This week we finished the budget work and will have the budget ready to pass out of committee by Thursday and next week debated on the Senate floor.

These are additional bills passed out of the Senate prior to turnaround last week:

SB292 would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members; and amend law throughout Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to modernize statutory language, remove outdated statutes, and remove references to trial by court-martial.

SB 384 would authorize the Emergency Medical Services Board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation adopted to implement, enforce, or otherwise regulate provisions regarding minimal staffing on each vehicle providing emergency service.

SB 387 will modify a provision governing open enrollment in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to provide for the continued enrollment of nonresident students in a school district until the student graduates from high school. The bill would clarify that any student enrolled as a nonresident in a school district during the school year 2023-2024 will be permitted to continue their enrollment and attendance in that school district if the student is deemed in good standing. Such students would not be required to go through the lottery process to remain enrolled at the school district in the 2024-2025 school year. It would also specify that no school district shall be required to provide transportation to nonresident students unless otherwise required by applicable law and would add a deadline of July 30 of each year to a current notification requirement of school districts to notify the parent of the student’s denied enrollment and creates the ability for the parent to appeal the denial to the school district’s board of education. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the parent would be permitted to appeal to the Commissioner of Education, who will be required to conduct a hearing in accordance with the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act.

SB 318 would amend law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of cases by the city attorney in municipal court.

SB 338 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group- funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools and would also remove a notification requirement relating to termination or cancellation of a member in a group-funded workers compensation pool.

SB 356 will amend provisions governing examination fees and compensation for examiners in the Insurance Code to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. The bill would also establish that certain examination costs be “reasonable.”

HB 2545 passed the House and the Senate which will make changes to the Self-Service Storage Act, specifically concerning sales of property after a notice of termination or non-renewal; non-delivery of rental agreements; and electronic signatures and delivery of rental agreements. The bill would permit a self-storage operator to sell personal property not retrieved by an occupant within 45 days of a notice of termination or non- renewal delivered by the operator pursuant to the rental agreement’s terms. It would also address party obligations when one party does not sign or deliver a rental agreement, but actions indicate the rental is to begin or continue.

I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.

Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:

* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties* Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/2/1644852447177.jpeg" alt="Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th Dist. File photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>Topeka March 3, 2024This week we finished the budget work and will have the budget ready to pass out of committee by Thursday and next week debated on the Senate floor.These are additional bills passed out of the Senate prior to turnaround last week:SB292 would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members; and amend law throughout Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to modernize statutory language, remove outdated statutes, and remove references to trial by court-martial.SB 384 would authorize the Emergency Medical Services Board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation adopted to implement, enforce, or otherwise regulate provisions regarding minimal staffing on each vehicle providing emergency service.SB 387 will modify a provision governing open enrollment in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act to provide for the continued enrollment of nonresident students in a school district until the student graduates from high school. The bill would clarify that any student enrolled as a nonresident in a school district during the school year 2023-2024 will be permitted to continue their enrollment and attendance in that school district if the student is deemed in good standing. Such students would not be required to go through the lottery process to remain enrolled at the school district in the 2024-2025 school year. It would also specify that no school district shall be required to provide transportation to nonresident students unless otherwise required by applicable law and would add a deadline of July 30 of each year to a current notification requirement of school districts to notify the parent of the student’s denied enrollment and creates the ability for the parent to appeal the denial to the school district’s board of education. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the parent would be permitted to appeal to the Commissioner of Education, who will be required to conduct a hearing in accordance with the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act.SB 318 would amend law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of cases by the city attorney in municipal court.SB 338 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group- funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools and would also remove a notification requirement relating to termination or cancellation of a member in a group-funded workers compensation pool.SB 356 will amend provisions governing examination fees and compensation for examiners in the Insurance Code to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. The bill would also establish that certain examination costs be “reasonable.”HB 2545 passed the House and the Senate which will make changes to the Self-Service Storage Act, specifically concerning sales of property after a notice of termination or non-renewal; non-delivery of rental agreements; and electronic signatures and delivery of rental agreements. The bill would permit a self-storage operator to sell personal property not retrieved by an occupant within 45 days of a notice of termination or non- renewal delivered by the operator pursuant to the rental agreement’s terms. It would also address party obligations when one party does not sign or deliver a rental agreement, but actions indicate the rental is to begin or continue.I am honored and grateful to represent the 40th Senate District in Kansas. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email: rick.billinger@senate.ks.gov or call me with your concerns. My office number is 785-296-7399 or my cell number is 785-899-4700. If you are in Topeka stop by my office, room 545-S.Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, is senator of the 40th District which includes:* Cheyenne, Decatur, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Logan, Norton, Rawlins,&nbsp;Sheridan, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace Counties* Phillips County: Cities: Logan, Long Island, Prairie View, Speed;&nbsp;Townships: Beaver, Belmont, Dayton, Granite, Logan, Long Island, Mound, Plainview, Prairie View,&nbsp;Solomon (part) and Towanda

