Legislative Update
Week of February 29, 2016
The Kansas Legislature is out of session until March 2, 2016 for the last three and onehalf 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, 2016 and return for the Veto Session on
April 27, 2016.
Last week Governor 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, 2016.
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% of the
estimated total $2.0 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 2704, 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@ksu.edu.