TOPEKA — The Senate completed their 2026 budget last week, which will be debated on the floor Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Both the Senate and the House passed SB14, which would prevent the state government from shutting down in the event the governor and legislature cannot come to an agreement on a budget prior to the end of the fiscal year. The bill would provide for continuing appropriations at the same level as the previous fiscal year. This bill would ensure that schools would never close and that state government operations would continue.
HB2043 passed and would allow an insurer or producer to request an extension of a pilot or testing program for a value-added product or service beyond a one-year period for any additional time needed to determine whether the value-added product or service meets the criteria in the case the insurer or producer is unable to determine sufficient evidence within the first year. The bill would clarify the time for an agent or insurer to respond to an inquiry concerning a consumer complaint from the Insurance Department to be within 14 calendar days of receipt of the inquiry, and the response time for all other inquiries from the Department would be within 15 business days. The bill would add the failure of an insurer to respond to an inquiry from the Department to the list of actions that could lead the Commissioner of Insurance to deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse a new license or application for license.
SB213 was passed by the Senate. It would prohibit non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl during certain times and in certain places. It changes the fees for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps.
Last week, the Kansas Senate took a bold step to ensure pregnant women receive child support. HB2062 would make amendments to law regarding child support guidelines established by the Kansas Supreme Court to require the guidelines to consider the direct medical and pregnancy-related expenses of the mother. Expenses for children begin early in pregnancy, expenses that a woman might need to undertake prior to the birth of the child. Part of being pro-life means ensuring that pregnant women need and deserve the most support. HB2062 recognizes that fathers are still fathers even when a child is not born yet and would bring consistency to our child support laws by recognizing this reality. The Senate amended the bill to also include a personal exemption of $2,320 for any unborn child, as defined by the bill, starting in tax year 2025.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and families who have been deeply affected by the recent tragedies in western Kansas. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts are with you, and we share in your sorrow. We also extend our profound gratitude to the first responders, nurses, and doctors whose dedication and tireless efforts have been a beacon of hope and care for those impacted. Your strength and compassion are truly inspiring, and we stand with you all as we navigate this painful moment together.
I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: [email protected] or call me with your questions or concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785- 899-4700. If you are in Topeka, stop by my office at 545-S.