2020 Statehouse Insider

Week One

Jan. 13 – Jan. 17, 2020
The 2020 Kansas legislature gaveled in on Monday January 13, 2020. It was a busy week in the capitol building which saw a State of the State address by Governor Laura Kelly, the retirement of a state senator and the swearing in of a new member of the House, and the introduction of dozens of new bills.

See Week Two

Week Two

Jan. 20 – Jan. 24, 2020
The second week of the 2020 Kansas Legislative Session kicked off on Tuesday, Jan. 21, following the observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday. The week saw a flurry of bills introductions and hearings, while hearings on Medicaid expansion and a constitutional amendment on abortion consumed most of the oxygen in the capitol.

See Week Three

Week Three

Jan. 27 – Jan. 31, 2020
While the third week of the 2020 Kansas Legislature was occupied with hearings on Medicaid expansion, a constitutional amendment on abortion, and the roll-out of the next Transportation Plan, an assortment of bills on other issues were also considered. A summary of highlights of the week is below.

See Week Four

Week Four

Feb. 3 – Feb. 7, 2020
Last week concluded Week 4 of the 2020 Kansas Legislature. Floor votes were taken in both the House and Senate on a constitutional amendment on abortion. The legislature had slow activity outside of that issue, as all activities on Wednesday were cancelled to allow people to attend a celebration for the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory. Please find a summary of some of highlights of the week below.

See Week Five

Week Five

Feb. 10 – Feb. 14, 2020
Last week concluded Week 5 of the 2020 Kansas Legislature. Activities sped up again in the capitol building, especially in the House and Senate Tax Committees. Please find a summary of highlights of the week below.

See Week Six

Week Six

Feb. 17 – Feb. 21, 2020
This session, a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion is one of the highest priority items for both House and Senate leadership. The measure was passed by the Senate, but later failed by a very close margin in the House. Additionally, the Governor and a probable balance of legislators in both chambers are eager to pass Medicaid Expansion this year.

See Week Seven

Week Seven

Feb. 24 – Feb. 28, 2020
This week was “Turnaround” for the Kansas legislature, where all bills that are not otherwise exempt must be passed out of their chamber of origin in order to remain alive this year. The most heavily watched issue this week was a bill passed by the Senate allowing sports betting at the four state-owned casinos, and internet gaming on professional sports and college sports, and horse racing (but not greyhound dogs). Made lawful by the U.S. Supreme Court last year, the state’s 10 percent tax on these activities is estimated to bring in around $10 million in its first year. The other closely-watched issues of Medicaid expansion and a constitutional amendment on abortion remain alive for further debate. Lawmakers finished their worked around noon on Thursday, and then adjourned for a few days before returning Wednesday, March 4.

See Week Eight

Week Eight

March 2 – March 6, 2020

Week 8 for the Kansas legislature was a short one with only two days of committee work on Wednesday and Thursday following the break for Turnaround (the mandatory movement of bills from non-exempt committees from their house of origin to the opposite chamber). Exempt bills include all those that have passed through certain committees, including House or Senate Taxation, House Appropriations/Senate Ways and Means, and House and Senate Federal and State Affairs.

See Week Nine

Week Nine

March 9 – March 13, 2020

With daily news of COVID-19 marching across the country, and concerns of a shortened Kansas legislative session, the pace of legislative activity quickened this week. Committees in the House and Senate each passed out bills on the base budget and on the state’s next transportation plan. Though gone for the weekend, legislators will consider these measures when they return on Monday. Next week will bring more quick work during the final days of activity for non-exempt committees this session.

See Week 10

Week 10

March 16 – March 20, 2020

On Thursday evening, the Legislature wrapped up regular session business, adjourning nearly a full week before its regularly scheduled adjournment date as concerns of COVID-19 exposure continue to grow. This shortened session prevented final legislative action on many bills. However, the adjournment resolution is scheduled to bring the legislature back on Monday, April 27, and allow one final week of possible action on bills — all of which is dependent on the broader COVID-19 pandemic.

Veto Session Wrap Up

May 11 – May 15

The Kansas legislature will return for one final day of business on Thursday, May 21st. Multiple committee met this week to consider various bills – all of which will all compete for limited action next Thursday. Large items, such as Medicaid expansion, might still be open for discussion, as will certain tax bills and COVID-related items. The Legislature was initially scheduled to return a few weeks ago in April for a full veto session. That date was postponed, however, in response to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to adjourning in March, the Legislature passed a budget bill for fiscal year 2021, and legislation outlining the next state transportation plan.