lawmakers have envisioned</a>.Montana's proposal, which has backing from the state's GOP-controlled legislature, is more sweeping than bans in place in nearly half the states and the U.S. federal government that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/why-is-tiktok-being-banned-7d2de01d3ac5ab2b8ec2239dc7f2b20d">prohibit TikTok on government devices</a>.The House endorsed the bill 60-39 on Thursday. A final House vote will likely take place Friday before the bill goes to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte. He has banned TikTok on government devices in Montana. The Senate passed the bill 30-20 in March.TikTok, which is owned by the Chinese tech company ByteDance, has been under intense scrutiny over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-bytedance-shou-zi-chew-8d8a6a9694357040d484670b7f4833be">concerns it could hand over user data</a>&nbsp;to the Chinese government or push pro-Beijing propaganda and misinformation on the platform. Leaders at the FBI, CIA and numerous lawmakers of both parties have raised those concerns but haven’t presented any evidence to prove it has happened.Supporters of a ban point to two Chinese laws that compel companies in the country to cooperate with the government on state intelligence work. They also point out other troubling episodes, such as a disclosure by ByteDance in December that it fired four employees who accessed the IP addresses and other data of two journalists while attempting to uncover the source of a leaked report about the company.Congress is considering legislation that doesn't call out TikTok, but gives the Commerce Department the ability to restrict foreign threats on tech platforms. That bill is being backed by the White House, but it has received pushback from privacy advocates, right-wing commentators and others who say the language is too broad.Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen urged state lawmakers to pass the bill because he wasn't sure Congress would act quickly on a federal ban.“I think Montana’s got an opportunity here to be a leader,” Knudsen, a Republican, told a House committee in March. He says the app is a tool used by the Chinese government to spy on Montanans.Montana's ban would not take effect until January 2024 and would be void if Congress passes a ban or if TikTok severs its Chinese connections.The bill would prohibit downloads of TikTok in Montana and would fine any “entity” — an app store or TikTok — $10,000 per day for each time someone “is offered the ability” to access the social media platform or download the app. The penalties would not apply to users.Opponents argued the bill amounted to government overreach and that residents could easily circumvent the proposed ban by using a Virtual Private Network. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and makes it more difficult for third parties to track online activities, steal data and determine a person's location.At a hearing for the bill in March, a representative from the tech trade group TechNet said app stores also “do not have the ability to geofence” apps on a state by state basis and that it would be impossible for its members, like Apple and Google, to prevent TikTok from being downloaded in Montana.Knudsen said Thursday the geofencing technology is used with online sports gambling apps, which he said are deactivated in states where online gambling is illegal. Ashley Sutton, TechNet’s executive director for Washington state and the northwest, said in a statement Thursday that the "responsibility should be on an app to determine where it can operate, not an app store."“We’ve expressed these concerns to lawmakers. We hope the governor will work with lawmakers to amend the legislation to ensure companies that aren’t intended targets of the legislation" aren't affected, Sutton said.TikTok said in a statement it will “continue to fight for TikTok users and creators in Montana whose livelihoods and First Amendment rights are threatened by this egregious government overreach.”Some opponents of the bill have argued the state wasn't looking to ban other social media apps that collect similar types of data from their users.“We also believe this is a blatant exercise of censorship and is an egregious violation of Montanans' free speech rights,” said Keegan Medrano with the ACLU of Montana.Democratic Rep. Katie Sullivan offered an amendment Thursday to broaden the ban to include any social media app that collected personal information and transferred it to a foreign adversary, such as Russia, Iran, Cuba, North Korea and Venezuela, along with China. The amendment was narrowly rejected 48-51.Supporters of the bill said it made sense to target TikTok first because of specific concerns with China and that it was a step in the right direction even if it doesn't address challenges related to other social media companies.TikTok has been pushing back against the bill. The company, which has 150 million users in the U.S., has encouraged users in the state to speak out against the bill and hired lobbyists to do so as well. It has also purchased billboards, run full-page newspaper ads and has a website opposing Montana’s legislation. Some ads placed in local newspapers highlight how local businesses were able to use the app to drive sales.The bill would “show Montana doesn’t support entrepreneurs in our own state,” Shauna White Bear, who owns White Bear Moccasins, said during a March 28 hearing. She noted her business receives much more engagement on TikTok than on other social media sites.Knudsen, the attorney general whose office drafted the bill, said he expects the bill to face legal challenges if it passes.“Frankly, I think it probably needs the courts to step in here,” he said. “This is a really interesting, novel legal question that I think is ripe for some new jurisprudence.”The Montana bill isn't the first blanket ban the company has faced. In 2020, then-President Donald Trump issued executive orders that banned the use of TikTok and the Chinese messaging platform WeChat. Those efforts were nixed by the courts and shelved by the Biden administration.TikTok continued&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-ban-china-cfius-national-security-a7f59032a6a68c67470a0746d560e411">negotiations with the administration</a>&nbsp;on the security concerns tied to the app. Amid rising geopolitical tensions with China, the Biden administration more recently has threatened it could ban the app if the company's Chinese owners don't sell their stakes. To avoid either outcome, TikTok has been trying to sell a data safety proposal called “Project Texas” that would route all its U.S. user data to servers operated by the software giant Oracle.