Tag: Senator Elaine Bowers

State Senator Elaine Bowers announced her staff for the 2026 Legislative Session, including Randi Walters and intern Bricen Benyshek. Walters has a long tenure with Bowers, while Benyshek is a dual degree student at Kansas State. Bowers will chair the Local Government, Transparency and Ethics Committee and serves on several other committees.

Kansas may soon allow residents to use digital IDs on smartphones instead of physical wallets through Senate Bill 230. The optional digital credentials will require mandatory acceptance wherever physical IDs are needed, include security measures and privacy safeguards, and incur a $10 fee. New penalties for digital fraud are also proposed.

In 2025, the Kansas Legislature introduced 775 bills, with over a hundred passed and adjourned sine die on April 11, 2025. Key legislation included budget approvals, tax reforms, and protections for various services. Committees will address policy issues until the session reconvenes on January 12, 2026, focusing on unfinished business.

In Week 7 of the 2025 Senate session, committees evaluated House bills, and Conference Committees began addressing differences in legislation. Key bills included SCR 1604, advocating for a Convention of States, and SB 33, simplifying sales tax exemptions for meat processing. Both were approved with significant bipartisan support.

Thursday marked the midpoint of the 2025 Legislative session, with the Kansas Senate passing over 40 bills in two days. The break until February 25 will allow staff to process paperwork. Key priorities include addressing House bills and passing the budget before the final adjournment later in the year.

The 2025 Legislative Session commenced on January 13th, featuring key addresses and significant committee activities. Governor Kelly emphasized education and water resource investments, while the Senate established new committees for Government Efficiency and Veterans' Affairs. Legislative committees are working diligently on proposed bills, ensuring thorough review and collaboration across government branches.

The Cloud County Community College commencement will honor 197 graduates on May 17. The event, including a nurses' pinning ceremony and a speech by Senator Elaine Bowers, will be livestreamed for remote viewing. The Distinguished Alumni of the Year Award will be presented, and the student speaker will be Zach Chance, the Student Senate president.

The Senate concluded committee meetings this week and will have a four-day week next week to complete the regular part of the 2024 legislative session. A number of bills were passed, including those related to professional employer organizations, child death review, and veterans services. Legislative townhalls have been conducted, with more scheduled in the upcoming weeks. Thank you for engaging.

The Kansas Senate is ten weeks into its session, with two weeks left before adjournment. The budget for FY 2025 passed, including various allocations and tax changes. Numerous bills also passed, including those related to tax exemptions and amendments. The Senate is actively engaging with constituents and providing updates. Senator Elaine Bowers encourages active engagement from the public.

SENATE HIGHLIGHTS Thursday marked a critical deadline known as “turnaround,” marking the official halfway point for the 2024 Legislative session. ...

2024 Senate Scene Week 3 SENATE HAPPENINGS This week, the Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and bring forward legislation....

Senate Highlights – Weekly overview This week was the last week of legislative activity before VETO session.  Early Friday morning,...