The Bright & Carpenter Consulting newsletter takes you into the Statehouse and gives you an update on legislative and executive branch issues. Click on each newsletter heading to view.
Legislative Report: Veto Session
The Kansas Legislature adjourned Sine Die just before 5:00pm last Friday. The two-day veto session was just enough time for gubernatorial veto overrides and finishing up conference committee reports left over after first adjournment. Despite 2025 going down as one of the quickest legislative sessions in recent memory, there was an overall sense of bipartisan work accomplished. Barring any vetoes of what was approved last week, lawmakers passed over 130 bills into law this year.
Legislative Report: March 24-28, 2025
The Kansas Legislature adjourned the regular part of the 2025 Legislative Session before midnight on Thursday. Lawmakers spent several long days and nights this week in conference committees and on the floor approving bills to send to Governor Kelly’s desk. By law, the Governor has ten days from when legislation is presented to her office to either sign, veto, or allow a bill to become law without her signature. The Legislature accounted for this timeline and will be returning to Topeka on April 10 for a three-day veto session.
Legislative Report: March 17-21, 2025
It was a full week in the Kansas Legislature with floor debate and action on over 140 bills. Tuesday was the last day for committees to meet and finish their work for the year, and Friday was the deadline for passage of all non-exempt bills. This week’s work clears the path for conference committees next week. This is when negotiators from both the House and Senate iron out differences in any remaining bills. First adjournment is scheduled for next Friday, March 28, followed by almost a 2-week break before the Veto Session begins on April 10.
Legislative Report: March 10-14, 2025
We’re nearing the end of one of the shortest and most fast-paced legislative sessions in recent memory. This week, committees were swamped – many with three to four hearings a day – rushing to finish their work before March 18 when all non-exempt committees are done meeting for the year. Legislators will then spend the following three days on their respective chamber floors debating and passing bills.
Legislative Report: March 3-7, 2025
As usual, the last few weeks of committee meetings are packed with back-to-back hearings and final action on bills. Other than those that are exempt form legislative deadlines (Budget, Tax, Federal and State Affairs), committees have less than two weeks to complete their work for the year. March 18 is the last day for them to meet and pass any bills they want to move forward this session. After that, Legislators are mostly on the floor, then conference committees begin meeting on March 24.
Legislative Report: February 24-28, 2025
Lawmakers returned from their four-day recess on Tuesday to officially start the second half of the 2025 Legislative Session. The legislature is Pro Forma on Friday, making it a relatively quiet week. While they slowly eased back into committee work, it’s typically after Turnaround when the tempo speeds up significantly to meet bill deadlines for the year. Roughly 120 hearings are scheduled for next week, so it will be fast and furious until the March 28th scheduled Adjournment date.
Legislative Report: February 17-21, 2025
The Kansas Legislature adjourned for Turnaround break Thursday evening. Committees only met on Monday, leaving the next three days for debating and passing legislation on the floor. Any non-exempt bills that did not pass their house of origin or get “blessed” by leadership this week are dead for the year. When lawmakers return on Tuesday, they only have five weeks to finish all business for the year. First adjournment is scheduled for March 28, followed by a short spring break before Veto Session begins on April 10.
Legislative Report: February 10-14, 2025
This was the last full week for non-exempt committees to complete their work for the first half of the legislative session. While most Fridays have been ProForma (not in session), the Legislature worked a full Friday this week to make up for Wednesday’s snow day. Lawmakers, particularly committee chairs, are certainly feeling the pinch of this year’s condensed session calendar. Next Monday marks the official last day for those non-exempt committees to meet before Turnaround, so many of them still have full agendas on the calendar. Starting Tuesday, Legislators will be on the floor working toward Turnaround on Thursday.
Legislative Report: February 3-7, 2025
With only two weeks left before Turnaround – when bills must pass their original chamber to stay alive for the year – the pace picked up significantly this week in the Kansas Legislature. Revisors worked furiously to meet today’s deadline when all non-exempt bills must be introduced.