BILLINGER: Senate Update, March 3, 2024; Budget work finished; 3 more bills passed

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

We often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!

The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.

As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.

Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.

Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project! These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.

Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictWe often associate 4-H projects with the county fair but there is so much more to the 4-H year!The 4-H year begins in October and youth select several projects to explore and increase their knowledge and skills. During winter months, this project work can involve working with a beef or swine animal to begin growing, learning about health, and start handling the animal so that it is familiar with the 4-H member. Project work for the foods project may involve learning new skills such as measuring or using a sharp knife, and helping make meals for the family. Photography members can have incredible opportunities to experiment with light, shadows, and composition with the variety of weather that Kansas provides! Additionally, club members are taking on new leadership roles in their club and improving their communication skills at each meeting.As we move into spring, livestock projects such as sheep and goats take off as those animals are born or purchased and youth will be learning about nutrition, animal health, and showmanship skills. Photography becomes even more fun as 4-H youth can explore subjects such as animals, insects, or landscapes as we can spend more time outside. This is the time that horticulture projects really get busy as youth work on preparing garden space and selecting seeds or plants.Throughout the year, youth learn record keeping by working on Project Records which include setting goals, learning opportunities, project work, and financial records.Communication, Leadership, and Community Engagement are all 4-H project areas but there is a piece of each of these in every 4-H project! These are lifetime skills that help youth be good family members, good employees, and good community members.Keep learning! Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mberan@ksu.edu">mberan@ksu.edu</a>&nbsp;or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Year round learning

By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas Outdoors

I saw an old friend in town the other day and he asked how I had done trapping last year. I told him I hadn’t set as many traps as I’d wanted and thus hadn’t caught as many coyotes as I had planned. I’ll never forget his reply; he told me “I was never a very good trapper. I had a friend that was very good, and I would set twice as many traps as him and I would catch twice as little!” I chuckled at his wording, but it got me to thinking. If I had thrown in the towel every time I hadn’t gotten a deer, or trapped as many coyotes as planned, or caught all the fish I’d wanted I would probably have ceased even going outdoors years ago.

There have been plenty of years when I haven’t harvested a deer or trapped as many critters as I’d wanted, but my biggest challenge has always been my fishing skills, or better yet my lack-thereof. Growing up in Ohio, we enjoyed Lake Erie and one of the many islands in Lake Erie is named Kelley’s Island. Our neighbor was pastor at one of the churches on Kelley’s Island and stayed there in the parsonage during the weekend, and lived next door to us during the week. Because of our friendship, if we went to Kelley’s Island on week days, he let us stay in the church parsonage, so each year we planned a short fishing trip there during the week. One of the fish Lake Erie is known for is the Yellow Perch. They are nothing like our invasive species White Perch here in Kansas and in my book are nearly as good as Walleye as far as eating quality. In the fall the perch would be biting around the island so we planned our trips around that. We sometimes fished from the ferry dock alongside native islanders. I always bought the same bait from the same bait shop and used the same tackle as the native islanders, but sitting 3 feet away on the dock, they would catch 12 fish to my one.

Some years back when Joyce and I still had a boat, we went to Kannapolis fishing with another couple who were both avid fishermen, they in their boat and Joyce and I in ours. They had numerous brush piles in the lake marked on their GPS, so we anchored on each side of a long narrow brush pile. Joyce and I both rigged our rods exactly like theirs, and our boats were so close that at one point they tossed us the exact jig they were using. They caught crappies left and right and the only thing we caught was the rope anchoring the marker buoy.

