2021 Legislative Update 4
2021 Legislative Update 4
The pace this past week picked up significantly. Committee hearings are in full swing and introduction of bill deadlines are upon us. Much of the focus continues to be on issues related to COVID-19 and the economic recovery. First and foremost is to stop the spread of the virus so that we can slowly get back to what we all now know will be a “new normal”.
A bill that I co-sponsored with five other legislators last session and re-introduced this session in House Judiciary has a hearing scheduled for Monday, February 8th. HB 2226 will allow certain criminal convictions to be expunged from an offender's record automatically. Many thanks to the coalition in Wyandotte County that has continued to advocate for this policy as well as other clean slate measurers to remove barriers to employment for individuals re-entering our community and reduce recidivism. Oftentimes the barrier to expungement, for those that are eligible, is the cost to have the record expunged. I very much appreciate the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee giving this bill a hearing. Several people from Wyandotte County will be attending to testify in support of the bill: http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/measures/hb2226/
It is a special honor to serve as your state representative. I value and appreciate your input on issues facing state government. Please feel free to contact me with your comments and questions. My office address is Room 452-S, 300 SW 10th, Topeka, KS 66612. You can reach me at (785) 296-7430 or call the legislative hotline at 1-800-432-3924 to leave a message for me. You can also e-mail me at pam.curtis@house.ks.gov.
Governor’s Press Conference
Governor Kelly announced on Monday that she would prioritize Medicaid expansion alongside medical marijuana. In order to keep our economy moving in the right direction, we need to ensure that we have a healthy workforce.
Kansas is one of three states left that does not permit some form of medical marijuana use which leaves us less competitive and at a disadvantage. Medical marijuana would create an extra pool of money which would cover the cost of Medicaid Expansion - while creating more jobs in Kansas. Additionally, expanding Medicaid would give 165,000 hardworking Kansans access to affordable health care. All four of our neighboring states - Nebraska, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Missouri - have expanded Medicaid putting the State of Kansas at a disadvantage as a place for people and businesses to move into.
The passage of both Medicaid Expansion and Medical Marijuana is critical to the State of Kansas. Together they would create more jobs for Kansans, bring in a sufficient stream of revenue, and create a healthy workforce. Not to mention, both issues have broad support from a majority of Kansans. I am hopeful that leadership will allow the Medicaid Expansion and Medical Marijuana proposal to advance so that it can be given serious consideration by the State Legislature.
Wednesday on the Floor
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives debated and voted on eight bills. Seven of those bills passed on emergency final action and one was referred back to its committee.
- HB 2077 extends the Kansas criminal justice reform commission, limiting the commission’s scope of study and adding a public defender. Passed as amended on Emergency Final Action 124-1.
- HB 2071 increased the criminal penalties for stalking a minor. Passed as amended on Emergency Final Action 125-0.
- HB 2090 creates a procedure for appointment of acting official when an elected official’s military service causes a vacancy. Passed as amended on Emergency Final Action 125-0.
- HB 2029 counts any crime with a domestic violence designation as a prior conviction under domestic battery. Passed on Emergency Final Action 118-7.
- Sub for HB 2049 prohibits a public agency from charging a fee for records requested for an audit by the legislative division of post audit. Passed on Emergency Final Action 124-1.
- HB 2082 authorizes the crime victims compensation board to waive application time restrictions for a victim of a sexually violent crime to receive compensation for mental health counseling and adding certain children to the definition of victim. Passed on Emergency Final Action 125-0.
- HB 2079 transfers duties concerning address confidentiality program (safe at home) from the secretary of state to the attorney general. Passed as amended on Emergency Final Action 70-54.
- HB 2052 authorizes legislative assistants and committee assistants to accept gifts of not to exceed $120 in value each legislative session from certain legislators. This bill was withdrawn and referred back to the Committee on Elections.
SB 22 (Brownback 2.0)
SB 22 has been kicked out of the Senate Committee on Assessments and Taxation and we anticipate the Senate taking it up next week on the floor. This bill, (dubbed Brownback 2.0), is a revival of the Brownback tax plan. The bill is aimed at giving tax relief to giant multinational corporations rather than working families. We will always fight for tax cuts that help working Kansans, especially in a time of uncertainty.
Press Conference over House Democratic Caucus Priorities
The Democratic Caucus is holding a press conference to go over priorities for this legislative session. The press conference will be on Tuesday, February 9th, at 1:00 pm via facebook live at: https://www.facebook.com/kshousedems/
This session we are focused on accessible, affordable healthcare, continuing to invest in education, helping working Kansans and their families, providing equal opportunities for every Kansan, and creating a more sustainable future. Join us on Tuesday to hear more!
Kansas State Library
World Almanac for Kids (www.kslib.info/WorldAlmanacforKids) is an intermediate level resource that erases the line between learning and fun. Information is grouped by topics, videos, and games. The games section is separated into categories such as Social Studies, Geography, Health, Sciences, and Math. It also includes videos, science projects, and maps.
World Almanac for Kids Elementary
World Almanac for Kids Elementary (www.kslib.info/WorldAlmanacforKidsElementary) is a similar resource for early elementary level students. The colorful, kid-friendly format also has topics, videos, the Letter of the Day, plus a games section in 7 categories.
Resources