Legislative Report: January 27-31, 2025
It was only week three of the legislative session, and 163 more bills were introduced. This is typically when committees go into overdrive to meet approaching legislative deadlines. Over 75 hearings are already scheduled for next week.
Legislative Report: January 20-24, 2025
The fast pace and sense of urgency that kicked off this legislative session continued this week with 95 more bills introduced as critical bill deadlines loom. Turnaround is less than one month away set for February 20. This is when all non-exempt bills must pass their House of Origin to stay alive for this session. Both old and new legislators are navigating an intense political landscape focused on getting work done quickly and efficiently.
Legislative Report: January 13-17, 2025
Lawmakers reconvened in Topeka to start the 2025 Kansas Legislative Session. New legislators were sworn in and committees began meeting. It was mostly introductions and housekeeping items followed by informational briefings by agency heads. The Governor gave her executive address to the Legislature, and preliminary budget discussions started that will shape the state’s fiscal direction. It has been a fast start with over 70 bills introduced, and several hearings are already scheduled for next week.
2025 Kansas Legislative Session Preview
Lawmakers return to Topeka for the start of the 2025-2026 biennium Kansas legislative session on Monday, January 13. Republicans still hold strong supermajorities in both chambers. There are 88 Republicans and 37 Democrats in the House, and 31 Republicans and 9 Democrats serving in the Senate this year. The Governor’s State of the State address will be on Wednesday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m., when she will outline her administration’s policy priorities for the year. She will also unveil her budget to the Legislature the following day.
Kansas Legislative Leadership Elections
The Kansas Legislature convened in Topeka to elect their new Senate and House leaders for the 2025-2026 biennium legislative session. The largest shake-ups are in the Senate Republican and House Democrat caucuses. A new Senate Vice President, Majority Leader, and Assistant Majority Leader could drastically change dynamics in that chamber. Meanwhile, the top three Democrat leaders in the House will also be new next year.
Kansas 2024 General Election Report
It was a big night for Republicans, both nationally and across the state, as Kansans saw a red wave sweep through, which many were not predicting. Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States; the Democrat-held U.S. Senate flipped Republican; and both the Kansas Senate and Kansas House not only retained their supermajorities but grew them.
Kansas Legislative Report: 2024 Primary Election Recap
Kansas voted this Tuesday in the 2024 primary. In total, Kansa voters participated in four Congressional primaries and 41 contested Legislative primaries – 30 Republican and 11 Democratic. All 165 Legislative seats are up for election this year – 40 in the Senate and 125 in the House. As it currently stands, Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers: 29-11 in the Senate and 85-40 in the House.
Kansas Legislative Report: Special Session Update
The Kansas Legislature returned to Topeka for a one-day special session to pass another income tax cut bill after three previous versions failed to get Governor Laura Kelly’s signature this spring. The Legislature also passed an incentive bill aimed at recruiting the Chiefs and the Royals to relocate to Kansas.
Kansas Legislative Report: Veto Session Wrap-up
Lawmakers officially adjourned the 2024 Kansas Legislative Session just past midnight on Wednesday morning. The three-day veto session included successfully overriding several of Governor Kelly’s vetoes, passing the omnibus budget, and finishing a few remaining conference committee reports. Several legislators also gave their goodbye speeches to their colleagues this week. Some are not seeking reelection for another term, but many are House members giving up their seat to run for the Senate.
Kansas Legislative Report: Veto Session Preview
The Kansas House and Senate will both reconvene Friday at 10 a.m. for the 2024 Veto Session. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn Sine Die on Tuesday, April 30th, concluding the 2024 Legislative Session. To date, Governor Kelly has signed 84 bills, vetoed 16 bills, and allowed three bills to become law without her signature. In addition, the Governor line-item vetoed 24 provisions in the budget bill.
