The second half of the legislative session is now underway.
The annual Turnaround deadline passed last week, meaning bills that haven’t advanced in either chamber don’t go to the other chamber for further consideration.
17th District Senator Mike Argabright of Olpe says property tax, a key component of the pre-Turnaround work, will still be a hot topic the rest of the session.
76th District Representative Brad Barrett of Osage City has been concentrating on two bills he sponsored, including one that increases penalties for felony flee and elude for multiple convictions. The other deals with sexual extortion, especially when it comes to using artificial intelligence.
Barrett also says he’s pleased there is consideration for House Bill 2365, which would create a regional mental hospital in Wichita to help minimize overcrowding at other state facilities like Larned, Osawatomie and Parsons. He says he’s adjusting to the rapid pace of the session.
Argabright has been busy with his five different committees.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia and 13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka have been unavailable for comment.
Lawmakers representing Lyon County have been invited to the second Legislative Dialogue as organized by the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce Government Matters Committee and League of Women Voters Emporia chapter on March 8.
