Governor Laura Kelly has signed legislation extending the state’s COVID-19 disaster declaration and subsequently reconfiguring the Kansas Emergency Management Act.
Senate Bill 40, which passed both the House and Senate last week, now extends the state’s disaster declaration through May 28. In addition, the bill also ends all statewide COVID-19-related mandates — mask mandate included — effective March 31.
During an interview on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia Monday, the governor stated she was thankful for the extension of the disaster declaration saying it is “imperative” to the state’s continued COVID-19 response.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia says the legislation is an important step for the state.
Schreiber went on to say the legislation provides additional oversight and flexibility as the state’s response to the pandemic continues.
In addition to ending statewide mandates, also gives school boards authority over decision making, such as school closures if needed, and will allow residents who feel “aggrieved” by decisions to file civil action in district court.
Any new executive orders will also have to be reviewed by a legislative coordinating council and can be revoked at any time by either the Legislature as a whole or the council if lawmakers are not in session.