Kansas Legislative Report: April 1-6, 2024
The Kansas Legislature adjourned the regular part of the 2024 Legislative Session around 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning after voting to suspend the midnight rule and continue their work. Before leaving for their three-week spring break, lawmakers spent several long days and nights in conference committees and on the floor approving bills to send to the Governor’s desk. The key to first adjournment, however, is always passing a budget bill. Sine Die has been set for April 30, leaving only two days for veto overrides and to wrap-up outstanding conference committee reports.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 25-29, 2024
It was a quick but full week in the Kansas Legislature. The House and Senate spent Monday through Wednesday debating and passing over 100 bills. Thursday was technically the last day for all non-exempt bills to be considered in either chamber, but most Legislators were on their way home by Wednesday evening. This week’s work clears the path for conference committees to meet next week when negotiators from both the House and Senate will iron out differences in any remaining bills.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 18-22, 2024
Today marks the last day for non-exempt committees to meet for the 2024 Kansas Legislative Session. It was a frenzy of a week as committee chairs churned through bills and worked quickly to wrap up their business for the year. Next week, the House and Senate will be on the floor Monday through Thursday, followed by a three-day weekend, then another few days of conference committees leading up to first adjournment on April 5.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 11-15, 2024
The Senate debated and passed their budget bill this week, signaling that the end of the 2024 Kansas Legislative Session is nearing. As important deadlines loom, committees were busy hearing and working bills – many with three to four hearings a day. They have one more week to complete their work before March 22 when all non-exempt committees are done meeting for the year.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 4-8, 2024
As usual, the last few weeks of committee meetings are packed full of back-to-back hearings and final action on bills. Other than those that are exempt from legislative deadlines (Budget, Tax, Federal and State Affairs), committees have two more weeks to complete their work. March 22 is their last day to meet and pass any bills they want to move forward this session. After that, Legislators are mostly on the floor, then conference committees begin their work on April 1.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 26-March 1, 2024
Lawmakers returned from their five-day recess on Wednesday to officially start the second half of the 2024 Legislative Session. The Legislature was Pro Forma on Wednesday and Friday, making it a very quiet week. While they slowly eased back into committee work, over 75 hearings are scheduled for next week. It is typically after Turnaround when the tempo speeds up significantly to meet bill deadlines for the year. It should be fast and furious from here on out.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 19-23, 2024
The Kansas Legislature adjourned for Turnaround break late Thursday afternoon and will return to Topeka on Wednesday, February 28. Committees met on Monday and Tuesday, leaving the next two days for debating and passing legislation on the floor. Any non-exempt bills that did not pass their house of origin or get “blessed” by leadership this week are dead for the year.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 12-16, 2024
This was the last full week for non-exempt committees to complete their work for the first half of the legislative session. Nevertheless, the Statehouse was quieter than usual on Monday following the Chiefs Super Bowl win, and several lawmakers were out for the parade on Wednesday.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 5-9, 2024
With only two weeks left before Turnaround – when bills must pass their original chamber to stay alive for the year – the pace picked up significantly this week in the Kansas Legislature. Revisors worked furiously to meet today’s deadline when all non-exempt bills must be introduced.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 29 – February 2, 2024
It was week four of the legislative session, and 112 more bills were introduced. This is typically when committees go into overdrive to meet approaching legislative deadlines. Over 65 hearings are scheduled for next week.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 22-26, 2024
The pace picked up significantly this week in the Kansas Legislature. Lawmakers near the first legislative deadline next Monday, when all member-sponsored bill drafts must be requested by the revisors office. We saw 93 new bills introduced this week and 60 hearings scheduled for next week.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 15-19, 2024
The Legislature began their second week of work on Tuesday after the Martin Luther King holiday. Bitter cold temperatures and more snow, however, kept some legislators at home another day, making this another short week. While a few committee meetings were cancelled on Tuesday, it was mostly business as usual as lawmakers were eager to fast track a tax bill to the Governor’s desk by the end of the week.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 8-12, 2024
The 2024 Kansas Legislative Session kicked off on Monday with rare first day floor action to pass resolutions showing support for Israel but was quickly halted by a winter storm that hit Topeka Monday night. What is typical procedure for the first week, committees were busy receiving reports from agency heads and settling into the rhythm of legislative session while one event held a bill hearing. Sixty bill were introduced, and several hearings are already scheduled for next week.
