March 1, 2016
Legislative update Feb. 29
The Kansas Legislature is out of session until March 2, when it will start the last three and a half weeks for the regular session. This follows Legislative Turnaround Day. This is the day when all bills are sent to the other house for consideration. The first adjournment is now scheduled for March 25, and return for the veto session on April 27.
Last week Gov. Sam Brownback signed Senate Bill 133 the Lifeline 911 bill introduced and passed by students from state universities. Also last week the bill enacting changes to the fiscal year 2016 and fiscal year 2017 to maintain a positive ending balance for both years was sent to the governor. The governor must take action on the bill by March 3.
Legislative Committees continue to review recommendations made for efficiencies in state government by Alvarez and Marsal, A&M. Recently, representatives from A&M testified the top 21 efficiencies identified in the report will produce 85 percent of the estimated total $2 billion in savings over the next five years. The report can be viewed here.
This week, committees in the House of Representatives and Senate will begin meetings and hearings again on bills. On Wednesday the House Education Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 423. This legislation will change the name in statute to Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus. On Thursday, March 3, the House Appropriations Committee will hold hearings on House Bill 2703, requiring state entities to secure legislative authorization before constructing, renovating, purchasing or leasing any facility. The Kansas Board of Regents and universities are providing amendments to the committee for consideration.
The Senate Ways and Means Committee will hold hearings on Senate Bill 404. This legislation was requested by the Kansas State agronomy department to reconcile a dispute over property lines with an adjacent landowner.
Weekly updates will be posted in K-State Today on Tuesday. If you would like to receive a listing of bills introduced in the Kansas Legislature impacting Kansas State University, higher education and state agencies please send an email request to kstategr@k-state.edu.