Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | July 11, 2023
Why July Matters in Kansas Politics
In Kansas politics, July is a key month in the legislative process for three often-overlooked reasons. First, it marks the start of fiscal year 2024 and the release of final ending balances for fiscal year 2023. Second, July 1 marks the effective date for many laws passed by the 2023 Legislature. Last week’s lawsuit by Attorney General Kris Kobach against Governor Laura Kelly’s administration to stop gender changes on drivers’ licenses provides a vivid reminder that Senate Bill 180 is now in effect. The bill is also known as the Women’s Bill of Rights, which defines women and men based on their sex assigned at birth. Third, July marks the beginning of interim committees, which will continue throughout the remainder of 2023. The Legislative Post Committee generated headlines with the release of audits on cybersecurity and election security. The Joint committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations meets this week.
Interim Study Committees
In June, the Legislative Coordinating Committee (LCC) reviewed numerous proposals before approving 15 Special Committees to delve into specific issues and unresolved issues from last session. The LCC decided to combine four proposals into the Special Committee on Energy and Utilities (new transmission lines, renewable energy, electric rates, and a new state energy plan). Special Committees fall into two general categories: those committees addressing ongoing budget issues, education, energy and utilities, health care, and taxation, and those addressing new subjects. The Special Committee on Taxation will draw interest because it is studying the potential impact of a constitutional amendment capping property tax valuations at 4% annually. The measure passed the Senate with 28 votes last session, which is one more vote than the necessary 2/3 vote for a constitutional amendment. Other committees will be revisiting campaign finance and election laws debated last session.
Among the relatively new topics are childcare facilities, civil asset forfeiture, foreign adversary investment and land purchases, and homelessness. The shortage of childcare providers has been an ongoing issue for employers. Last session, Gov. Kelly vetoed a measure aimed at increasing the availability of childcare by easing childcare facility regulations. It will be revisited in the interim. In June, the LCC also approved meeting days for 11 Joint Committees.
Fiscal Year 2023 Year End
Fiscal Year 2023 ended on a positive note, with the June revenue exceeding the April revenue estimates by more than $28 million. For the Fiscal Year 2023, the Kansas Revenue Department reported income and sales tax revenue exceeded $10 billion. Further, the department noted that the numbers exceeded Fiscal Year 2022 by $400 million. Revenue exceeded the April Consensus Revenue Group’s (CREG) upward revision by more than $25 million. Gov. Kelly was quick to claim that her administration’s economic policies and success in attracting new businesses helped make the windfall possible. House Speaker Dan Hawkins and Senate President Ty Masterson expressed their frustration over her veto of the tax package, which was nearly overridden. Both Republican leaders noted that they would renew their efforts to pass a flat state income tax.
Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law practice group of Foulston Siefkin LLP. It is designed to inform business executives, human resources and governmental relations professionals, and general counsel about current developments occurring in current Kansas legislation. Published regularly during the Kansas legislative session, it focuses on issues involving healthcare, insurance, public finance, taxation, financial institutions, business & economic development, energy, real estate & construction, environmental, Agribusiness, employment, and workers compensation. Bill summaries are by necessity brief, however, for additional information on any issue before the Kansas Legislature, contact Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law practice group leader, James P. Rankin at 785.233.3600 or jrankin@foulston.com. Learn more about the authors below:
James (Jim) P. Rankin
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law Team Leader
785.806.3600
jrankin@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Jim’s practice focuses on employee benefits law relating to public, private, governmental, and tax-exempt organizations. A large part of his work involves Insurance Regulatory and compliance issues in many industries, including Healthcare. Jim has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® list. He is the firm's representative with State Law Resources, Inc., a national network of independent law firms selected for their expertise in administrative, regulatory, and governmental relations at the state and federal level.
Gary L. Robbins
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs Consultant
785.640.2651
garyrobbinsconsulting@gmail.com | View bio
Gary, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group, provides legislative monitoring and lobbying services for Foulston’s governmental relations clients. He holds a bachelor of science degree in history and political science from Southwestern College and a master’s degree in labor economics from Wichita State University. Throughout his extensive career, Gary has served as CLE Director to the Kansas Bar Association and as Executive Director of the Kansas Optometric Association.
Eric L. Sexton, PhD
Contributing Author and Governmental Affairs Consultant
316.371.7553
esexton@foulston.com | View bio
Eric, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and governmental relations services. As Wichita State University’s governmental relations leader for 18 years, Eric developed lasting relationships at the local, state, and federal Government level around Kansas. Eric holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kansas and a masters in public administration from Wichita State University, complementing his undergraduate business degree from Wichita State.
C. Edward Watson, II
Contributing Author and Governmental Affairs & Public Policy Law Partner
316.291.9589
cewatson@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Eddie represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local governmental bodies. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional governmental affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.
This update has been prepared by Foulston Siefkin LLP for informational purposes only. It is not a legal opinion; it does not provide legal advice for any purpose; and it neither creates nor constitutes evidence of an attorney-client relationship.
