Legislative session update: Where the bills are
What lawmakers are focusing on halfway through the legislative session
4:32 p.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2008
We start with an issue that sparked outrage across the state, prison sentencing.
When Judge Matthew Dowd sentenced Orlando Paul Cisneros to probation for repeatedly raping a 14-year-old girl, the community was outraged.
Lawmakers introduced a bill that would force judges to stick to recommended sentences. That bill (2732) passed out of the House just last week and is waiting for Senate action.
Next on to energy:
The issue that has dominated this session is whether two coal-fired power plants can be built in Holcomb. The legislation (2219) passed both the House and Senate and is headed to the governor’s desk, where she promises to veto it.
Then it's up to lawmakers to try to get enough votes to override the veto.
On health:
Another bill (37) concerning many be up in smoke. The bill would create a state-wide smoking ban for indoor public areas, but it’s stuck in committee, where it may remain for the rest of the session.
The kicker:
And now -- after a ruling by the Kansas Supreme Court Tuesday -- lawmakers are faced with funeral picketing. Last year they passed a law to keep members of the Westboro Baptist Church from protesting at military funerals, but, there was a catch. Before the bill (2020) could be enforced, it had to be ruled constitutional.
This week the Kansas Supreme Court decided part of the bill was not constitutional. The justices made their ruling early so lawmakers could choose to re-work the bill before the end of this legislative session.
We don't know what they'll do with it, especially when we consider how much they already have on their plates and what they still have to do.
Lawmakers are only half way through the legislative session, so count on 49 News to keep you updated on these and all the other issues that are important to you.
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