My points here are, number one, I’m a lousy fisherman, seemingly almost cursed at times, but yet I still go when I can. Point number two is, that although harvesting fish and game is usually the goal when in the field or on the lake, the harvest should not be our sole purpose for being there. On one particular deer hunt during my youth, I was standing in a pre-determined spot in a large woodlot awaiting other hunters walking toward me. I heard rustling in the leaves, and watched as a mother red fox and her family of half-grown kits ran past me just a few feet away. As I recall, I didn’t harvest a deer that year, but would have missed that once-in-a-lifetime-sight had I not been there anyway.

I could fill pages with other stories like that of bobcats that peered at us from a few feet away, or hawks that cruised past us mere feet above the ground and only a stones-throw away, or the beaver that swam beneath my feet under the ice of a frozen creek. The bottom line is that all that would have been missed had we not been there, successful harvest or not. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors (successful harvest or not!)

Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/11/1574696211722.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By STEVE GILLILAND Exploring Kansas OutdoorsI saw an old friend in town the other day and he asked how I had done trapping last year. I told him I hadn’t set as many traps as I’d wanted and thus hadn’t caught as many coyotes as I had planned. I’ll never forget his reply; he told me “I was never a very good trapper. I had a friend that was very good, and I would set twice as many traps as him and I would catch twice as little!” I chuckled at his wording, but it got me to thinking. If I had thrown in the towel every time I hadn’t gotten a deer, or trapped as many coyotes as planned, or caught all the fish I’d wanted I would probably have ceased even going outdoors years ago.There have been plenty of years when I haven’t harvested a deer or trapped as many critters as I’d wanted, but my biggest challenge has always been my fishing skills, or better yet my lack-thereof. Growing up in Ohio, we enjoyed Lake Erie and one of the many islands in Lake Erie is named Kelley’s Island. Our neighbor was pastor at one of the churches on Kelley’s Island and stayed there in the parsonage during the weekend, and lived next door to us during the week. Because of our friendship, if we went to Kelley’s Island on week days, he let us stay in the church parsonage, so each year we planned a short fishing trip there during the week. One of the fish Lake Erie is known for is the Yellow Perch. They are nothing like our invasive species White Perch here in Kansas and in my book are nearly as good as Walleye as far as eating quality. In the fall the perch would be biting around the island so we planned our trips around that. We sometimes fished from the ferry dock alongside native islanders. I always bought the same bait from the same bait shop and used the same tackle as the native islanders, but sitting 3 feet away on the dock, they would catch 12 fish to my one.Some years back when Joyce and I still had a boat, we went to Kannapolis fishing with another couple who were both avid fishermen, they in their boat and Joyce and I in ours. They had numerous brush piles in the lake marked on their GPS, so we anchored on each side of a long narrow brush pile. Joyce and I both rigged our rods exactly like theirs, and our boats were so close that at one point they tossed us the exact jig they were using. They caught crappies left and right and the only thing we caught was the rope anchoring the marker buoy.My points here are, number one, I’m a lousy fisherman, seemingly almost cursed at times, but yet I still go when I can. Point number two is, that although harvesting fish and game is usually the goal when in the field or on the lake, the harvest should not be our sole purpose for being there. On one particular deer hunt during my youth, I was standing in a pre-determined spot in a large woodlot awaiting other hunters walking toward me. I heard rustling in the leaves, and watched as a mother red fox and her family of half-grown kits ran past me just a few feet away. As I recall, I didn’t harvest a deer that year, but would have missed that once-in-a-lifetime-sight had I not been there anyway.I could fill pages with other stories like that of bobcats that peered at us from a few feet away, or hawks that cruised past us mere feet above the ground and only a stones-throw away, or the beaver that swam beneath my feet under the ice of a frozen creek. The bottom line is that all that would have been missed had we not been there, successful harvest or not. Continue to Explore Kansas Outdoors (successful harvest or not!)Steve can be contacted by email at stevenrgilliland@gmail.com.

GILLILAND: You never know what you might be missing

By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation Service

Many Kansas dryland cropping systems tend to have long 9–15-month fallow periods between cash crops. This is to basically “bank” moisture in the soil profile for the next crop, thus reducing the risk of a failure. This seems to make sense in semi-arid regions that receives an average of 15 to 22 inches of rainfall annually.

