Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | May 24, 2022
May 24, 2022
Veto Session Part II and Sine Die Adjournment
After the Legislature adjourned in April, all eyes have been on the Kansas Supreme Court and the redistricting maps litigation. On May 16, the Kansas Supreme Court heard the redistricting map litigation cases, and within 48 hours, the Supreme Court ruled the Congressional, legislative, and State Board of Education maps were constitutional, with written opinions to follow. The Supreme Court ruling paved the way for the Legislature to adjourn sine die Monday, May 23. Without the need to address the reapportionment maps, the Legislature focused on overriding two of Gov. Laura Kelly’s gubernatorial vetoes and completing work on several conference committee reports on tax and health care issues, then adjourned sine die.
Veto Overrides
HB 2387, limiting the authority of the governor to prohibit attending religious services during a declared state of emergency and delaying the executive branch from issuing new proposals for new contracts for the Medicaid Managed Care Organizations until 2023, was successfully overridden. The House vote was 84-38 and the Senate vote was 27-10.
HB 2252, prohibiting the governor, secretary of state, or any other authority in the executive branch from modifying election laws, procedures, or agreements with the approval of the Legislative Coordinating Council, was also vetoed. The veto was successfully overridden in the House 84-37 and in the Senate 27-10. No other vetoes were considered.
Secretary of State Extends Filing Deadline and April Revenue
On May 16, Secretary of State Scott Schwab extended the candidate filing deadline for the 2022 election from June 1, 2022, to June 10, 2022. Schwab extended the filing deadline because the new boundary lines were not defined by May 10, 2022, for the United States House of Representatives, Kansas House of Representatives, and State Board of Education. In addition to the Congressional, House of Representatives, and State Board of Education races, there will also be one Kansas Senate seat on the ballot. After the death of Sen. Bud Estes, former state representative Ron Ryckman Sr., R-Meade, was selected as his replacement by Republican precinct officials in District 38. Under state law, those legislators must run in the next election.
The April revenue estimates were $178 million (13.4%) above the newly revised revenue estimates. The 2022 April revenue was 54.3% above last April.
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 Government relations at the state and federal level.
Gary L. Robbins
Co-Editor and Governmental Affairs Consultant
785.640.2651
garyrobbinsconsulting@gmail.com
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
Eric, a governmental affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s Governmental Affairs & Public Policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and Government relations services. As Wichita State University’s Government 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.
