The views and opinions expressed in this editorial article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of Salina Post or Eagle Media. The editorial is intended to stimulate critical thinking and debate on issues of public interest and should be read with an open mind. Readers are encouraged to consider multiple sources of information and to form their own informed opinions.
By: SCOTT HILL
Kansas Senator 24th District
Looking back in history, we are reminded that this week 251 years ago the Revolutionary war started when “normal” colonists including shop keepers, farmers, and other businessmen took up arms and engaged in conflict against the mightiest army in the world. The courage of that underwhelming rag-tag army still exists in the hearts of many Americans. In this year of celebration of our founding, the courage to halt tyranny and intrusion into our lives by a government willing to dictate every aspect of society needs to be encouraged in all citizens.
The just completed legislative session resulted in the passage of nearly 200 new bills, but also the repeal of some provisions that were not necessary. Going forward we need to work harder at encouraging selfless behavior coupled with the reduction of unnecessary over-regulation. The following is another listing of bill briefs that are indicative of the scope of state regulations:
· SB 20: Enacting consumer protection and transparency into pharmacy benefit Managers.
· SB 232: Enabling parents in Kansas to participate in the “Born to Invest” act which lets parents establish savings accounts for children.
· SB 356: Protects from liability for federal firearms licensees that have held a firearm in safe keeping and returned it to a firearm owner.
· SB 366: Prohibits the use of cellphones in active construction zones.
· SB 380: Provides free market rates for fueling stations that provide electrical vehicle charging.
· SB 382: Provides educational changes for virtual schools regarding assessment and special education. Also, it makes provision for foreign exchange students’ enrollment.
· SB 418: Removes some restrictions on new home construction to reduce costs for home buyers and builders.
· SB 459: Restructures the prisoner review board. Creates qualifications for members and requires notification of victims.
· SB 487: Requires the KBI to establish a statewide offender registration system and eliminates the need for offenders to register in multiple locations.
· HB 2158: Removes the restrictions on beekeepers for retail sales of honey.
· HB 2192: Limits work release for those convicted of domestic battery and requiring first offense battery offenders to be assessed.
· HB 2331: Allows for the disposition of unclaimed human remains.
· HB 2347: Increases the penalty for the theft of automobiles worth more than $500.
· HB 2378: Provides for a streamlined process for removing squatters from a dwelling unit.
· HB 2464: Extends the tax credits for those who donate to aerospace, aviation, the Eisenhower foundation, and the friends of Cedar Crest foundation for three years.
· HB 2501: Removes the Kansas restrictions on firearm silencers and short barrel shotguns and providing for increased penalties for felonies committed with a firearm.
· HB 2528: Reforming and restructuring the State Board of Nursing.
· HB 2560: Allows the board of regents to sell a property in Manhattan.
· HB 2591: Provides financial institutions with the ability to combat fraud against vulnerable customers and allows for payment of financial instruments on Saturday afternoon and holidays.
· HB 2595: Establishes a rural Kansas attorney training program.
· HB 2596: Allows inmates at Hutchinson to construct mobile homes at the facility.
· HB 2700: Establishes the right to repair digital electronic equipment.
· HB 2733: Requires people who run for public office to remain a resident of the district to which they are elected.
This list is not comprehensive of all legislation that was passed in the last session. However, it touches on several issues that might be of interest to you. If you have any questions about these or any other laws, please contact me and I will provide you with more information. Thank you for the opportunity to be your voice in Topeka.
Scott.Hill@senate.ks.gov
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