Unfortunately, these systems are typically not very efficient at capturing and storing moisture. Roughly around 15-25% of the rain and snow received during the fallow period is captured and stored in the soil for the next crop. The rest is lost from runoff, evaporation, and in some cases deep percolation below the crop’s root zone. 16 inches of moisture during a fallow period will only gain about 2.5 to 4 inches of additional soil moisture. The more tillage in the system the less moisture you will be able to capture and store. Granted, in dry years that extra moisture, as small as it is, might be the difference between a failed crop and a harvested crop. But in average or wet years we are greatly under utilizing the moisture mother nature has provided us.

Many times, these systems leave the soil surface nearly bare making the soil susceptible to both wind and water erosion. This is true in both tillage and no-till systems. No-till fallow fields, without cover on the soil surface, can blow and wash away just as easily as a tilled field. With every erosion event the soil becomes more degraded and less productive.

Can we utilize that lost moisture in a more positive way? In many situations I believe that we can. One way is to add more cash crops to the cropping system. This doesn’t have to be an all or none scenario and should be flexible. If there is a good soil moisture at planting time, and the long- term weather forecast is favorable, a cash crop could replace a fallow period. If soil moisture is sketchy and the long-term weather forecast is dry to neutral, you may forgo planting a cash crop and plant a cover crop, or just continue with the traditional fallow period.

Cover crops could also be used to bridge the time between the cash crops. They provide a lot more flexibility than trying to add more cash crops, because you don’t need to worry about getting a crop to maturity to harvest it. They can always be terminated early if gets dry, or not planted at all if moisture conditions are not favorable at planting.

Intensifying the crop rotation or adding cover crops are not a silver bullets that will fix all soil health issues. They are just another tool in the toolbox that may work for some producers, but not for others. There are other practices, like nutrient management, no-till, crop rotation and others that may be a better fit for some producers.

At the end of the day every producer needs to ask, is changing my current system going to put more money in my pocket? Both short term and long-term costs and benefits need to be considered, including the long-term productivity of the soil. For more information you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1674661010889.png" alt="File photo" />
 <figcaption>File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DALE YOUNKER Natural Resources Conservation ServiceMany Kansas dryland cropping systems tend to have long 9–15-month fallow periods between cash crops. This is to basically “bank” moisture in the soil profile for the next crop, thus reducing the risk of a failure. This seems to make sense in semi-arid regions that receives an average of 15 to 22 inches of rainfall annually.Unfortunately, these systems are typically not very efficient at capturing and storing moisture. Roughly around 15-25% of the rain and snow received during the fallow period is captured and stored in the soil for the next crop. The rest is lost from runoff, evaporation, and in some cases deep percolation below the crop’s root zone. 16 inches of moisture during a fallow period will only gain about 2.5 to 4 inches of additional soil moisture. The more tillage in the system the less moisture you will be able to capture and store. Granted, in dry years that extra moisture, as small as it is, might be the difference between a failed crop and a harvested crop. But in average or wet years we are greatly under utilizing the moisture mother nature has provided us.Many times, these systems leave the soil surface nearly bare making the soil susceptible to both wind and water erosion. This is true in both tillage and no-till systems. No-till fallow fields, without cover on the soil surface, can blow and wash away just as easily as a tilled field. With every erosion event the soil becomes more degraded and less productive.Can we utilize that lost moisture in a more positive way? In many situations I believe that we can. One way is to add more cash crops to the cropping system. This doesn’t have to be an all or none scenario and should be flexible. If there is a good soil moisture at planting time, and the long- term weather forecast is favorable, a cash crop could replace a fallow period. If soil moisture is sketchy and the long-term weather forecast is dry to neutral, you may forgo planting a cash crop and plant a cover crop, or just continue with the traditional fallow period.Cover crops could also be used to bridge the time between the cash crops. They provide a lot more flexibility than trying to add more cash crops, because you don’t need to worry about getting a crop to maturity to harvest it. They can always be terminated early if gets dry, or not planted at all if moisture conditions are not favorable at planting.Intensifying the crop rotation or adding cover crops are not a silver bullets that will fix all soil health issues. They are just another tool in the toolbox that may work for some producers, but not for others. There are other practices, like nutrient management, no-till, crop rotation and others that may be a better fit for some producers.At the end of the day every producer needs to ask, is changing my current system going to put more money in my pocket? Both short term and long-term costs and benefits need to be considered, including the long-term productivity of the soil. For more information you can contact me at dale.younker@ks.usda.gov or any local NRCS office.

