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Countdown to March 25th: The Final Stretch Week 8 of the legislative session is in the books, and now we’re racing toward March 25th. Why does this date matter? Because that’s the deadline for getting bills passed if there’s a chance they’ll get vetoed. The Kansas Constitution requires the Governor to make a decision within a set timeframe, and we need at least three days to override any veto if necessary. So yeah, it’s crunch time. Property Taxes: Power to the People Let’s talk property taxes, because let’s be honest, they never go down. That’s why HB 2396 is a game-changer. This bill does three important things: Gives Kansans the power to challenge ridiculous property tax hikes through a protest petition. If your local government tries to pull a fast one, you can fight back. Creates the ASTRA Fund—a pool of state money to help cities and counties that keep tax increases in check. Responsible budgeting should be rewarded, not punished. Cuts outdated red tape that slows down the system and makes taxes more confusing than they need to be. Bottom line? This bill puts taxpayers back in control. No more automatic, sneaky tax increases. Local governments have to be transparent, justify their spending, and actually be accountable. Imagine that. For homeowners, business owners, and farmers, this means stability. No more getting taxed out of your own home. No more surprise hikes that crush small businesses. Just fair, predictable, common-sense tax policy. The Lesser-Expensive of Two Evils: House Concurrent Resolution No. 5011 is a serious step toward fixing Kansas’ outdated property tax system. Right now, valuations swing wildly based on short-term market fluctuations, which is just insane. This amendment fixes that by using the lower of the fair market value or a multi-year average to determine taxable value. Translation? No more getting wrecked by sudden spikes in property values. Predictability. Stability. A tax system that actually makes sense. At its core, this is about fairness. The government shouldn’t be a predatory entity that punishes success. If you work hard, buy a home, or build a business, you shouldn’t get blindsided by unpredictable tax increases. This amendment makes sure taxation remains a tool for public service, not a weapon against taxpayers. Free Speech & Campaign Contributions: Fixing an Outdated System: Money is speech. The courts have said it, and honestly, it’s common sense. That’s why HB 2054 updates Kansas’ campaign finance laws to reflect reality. Right now, the max individual donation for House races is $500, basically half of what it was worth in the ‘90s due to inflation. So we’re bumping it to $1,000. Why? Because if we don’t, we’re effectively suppressing Kansans’ political voices. Inflation already devalues everything else; why let it devalue democracy too? Oh, and let’s talk about political parties. Right now, there are limits on contributions to them, but not on Super PACs. That’s ridiculous. Super PACs raise unlimited money with little oversight, while political parties have to follow strict rules and disclose their donors. By removing caps on party donations, we’re making the system more transparent, not less. If you care about accountability, this is the way to go. We’re at a pivotal moment. The decisions we make in the next few weeks will determine how Kansas handles taxes, governance, and political transparency for years to come. The goal? Less bureaucracy, more accountability, and policies that work for the people who pay the bills. Let’s get it done. — Rep. Sutton

Hello Everyone, As your representative, I want to ensure that you and your loved ones have access to all the resources available to protect your financial well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling to locate a lost life insurance policy, the Kansas Department of Insurance is here to help. Kansas Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt has shared a valuable resource that could assist constituents in finding missing life insurance funds. Through the **National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Life Insurance Policy Locator**, individuals can perform a **nationwide search** for lost life insurance policies by providing key information such as the deceased's Social Security number, legal name, date of birth, and date of death. Since 2019, the **Kansas Department of Insurance has helped Kansans recover over $98 million in life insurance policies**. This tool is a crucial asset for families looking to secure the benefits that their loved ones intended for them. To begin your search, visit the **Life Insurance Policy Locator** here: [https://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator](https://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator). For more information on life insurance and related services, visit the Kansas Department of Insurance website: [https://insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical](https://insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical). If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am committed to ensuring that every Kansan has access to the support and resources they need.

Hello Everyone, It has been an exciting week! As your representative, I'm proud to be part of a new effort aimed at bringing more transparency and accountability to our state government. Today, Speaker Dan Hawkins announced the creation of the Select Committee on Government Oversight, and I'm honored to be one of the 13 members appointed to serve on this committee. The purpose of this committee is simple but crucial: we want to make sure that your taxpayer dollars are being used wisely, that government agencies and programs are running efficiently, and that we are always working in the best interest of Kansans. With the power to investigate and subpoena when necessary, we’ll be able to shine a light on any areas where improvements are needed. Through open hearings and investigations, we’ll work to identify inefficiencies and recommend reforms that benefit everyone in our state. Being a part of this committee means taking on the responsibility of making sure our state government is as transparent and accountable as possible. It's about ensuring that the people we serve can trust that their government is working for them, not the other way around. We’re here to make sure that when decisions are made, they are made with the best interests of all Kansans in mind. I’m excited to get to work with my colleagues on this important effort. Together, we will ensure that government remains accountable to you, the people, and that your voices are heard loud and clear. Stay tuned for updates as we begin our work and make Kansas government even more accountable to you! — Rep. Sutton