Kansas Legislative Report: 2024 Legislative Session Kickoff Report
Lawmakers return to Topeka for the start of the 2024 Kanas Legislative Session. This is the second year of Kansas’ biennium session, so much of last year’s legislation remains alive and ready for action.
Kansas Legislative Report: 2023 Interim Committee Report
The Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) approved more than 70 days of Legislative Interim Committees to take place this summer and fall. Legislative Interim Committees are made up of joint House and Senate Committees who study topics and make recommendations to the Legislature when they return in 2024.
Kansas Legislative Report: Veto Session
The 2023 Legislature adjourned Sine Die late Friday night after passing the omnibus and education budgets and attempting to override many of the Governor’s Veto’s. Sine Die adjournment means the 2023 Legislative Session is officially concluded and legislators will not be able to return to override any additional vetoes on bills that may occur. Traditionally, Sine Die comes 3 weeks after the veto session ends, but this year Leadership made the decision to combine the two and officially end the 2023 Legislative session on the 89th day.
Kansas Legislative Report: April 7, 2023
The Kansas Legislature left for a two-week spring break, officially adjourning the regular part of the 2023 Legislative Session. Lawmakers had a busy week of conference committees and floor debate, but left several larger items for the Veto Session, including education funding and tax policy.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 31, 2023
Wednesday was the last day for all non-exempt bills to be considered in either chamber, so the House and Senate spent Monday through Wednesday debating and passing nearly 130 bills. This week’s work clears the path for conference committees to meet next week.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 24, 2023
Today is the last day for non-exempt committees to meet for the 2023 Kansas Legislative Session. It was a frenzy of a week as committee chairs churned through bills and worked quickly to wrap up their business for the year.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 17, 2023
As important deadlines loom, committees were busy hearing and working bills this week – many with three to four hearings a day. They have one more week to complete their work before March 24 when all non-exempt committees are done meeting for the year. Lawmakers will then debate bills the week of March 27th and return the following week for conference committee work with a First Adjournment (end of regular session) date of April 6.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 10, 2023
Overall, the 2023 Kansas Legislative Session has been relatively quiet and non-controversial so far. Major tax cuts and budget spending are still on the table, as these are typically the last pieces of business to close out the year.
Kansas Legislative Report: March 3, 2023
Lawmakers returned from their five-day recess on Wednesday to officially start the second half of the 2023 Legislative Session. It’s typically after Turnaround that the tempo speeds up significantly to meet bill deadlines for the year. It should be fast and furious from here on out.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 24, 2023
The Kansas Legislature adjourned for Turnaround break and will return to Topeka next week. When lawmakers return, they only have five weeks to finish all business for the year. First adjournment is scheduled for April 6, followed by a three-week spring break before Veto Session begins on April 26.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 17, 2023
This was the last full week for non-exempt committees to complete their work for the first half of the legislative session. We saw committee debate on transgender sports and abortion heat up this week.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 10, 2023
With less than three weeks left before Turnaround – when bills must pass their original chamber to stay alive for the year – the pace picked up significantly this week in the Kansas Legislature.
Kansas Legislative Report: February 3, 2023
Non-exempt committees have two more full weeks to complete their work before bills go to the floor and Turnaround break starts on February 25. This is typically when committees go into overdrive to meet quickly approaching legislative deadlines.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 27, 2023
The pace picked up significantly this week in the Kansas Legislature. Lawmakers near the first legislative deadline when all member-sponsored bill drafts must be requested by the revisors office. We saw 125 new bills introduced this week and 70 hearings scheduled for next week.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 20, 2023
Committees picked up steam in this second week of work, holding informational hearings on issues that could be headliners this year, including taxes, workforce development, childcare, and water. Over 100 new bills were introduced, and dozens of hearings are scheduled.
Kansas Legislative Report: January 13, 2023
The 2023 Kansas Legislative Session kicked off with the inauguration of Governor Laura Kelly into her second term of office, as well as the swearing in of 32 new House members and two new Senators.
2023 Kansas Legislative Session Preview
With tax revenues drastically exceeding estimates every month this fiscal year and last, expect to see some tension around how that money is spent.