YOUNKER: Kansas dryland cropping systems

By CRISTINA MIRANDA Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you’re in the checkout line with a gift card (or several) in your hand, ask yourself: is the gift card you’re buying for a gift? Or is someone on the phone with you as you’re checking out telling you what to do – like buy a gift card to pay for something and give them the numbers? Gift cards are ONLY for gifts. That means if the gift card isn’t for someone’s birthday, anniversary, or for any other gift giving reason, it’s a scam.

<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">Gift card</a>&nbsp;scammers only want your money. First they’ll call, text, email, or send a social media message. Then comes a made-up story: They’re from the government (pay taxes or a fine), tech support (something’s wrong with your computer – pay to fix it), or you’ve won a prize (but pay for it first.) Other scammers might use AI voice cloning to sound like a family member in trouble. It’s always urgent. They always want you to act fast or something bad will happen. And it’s always a scam.

Think you gave gift card numbers to a scammer? Act fast. Grab your gift card and the gift card receipt. Then,

Remember: gift cards are ONLY for gifts. If it’s for anything else, like to pay to fix any problem for ANY reason, it’s a scam.&nbsp;

Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">ftc.gov/gift cards</a>&nbsp;to learn more. Share this information with your friends, family, and community to help stop gift card scams.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692642990978.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA MIRANDA Consumer Education Specialist, FTCIf you’re in the checkout line with a gift card (or several) in your hand, ask yourself: is the gift card you’re buying for a gift? Or is someone on the phone with you as you’re checking out telling you what to do – like buy a gift card to pay for something and give them the numbers? Gift cards are ONLY for gifts. That means if the gift card isn’t for someone’s birthday, anniversary, or for any other gift giving reason, it’s a scam.<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">Gift card</a>&nbsp;scammers only want your money. First they’ll call, text, email, or send a social media message. Then comes a made-up story: They’re from the government (pay taxes or a fine), tech support (something’s wrong with your computer – pay to fix it), or you’ve won a prize (but pay for it first.) Other scammers might use AI voice cloning to sound like a family member in trouble. It’s always urgent. They always want you to act fast or something bad will happen. And it’s always a scam.Think you gave gift card numbers to a scammer? Act fast. Grab your gift card and the gift card receipt. Then,<ul>
 <li>Report the gift card scam to the gift card company.&nbsp;It doesn’t matter when the scam happened. Use this&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/avoiding-and-reporting-gift-card-scams#_Gift_Card_Company">How To Contact Gift Card Companies</a>&nbsp;list to report it.</li><li>Ask for your money back.&nbsp;Some companies are helping stop gift card scams and might give your money back. Always ask.</li><li>Tell the FTC at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.&nbsp;Your report makes a difference and helps protect people in your community from fraud and scams.</li>
 </ul>Remember: gift cards are ONLY for gifts. If it’s for anything else, like to pay to fix any problem for ANY reason, it’s a scam.&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://consumer.ftc.gov/giftcards">ftc.gov/gift cards</a>&nbsp;to learn more. Share this information with your friends, family, and community to help stop gift card scams.

In the check-out line buying gift cards? Read on to avoid a scam

By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight Kansas

Last week justices on the Kansas Supreme Court signaled that they find fault with the 2021 state law that makes it more difficult for groups to hold voter registration drives.

The controversial law criminalizes “false representation” of an election official.

In theory, this seems like it would be a good thing as it would prevent voters from being misled. However, in reality, the law was written so poorly that any group or individual registering voters without a giant sign stating “Not An Election Official” could be punished under the law.

The justices’ line of questioning seem to indicate that they believe the “false representation” law might violate protected speech — which, if accurate, would be in agreement with the arguments brought forth by the law’s challengers, civic engagement groups focused on voter participation like the League of Women Voters and Loud Light.

As arguments are heard by the Kansas Supreme Court, the legislature is simultaneously pushing through changes that would amend the law to make it more narrow, only criminalizing voter registration drives if groups or individuals engaged in conduct “with the intent to cause a person to believe” they are an election official. In short, if they were deliberately engaging in disinformation.

This situation highlights the continuing power struggle between the legislature and the judiciary.

