The 2024 elections marked a significant turning point in Kansas politics. Under newly drawn district maps designed to consolidate Republican power, the party emerged with a supermajority in both the House (70%) and Senate (78%). This dominance grants Republicans the ability to override any veto by the Democratic governor without significant bipartisan support. Only five Republican legislators in either chamber would need to join Democrats to block legislation. This unparalleled power raises questions about whether Republicans will use this opportunity for bold reforms or repeat past experiments, such as the controversial Brownback tax policies that led to severe fiscal challenges.
State of the State Highlights
Governor Laura Kelly delivered her annual State of the State address, urging lawmakers to focus on the long-term impacts of legislation rather than short-term political wins. Her priorities included:
In response, Senate President Ty Masterson signaled Republican priorities, including diverting public funds to private schools and advancing legislation targeting transgender students.
Voting Rights Bills
Voting rights became a focal point during the first week, with several impactful bills introduced:
Immigration Bills and Resolution (SCR 1602)
Senator Mike Thompson held a last-minute hearing on SCR 1602, which encourages Governor Kelly to collaborate with Trump-era deportation policies. Attorney General Kris Kobach testified in favor, citing data from FAIR (Federation for American Immigration Reform), a group widely criticized for its ties to white nationalism. FAIR, co-founded by John Tanton, has been labeled a hate group due to its history of collaboration with Holocaust deniers and its promotion of anti-immigrant ideologies.
Additionally, HB 2020 was introduced, which would require the Division of Vehicles to submit monthly reports listing names and addresses of certain noncitizens issued driver’s licenses du
Reproductive Rights
Despite the Kansas Constitution enshrining the right to bodily autonomy, a group of Kansas Republicans introduced two anti-abortion bills in the House of Representatives:
Both bills were referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday. While these measures are largely symbolic, as the Kansas Constitution protects the right to abortion within the first 21 weeks of pregnancy, their introduction signals ongoing attempts to restrict reproductive rights. Similar legislation introduced in previous sessions failed to receive a hearing that month.
Transparency Under Threat
House Speaker Daniel Hawkins broke a century-long precedent by banning journalists from the House floor on the first day of the session. This move mirrors Senate President Ty Masterson’s 2022 decision to restrict press access in the Senate. These actions align with a concerning national trend of limiting media access and reducing government transparency.
Upcoming Legislative Priorities
Republican leadership is expected to focus on tax cuts, even as recently passed cuts have created budgetary challenges. Other contentious topics likely to dominate the session include:
This session will also be compressed, with plans to conclude by early April instead of May, intensifying the legislative process.
Coalition Updates
Hearings Scheduled
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