TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas lawmakers burned the midnight oil overnight, but did eventually adjourn early this morning. Measures passed late in the session included a balanced budget, health and public welfare bill, a ban on local restaurant regulations, and two anti-abortion measures.
The health and welfare bill reduce prescription drug costs within the state’s Medicaid program and make changes to eligibility for public assistance.
Kansas legislators are trying to prevent cities and counties from regulating work schedules at private businesses and popular but unhealthy foods. The votes on a bill limiting local officials’ power were 32-6 in the Senate and 76-45 in the House. The bill also would block cities and counties from imposing food labeling requirements or limiting the sale of food products. The measure would prohibit cities and counties from setting regulations that affect the schedules of workers for private employers unless the restrictions are required by federal law. The measure would void existing local rules.
Lawmakers passed an increase in vehicle registration fees to provide funds for the Kansas Highway Patrol to hire additional troopers. The bill also includes another fee increase to provide additional funds for a center in Hutchinson that trains law enforcement officers. Vehicle registration fees would increase a total of $3.25. Most vehicle owners now pay $35. A $2 increase would raise $5.4 million a year for the patrol so it could hire an additional 75 troopers. Thirty-five of the state’s 105 counties have no assigned trooper. An additional $1.25 fee increase would raise $3.4 million annually for the training center.
The Legislature is out of session until June 1, and its leaders hope lawmakers have finished their business for the year. The House adjourned shortly after 1 a.m. Monday, and the Senate followed at about 3:30 a.m. Their session June 1 is supposed to be only a brief adjournment ceremony.