Voting rights is only one example. Another is access to abortion services.

For example, this session alone, the legislature has introduced nine bills that would restrict abortion access, despite the Court’s 2019 decision in Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt that constitutionally protects access and citizens’ vote to uphold that decision in August 2022.

Branches competing for political power is a feature of our system of separation of powers, not a bug.

James Madison, the brain behind separation of powers, believed that creating competing power centers within the political system would force compromise to happen. Madison meant just this when he famously said “ambition must be made to counteract ambition”.

Historically, compromise was more common in the political system than it is today. In our current era of hyperpartisan polarization, we more often see instances of constitutional hardball.

Constitutional hardball is often defined as actions by political parties to pass laws that violate norms in ways that undermine democracy. Another result of constitutional hardball is declining satisfaction with government institutions and overall lack of trust in government.

The 2023 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, gauged satisfaction with the performance of the state’s legislature and supreme court in October 2023.

23% of Kansans answered that they were very or somewhat satisfied with the overall performance of the Kansas Legislature, an 8 point drop from 2022.

22% of Kansans answered the same about the Kansas Supreme Court, a 10 point decline from the previous year.

The survey also asks about approval ratings for Governor Laura Kelly (38%), the US Congress (10%), US Senators Jerry Moran (24%) and Roger Marshall (21%), and President Joe Biden (22%), all of which saw a decline from 2022.

In an era marked by low approval ratings, continuous political power struggles risk further alienation of citizens. A healthy democratic government requires active and engaged Kansans, but the social science literature on civic engagement says that citizens are less likely to participate when trust in government is low.

As branches of government vie for power, democratic responsiveness wanes and Kansans suffer the consequences.

Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/9/1694699489540.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By ALEXANDRA MIDDLEWOOD Insight KansasLast week justices on the Kansas Supreme Court signaled that they find fault with the 2021 state law that makes it more difficult for groups to hold voter registration drives.The controversial law criminalizes “false representation” of an election official.In theory, this seems like it would be a good thing as it would prevent voters from being misled. However, in reality, the law was written so poorly that any group or individual registering voters without a giant sign stating “Not An Election Official” could be punished under the law.The justices’ line of questioning seem to indicate that they believe the “false representation” law might violate protected speech — which, if accurate, would be in agreement with the arguments brought forth by the law’s challengers, civic engagement groups focused on voter participation like the League of Women Voters and Loud Light.As arguments are heard by the Kansas Supreme Court, the legislature is simultaneously pushing through changes that would amend the law to make it more narrow, only criminalizing voter registration drives if groups or individuals engaged in conduct “with the intent to cause a person to believe” they are an election official. In short, if they were deliberately engaging in disinformation.This situation highlights the continuing power struggle between the legislature and the judiciary.Voting rights is only one example. Another is access to abortion services.For example, this session alone, the legislature has introduced nine bills that would restrict abortion access, despite the Court’s 2019 decision in Hodes &amp; Nauser v. Schmidt that constitutionally protects access and citizens’ vote to uphold that decision in August 2022.Branches competing for political power is a feature of our system of separation of powers, not a bug.James Madison, the brain behind separation of powers, believed that creating competing power centers within the political system would force compromise to happen. Madison meant just this when he famously said “ambition must be made to counteract ambition”.Historically, compromise was more common in the political system than it is today. In our current era of hyperpartisan polarization, we more often see instances of constitutional hardball.Constitutional hardball is often defined as actions by political parties to pass laws that violate norms in ways that undermine democracy. Another result of constitutional hardball is declining satisfaction with government institutions and overall lack of trust in government.The 2023 Kansas Speaks public opinion survey, conducted by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, gauged satisfaction with the performance of the state’s legislature and supreme court in October 2023.23% of Kansans answered that they were very or somewhat satisfied with the overall performance of the Kansas Legislature, an 8 point drop from 2022.22% of Kansans answered the same about the Kansas Supreme Court, a 10 point decline from the previous year.The survey also asks about approval ratings for Governor Laura Kelly (38%), the US Congress (10%), US Senators Jerry Moran (24%) and Roger Marshall (21%), and President Joe Biden (22%), all of which saw a decline from 2022.In an era marked by low approval ratings, continuous political power struggles risk further alienation of citizens. A healthy democratic government requires active and engaged Kansans, but the social science literature on civic engagement says that citizens are less likely to participate when trust in government is low.As branches of government vie for power, democratic responsiveness wanes and Kansans suffer the consequences.Alexandra Middlewood, PhD is the Department Chair of Political Science at Wichita State University.