Rep. Sutton was in the Big Chair during session on Wednesday, February 26. 2025

* The chart above details the Kansas Legislature's recent votes on key bills. We’ve made it past Turnaround!! That’s the date on the legislative calendar by which time all bills originating in the House must be completed, so that they can “turn around” and head to the Senate. This is always a tough week, and the condensed session made it even more so. We were on the Floor all day all week, debating bills from obscure to controversial. Now that the dust has settled (for now), let’s break down some of the major moves, including the veto override of SB 63 and the advancement of HCR 5008. Help Not Harm Veto Override! – SB 63 The Kansas Legislature stood strong in defense of children and families by overriding Governor Kelly’s veto of Senate Bill 63, the Help Not Harm Act. This crucial legislation prohibits irreversible medical interventions on minors whose suffer from gender dysphoria ensuring that children are not subjected to life-altering treatments before they are old enough to make informed decisions. The overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill reflects a clear mandate: Kansas will not allow radical gender ideology to take precedence over the health and well-being of our kids. Good governance means putting safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable. SB 63 aligns Kansas law with common-sense medical ethics by prohibiting puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-transition surgeries on minors, while allowing care for children with medically verifiable disorders of sexual development. It also ensures accountability by allowing individuals who were harmed by these procedures as minors to take legal action against those responsible. By prohibiting state funds from being used to promote gender transitions and preventing taxpayer dollars from covering these procedures, we are upholding fiscal responsibility and protecting parental rights. This veto override is a victory for Kansas families. Parents should not have to worry about activist doctors or school employees encouraging their children to pursue irreversible medical treatments. This bill ensures that children are given the time to grow, develop, and make informed choices as adults. Kansans have spoken, and we have reaffirmed our commitment to protecting kids from harmful medical experiments, defending parents' rights, and ensuring that state resources are used responsibly. Why This Bill is Good Policy: Protects Kids from Irreversible Harm – Children should not be pushed into life-altering medical procedures before they can fully understand the consequences. Defends Parental Rights – Prevents government-funded activists from interfering with parents' decisions about their child's well-being. Ensures Accountability – Gives harmed individuals the ability to seek legal recourse against those who performed these procedures on them as minors. Prevents the Misuse of Taxpayer Dollars – Stops state funds from being used to promote or pay for gender transition procedures on minors. HCR 5008 – “Rules and Regs” Amendment The Kansas Legislature has taken a bold step to rein in unelected bureaucrats and ensure that your elected representatives—not faceless agencies—have the final say over regulations that impact Kansans. With the passage of this constitutional amendment, voters will have the chance to restore accountability and transparency to the regulatory process by allowing the Legislature to review, revise, or revoke burdensome, unnecessary, or harmful regulations. This is about putting power back where it belongs: with the people and their elected representatives. Good governance means clear checks and balances between branches of government. Right now, executive agencies can issue regulations with the force of law without direct legislative oversight. That means rules can be imposed on businesses, farmers, and families without approval from the Legislature. This amendment corrects that imbalance by ensuring that regulations receive the same level of scrutiny as legislation. This is common sense reform that protects Kansans from bureaucratic overreach while maintaining necessary oversight of government agencies. This amendment will advance through the Senate, and if it passes then Kansans will have the opportunity to ensure that future regulations serve the people—not unelected bureaucrats—by voting on the amendment. This amendment will cut red tape, reduce unnecessary burdens on businesses, and prevent politically motivated rules from being forced on Kansans without legislative approval. We trust Kansans to make the right choice—to keep government in check and demand accountability. Why This Amendment is Good Policy: Restores Balance – Ensures that elected representatives—not unelected bureaucrats—have the final say over government regulations. Prevents Overreach – Stops agencies from imposing excessive red tape on Kansas businesses and families without proper oversight. Increases Transparency – Gives the public a clear process to challenge harmful regulations through their elected officials. Empowers Kansans – Puts power back in the hands of the people by ensuring their voices are heard in the regulatory process. With Turnaround in the rearview mirror, the session rolls on! There’s still plenty of work ahead, but for now, we can take a deep breath and look forward to what’s next. Whether you’re cheering these updates or keeping a close eye on what’s coming, one thing’s for sure—Kansas politics is never boring! Stay tuned for more as the session unfolds. — Rep. Sutton

