KANSAS LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS SINE DIE ON MAY 23RD
On May 23rd, the Kansas Legislature wrapped up the 2022 regular session. The day included two additional veto overrides and the passage of two tax bills, one of which headed to the governor.
The session was able to conclude on one day due to the Kansas Supreme Court ruling that both the Congressional and state legislative maps were constitutional in a decision rendered last week.
Known in the legislature as Sine Die, it officially marks the final adjournment for the 2022 Legislative Session and ended on Day 86. The Senate sent 45 bills to the governor. There was a total of 266 Senate bills introduced in 2022 for a total during this last two-year cycle of 581.
Barring a special session, the full legislature will return on January 9th, 2023.
SENATE FLOOR ACTION
The first veto override was on HB 2252. This bill prevents the governor or Secretary of State from entering into a consent decree or other agreements without approval of the legislature regarding the alteration of election procedures or the enforcement of election law. This was a simple separation of powers issue, as it is the legislature which enacts law and therefore any change to that law should be by the legislature as well. The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a vote of 27-10. The House also voted to override the veto; therefore, the measure will now become law. I voted yes.
The second veto override was on HB 2387. The bill contains two important provisions. First, it prevents the governor from closing churches during an emergency as in 2020. Secondly, it states that the governor nor the administration can issue a request for proposal for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program or enter into any new contract with managed care organizations for the administration and provision of benefits under the medical assistance program until January 31, 2023. The Senate voted to override the governor’s veto on a vote of 27-10. The House also voted to override the veto; therefore, the measure will now become law. I voted yes.
Both the Senate and House passed HB 2136, which provides targeted tax relief in two ways. First, it would eliminate a provision requiring retailers with annual sales tax liability in excess of $40,000 to remit estimated payment for the first 15 days of the current month when the tax return for the previous month is filed. Second, it would enact the COVID-19 Retail Storefront Property Tax Relief Act to provide for claims for refunds to be paid for tax years 2020 and 2021 for certain claimants that were operationally shut down or restricted at their retail storefront by a COVID-19-related order or action imposed by the State, a local unit of government, or a local health officer. HB 2136 passed the Senate 35-0. It then also passed the House and is now headed to the governor. I voted yes.
HAVE FUN WITH SUMMER READING – KANSAS STATE LIBRARY
Summer reading programs at public libraries in Kansas offer creative, fun, and FREE ways to build a love for reading. This year’s theme is Oceans of Possibilities: from pirates to sea creatures, from ocean exploration and navigation to sunken treasure. Take a deep dive into books and come up for air at fun and free events. Programs typically take place from late May until late July or early August. Check your local library for their dates.
Summer Reading for All
The State Library has downloadable books for all ages: audiobooks, e-books, and digital storybooks are available to all Kansas residents. Some of the benefits of downloadable books:
- You don’t have to worry about lost books at the end of the summer. Once a book is finished, it automatically returns to its digital home.
- E-books are basically indestructible.
- No heavy bag of books to take on trips.
Visit kslib.info/digitalbooks to learn more. New users will want to check the “Instructions & Devices” link. Choose your device and you’ll see which services work with it along with an instructions link. Most resources will need a Kansas Library eCard, which you may get at any public, school, or academic library in Kansas. Need help with setup? Call 785-296-3296 or email [email protected] .
UNCLAIMED PROPERTY IN KANSAS
The State of Kansas has over $400 million dollars in unclaimed property waiting for the rightful owner to find and claim. Unclaimed property stats from the first of the year include 437,320 searches, $8,065,732.67 returned with the average claim paid at $1999.47. These holdings at the Treasurer’s office include bank accounts, cash, stocks, bonds, refunds (utilities), royalties, insurance proceeds and even safe deposit box contents.
To search for your name, visit www.kansasstatetreasurer.com and enter your name or business name to see if your name is on this list. Senate District #36 has over 4,000 entries in the thirteen counties it covers. If you would like more personal assistance, call 800-432-0386 or 785-296-4165.
KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE
The Secretary of State is one of four state offices authorized by the Kansas Constitution. Although created by the state constitution, the duties of the office are defined by almost 1,000 state laws. Among the many duties of the Office of the Kansas Secretary of State is maintaining primary responsibility for administering elections, collecting certain records of Kansas businesses and publishing the official publications for the State of Kansas. The agency oversees cemeteries, Kansas notaries and even trademarks. As a result, hundreds of thousands of documents are kept by the Secretary of State. Generally, they fall into four categories – executive, legislative, elections and business. You will also be able to find election facts answering recent questions related to audits, voting machines and election processes. Several YouTube Videos highlighting the agency and brief clips on processes can be found on their website at www.sos.ks.gov.
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF APPOINTMENTS
The Office of Appointments assists the governor with the appointment of over 1,000 individuals to serve on Kansas’ boards and commissions. All qualified and service-minded Kansans are encouraged to participate in our state's government by offering to serve on a board or commission or by recommending qualified candidates. Additional information can be found at https://governor.kansas.gov. Find the Serving Kansans tab where you will find a screen to apply for service. If you are interested in the opportunity to serve or would like to nominate someone, please call the office at 785 368-8500 or apply online.
WATCH RE-RUNS OF LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER AND COMMITTEE ACTION
If you would like to review the past session - Senate and House floor activity or watch committee hearings from each Chamber – you are able to find many choices at Kansas Legislature YouTube and Kansas Legislature Audio.
OFF SESSION CONTACT INFORMATION
The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session will begin January 9th at 2:00 p.m. when we will be back in our offices at the Capitol in Topeka.
Over the summer and fall, I may be reached at my legislative email at [email protected] or my work email [email protected]. My work address in Concordia is 212 E. 6th St., Concordia, KS 66901 and if you are in Concordia, drop by. My daytime work number is 785 243-3325x2 or email me questions, concerns or ideas for legislative bills for the next session.
Visit the Kansas Legislature website in the off session at www.kslegislature.org which has extensive information on legislators, committees, bills, past sessions, historical data, internships, and pages for next year.
It is an honor to serve you in the 36th Kansas Senate District and please feel free to contact me anytime.
Thank you for the honor of serving you!
Senator Elaine Bowers
Kansas State Capitol Building
Room 223-E
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
[email protected]
785-296-7389
https://elainebowers.com/
www.kslegislature.org
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