INSIGHT KANSAS: James Madison would not be happy with Kansas politics in 2024

By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University President

College athletics foster school spirit, community pride, and a sense of belonging among students, alums, and fans. Beyond camaraderie, participating in college sports promotes physical activity, wellness, discipline, and teamwork skills, enhancing the overall collegiate experience.

Athletic scholarships often make higher education accessible for talented student-athletes who excel in their respective sports. Additionally, successful athletic programs generate revenue and elevate a school's visibility, attracting prospective students and strengthening alum engagement.

Amid the multifaceted landscape of college athletics, the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role. Appointed by and reporting to the president, the FAR is a crucial link between the institution, athletic department, and the NCAA, ensuring compliance, academic integrity, and student-athlete welfare.

Carrie Hielman, FAR at UVA, observed that two things are true: Most people don’t know what the faculty athletics representative does, and every NCAA school has one. Only one person from each of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s more than 1,100 colleges and universities serves as the faculty athletics representative for their school, making it a unique role at each institution.

At Fort Hays State University (FHSU), the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) position has a rich history of esteemed individuals who have significantly impacted the university's athletic journey within the NCAA.

Keith Faulkner held the role before 1989 when FHSU was a member of the NAIA, transitioning seamlessly into the NCAA era. Following Faulkner, Gary Cox served as the FAR for the RMAC Conference from 1989 to 1995, paving the way for the impactful tenure of Glen McNeil as FAR for the RMAC Conference from 1995 to 2006 and subsequently for the MIAA Conference until 2021. In 2021, Kenton Olliff took over as the FAR for the MIAA Conference, continuing FHSU's tradition of dedicated service to student-athletes and upholding the legacy of his predecessors.

FARs play a crucial role at NCAA member institutions like FHSU, ensuring the delicate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics. As liaisons between the institution, the athletics department, and the NCAA, FARs like Glen McNeil and Kenton Olliff uphold compliance with regulations and promote academic integrity within athletics programs.

Their responsibilities include monitoring student-athlete academic performance, overseeing academic services, and providing senior advice on athletics. Engaging in institutional athletics committees, reporting to the faculty senate, and representing their institutions at NCAA conventions are among the duties fulfilled by FARs.

Beyond administrative tasks, FARs actively safeguard student-athletes’ well-being, engage with advisory committees, and conduct exit interviews to assess athletes' experiences. They also ensure institutional compliance with NCAA and conference regulations, swiftly addressing potential violations to maintain integrity in collegiate athletics programs.

The effectiveness of FARs like Kenton Olliff at FHSU is bolstered by institutional support, underscoring their vital role in upholding academic standards and student welfare within collegiate athletics.

Emphasizing holistic student-athlete development, Kenton stresses the fulfillment of witnessing student-athletes excel in both athletic and academic realms. This focus underscores the essential role of the FAR in shaping the well-rounded success of individual student-athletes within the FHSU athletic community.

Kenton works closely with Senior Women’s Administrator and Assistant Athletic Director Dixie Balman in certifying student-athlete eligibility and overseeing essential tasks to ensure their overall well-being. In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, challenges such as regulatory changes, as well as facilitating student-athlete transfer, demand expertise to navigate effectively.

“It is rewarding to see student-athletes do well not only in their sport but also in the classroom,” shared Kenton.