House Leadership Elections
The Kansas House of Representatives convened in Topeka to elect their new leaders for the 2023 Legislative Session.
2022 Election Report
While 29,000 mail-in ballots have not been returned and provisional ballots are still being tallied, Kansans woke up today to more certainty and fewer surprises than many expected.
2022 Election Update
With only one month remaining until the General Election, things are starting to heat up in Kansas politics. Whether you believe the polls or not, whichever way Kansas’ political pendulum swings this November will be close.
2022 Kansas Primary Election
The 2022 Primary Election was highlighted by the Value Them Both abortion amendment, a few highly contested statewide races, and several surprising House district upsets.
2022 Sine Die Wrap-up
The Kansas Legislature returned to Topeka for Veto Session #2 to redraw their congressional redistricting map and vote to override Governor Kelly on two bills she vetoed since last adjournment.
2022 Veto Session Wrap-Up
Lawmakers had four major pieces of business to wrap-up: veto overrides, food sales tax, education, and budget. Medical marijuana was thought to also be a priority for the wrap-up session, but no action was taken, and the bill remains in conference committee.
Legislative Report
Review what’s happening at the Statehouse each week during the Legislative Session.
2022 Legislative Session Preview
Lawmakers return to Topeka with a record ending balance of $4.2 billion in the State General Fund. From expanding state government programs to providing tax cuts to their constituents during an election year, legislators are coming back with their ideas and proposals in hand.
Kansas Special Session
Here’s what you need to know about the 2021 Kansas Special Session.
2021 Legislative Session Preview
“If there was ever a feeling of uncertainty in the air, this is the year. Up until this week, it was unclear if, how and even where lawmakers would conduct their business in the middle of a pandemic.”
Also in this issue: 2020 Elections, Committee Change-up, Lobbying Toolkit, Livestream Upgrades, Legislative Calendar
May 2020 COVID Update
“Governor Kelly during her press conference this afternoon announced that she will VETO House Bill 2054, which the Legislature passed last Thursday during the one-day Veto Session and Sine Die adjournment. The bill included several COVID-recovery provisions, most notably limiting the Governor’s powers during a state emergency.”
Sine Die 2020 Newsletter
“The most pressing issue the Legislature may consider is a proposal to limit the Governor’s powers during a state emergency. The State Finance Council last week denied Governor Kelly’s 30-day extension of her emergency declaration now set to expire May 26. Republican leadership has been critical of her emergency orders and the “Reopen Kansas” plan, which they consider to be too restrictive on business and harmful to the state’s economy.”
Also in this issue: House and Senate Tax Committee, Commerce Committee, Judiciary Committee, FI & I Committee, and Veto Session
January 2020 Newsletter
“With tax revenues exceeding estimates almost every month this fiscal year, expect to see some tension around how that excess money is spent. From expanding state government programs to providing tax cuts to their constituents, legislators are coming back with their ideas and proposals in hand.”
Also in this issue: live streaming from the Statehouse and the Kansas State Library
January 2019 Newsletter
“The Kansas House and Senate leadership have indicated that there will be a focus on issues that did not get passed during the 2018 Session. Passage of a tax bill will be a top priority.”
Also in this issue: 2018 elections and seat party changes, and legislative advocacy 101
January 2018 Newsletter
“Other issues such as transportation funding, prison funding, Medicaid expansion, the disabled waiting list, workforce training and economic development programs need to be addressed during the 2018 Session. However, these issues have once again taken a back seat to the education debate despite the growing need for attention and an increase in funding.”
Also in this issue: Brownback administration changes and 2018 elections
January 2017 Newsletter
“Expectations are that the 2017 Session will be longer than the usual 90-day session, with at least 100 days already approved. In addition, more than one-third of the legislature is new, including several new committee chairs and new members. With so many new legislators facing some of the most complicated issues in years, there is uncertainty how the major issues of the session, such as budget cuts, tax reforms, school finance formula and Medicaid expansion, will be addressed.”
Also in this issue: 2017 legislative session issues, House & Senate Leadership, and Kansas Legislature 101
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