Hey everyone! What. A. Week. If you haven’t already, check out my last posts for all the action straight from the House floor—there’s been plenty of chatter, debate, and a whole lot of Topeka-style excitement. Now, let’s dive into what went down in committee this week. House Insurance Committee Monday, February 10, 2025 We kicked off the week with hearings on some interesting legislation: HB2244 – This bill would shake up the Board of Pharmacy and prevent it from restricting telepharmacy use. (In other words, more virtual pharmacy access = more convenience.) HB2245 – A big shuffle in the state health care benefits program, shifting management powers to the Commissioner of Insurance. It also ditches an employer contribution pilot program for certain kids. HB2246 – A consumer protection bill aimed at making hospital prices more transparent. Because who doesn’t love knowing exactly what they’re being charged for? Friday, February 14, 2025 This is A Not-So-Romantic Valentine’s Day in Committee. While most people were celebrating with chocolates and flowers, we were deep in hearings on three (admittedly less sweet) bills: HB2333 – A proposal to rename the Kansas Insurance Department... as the Kansas Insurance Department. (Yes, you read that right.) HB2334 – Updates to the Captive Insurance Act, including fancy new terms like “incorporated cell insurance companies” and “protected cell captive insurance companies.” (Try saying that three times fast.) HB2335 – Expanding the definition of “healthcare provider” to include maternity centers under the Healthcare Provider Insurance Availability Act. All in all, a productive—if not exactly thrilling—week in committee. Stay tuned for next week’s updates, and as always, let me know if you have questions, thoughts, or just want to vent about the quirks of policy-making! Until next time, — Rep. Bill Sutton

Citizens-Only Voting Passes the House Kansas stands at a pivotal moment. HCR 5004, the Citizens-Only Voting amendment, has passed the House and now moves to the Senate. This measure is not merely a procedural adjustment—it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the integrity of our electoral system, a system built upon the fundamental principles of democracy. Within our state’s constitution, a shadow of ambiguity has lingered—one that raises the question of whether only U.S. citizens may vote. This amendment eradicates any doubt. It makes clear that only those who are U.S. citizens, 18 years or older, and residing within the appropriate voting district are eligible to cast a ballot. This is not an act of exclusion—it is an act of preservation. The right to vote is a privilege, and with privilege comes responsibility. By ensuring that our elections reflect the will of those who are bound by duty and allegiance to this nation, we safeguard democracy itself. ________________________________________ Ending Digital Child Exploitation There is no cause greater, no duty more sacred, than the protection of our children. House Bill 2183 is more than legislation—it is a shield, forged to protect the innocent from those who would seek to exploit them. The rise of digital manipulation—deepfakes and the unlawful distribution of illicit images—has introduced new threats, new horrors that demand action. Kansas will not be a safe harbor for those who prey upon the vulnerable. This law strengthens penalties, closes dangerous loopholes, and ensures that those who engage in the exploitation of children, whether through direct abuse or digital deception, face the full weight of justice. We stand for family. We stand for dignity. And above all, we stand for the safety of our children. ________________________________________ Closing Constitutional Confusion A government that is unclear in its governance is a government that sows uncertainty among its people. House Bill 2057 is an essential reform—one that brings order, clarity, and accountability to the appointment process for key state offices, including the United States Senate. As established by the 17th Amendment, the legislature holds the power to define the parameters by which the Governor may appoint a replacement Senator. This bill ensures that such appointments remain true to the will of the people. Kansas will not be subject to political whims or reckless appointments. By requiring that nominees maintain party affiliation and residency stability, this legislation ensures continuity, stability, and above all, integrity. A bipartisan committee will oversee this process, guaranteeing that any appointment is subject to scrutiny, fairness, and public trust. In Kansas, we do not govern in shadows. We lead with transparency, with accountability, and with the unshakable principles that define our democracy. ________________________________________ Veteran Property Tax Relief—Honoring Those Who Have Served A nation that does not honor its veterans is a nation that does not honor itself. With House Bill 2005, Kansas takes a decisive step to ease the financial burden on those who have given everything for this country. The Veterans' Valor Property Tax Relief Act provides a 75% tax credit for veterans deemed totally disabled, permanently and totally disabled, or unemployable under federal guidelines. This is not charity. This is justice. By allowing eligible veterans to claim this credit against property taxes on their primary residence, we ensure that those who have borne the weight of sacrifice are not burdened further. And we do so with fairness—ensuring that aid reaches those most in need, without redundancy or waste. This law is a promise—a promise that Kansas will never forget the men and women who have defended its freedoms. To our veterans, we do not merely offer words of gratitude. We offer action. ________________________________________ Kansas moves forward. Not with uncertainty, but with purpose. Not with hesitation, but with strength. Let the record show: We stand for democracy. We stand for justice. We stand for the people.

Big Discussions This Week: Help Not Harm & Medicaid Expansion