Kansas State University

Week of Feb. 26: K-State Legislative Update

Submitted by Government Relations

The Kansas Legislature has reached the Turnaround Day deadline, marking a crucial point in the regular session. As of Friday, Feb. 23, any non-exempt bills not passed by the originating chamber are now considered inactive for the session. This deadline, serving as the first major milestone of the year, also signifies the midpoint of the legislative session. Both the House and Senate were able to complete their work ahead of schedule, adjourning late Thursday evening.

Legislators will reconvene at the statehouse on Wednesday, Feb. 28, resuming the committee process to review bills that successfully moved through the first chamber.

The budget process is still moving along as well. The Senate Ways and Means Subcommittee on Higher Education Budget has presented their recommendations to the full Senate Committee on Ways and Means. On Thursday, Feb. 29, the House Committee on Higher Education Budget will follow suit with their recommendations. Once all subcommittees have reported their suggestions, both the House and Senate will craft their comprehensive budget bills to be worked on and passed by both the House and Senate. After both chambers have passed their budgets, a conference will convene to reconcile any disparities between the House and Senate versions. The outcome will be a final budget conference committee report, that, once passed, will then be sent to the governor. Several steps remain before finalizing the budget for this year.

For those interested in staying informed, the Government Relations team invites you to attend the in-person legislative updates, scheduled every other week at noon in 181 Hale Library. The upcoming dates for these updates are as follows:

• March 1.
• March 15.
• March 29.
• April 12.
• May 10.

These sessions will provide valuable insights into the legislative proceedings, keeping you up-to-date on the latest developments.