With a spirit of collaboration and innovation reminiscent of initiatives seen at other institutions, the FAR's role at FHSU remains crucial in supporting the delicate balance between academics and athletics. The dedication and commitment of individuals like Kenton Olliff exemplify ongoing efforts to foster success and well-being among Fort Hays State University student-athletes, ensuring a thriving academic and athletic growth environment that honors the rich history of FARs who have paved the way before him.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1575301942236.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By TISA MASON Fort Hays State University PresidentCollege athletics foster school spirit, community pride, and a sense of belonging among students, alums, and fans. Beyond camaraderie, participating in college sports promotes physical activity, wellness, discipline, and teamwork skills, enhancing the overall collegiate experience.Athletic scholarships often make higher education accessible for talented student-athletes who excel in their respective sports. Additionally, successful athletic programs generate revenue and elevate a school's visibility, attracting prospective students and strengthening alum engagement.Amid the multifaceted landscape of college athletics, the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) plays a pivotal yet often overlooked role. Appointed by and reporting to the president, the FAR is a crucial link between the institution, athletic department, and the NCAA, ensuring compliance, academic integrity, and student-athlete welfare.Carrie Hielman, FAR at UVA, observed that two things are true: Most people don’t know what the faculty athletics representative does, and every NCAA school has one. Only one person from each of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s more than 1,100 colleges and universities serves as the faculty athletics representative for their school, making it a unique role at each institution.At Fort Hays State University (FHSU), the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) position has a rich history of esteemed individuals who have significantly impacted the university's athletic journey within the NCAA.Keith Faulkner held the role before 1989 when FHSU was a member of the NAIA, transitioning seamlessly into the NCAA era. Following Faulkner, Gary Cox served as the FAR for the RMAC Conference from 1989 to 1995, paving the way for the impactful tenure of Glen McNeil as FAR for the RMAC Conference from 1995 to 2006 and subsequently for the MIAA Conference until 2021. In 2021, Kenton Olliff took over as the FAR for the MIAA Conference, continuing FHSU's tradition of dedicated service to student-athletes and upholding the legacy of his predecessors.FARs play a crucial role at NCAA member institutions like FHSU, ensuring the delicate balance between academics and intercollegiate athletics. As liaisons between the institution, the athletics department, and the NCAA, FARs like Glen McNeil and Kenton Olliff uphold compliance with regulations and promote academic integrity within athletics programs.Their responsibilities include monitoring student-athlete academic performance, overseeing academic services, and providing senior advice on athletics. Engaging in institutional athletics committees, reporting to the faculty senate, and representing their institutions at NCAA conventions are among the duties fulfilled by FARs.Beyond administrative tasks, FARs actively safeguard student-athletes’ well-being, engage with advisory committees, and conduct exit interviews to assess athletes' experiences. They also ensure institutional compliance with NCAA and conference regulations, swiftly addressing potential violations to maintain integrity in collegiate athletics programs.The effectiveness of FARs like Kenton Olliff at FHSU is bolstered by institutional support, underscoring their vital role in upholding academic standards and student welfare within collegiate athletics.Emphasizing holistic student-athlete development, Kenton stresses the fulfillment of witnessing student-athletes excel in both athletic and academic realms. This focus underscores the essential role of the FAR in shaping the well-rounded success of individual student-athletes within the FHSU athletic community.Kenton works closely with Senior Women’s Administrator and Assistant Athletic Director Dixie Balman in certifying student-athlete eligibility and overseeing essential tasks to ensure their overall well-being. In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, challenges such as regulatory changes, as well as facilitating student-athlete transfer, demand expertise to navigate effectively.“It is rewarding to see student-athletes do well not only in their sport but also in the classroom,” shared Kenton.With a spirit of collaboration and innovation reminiscent of initiatives seen at other institutions, the FAR's role at FHSU remains crucial in supporting the delicate balance between academics and athletics. The dedication and commitment of individuals like Kenton Olliff exemplify ongoing efforts to foster success and well-being among Fort Hays State University student-athletes, ensuring a thriving academic and athletic growth environment that honors the rich history of FARs who have paved the way before him.

Heart of a Tiger: Balancing academics, athletics, evolving role of Faculty Athletics Representatives

Everyone dreams, wishes, hopes, or long for something. Some are blessed to build happy families, find satisfying jobs, and establish cozy homes. A dear friend recently achieved the specific dream of sharing her family story—a history specific to a small town in western Kansas. Since I’ve known Angela Bates, she’s researched and documented lives of her Kentucky ancestors, once enslaved people belonging to Vice-President Richard M. Johnson. Her story is the result of what happens when dream meets hard work and persistence.

Several years following Emancipation and the Homestead Act, recruiters traveled east to entice families to move West to homestead. Angela’s ancestors answered this call, founding Nicodemus and the surrounding township in Graham County.

Like many rural communities, Nicodemus experienced boom and bust, forcing many residents to seek jobs in urban regions. Swimming against that current, Angela changed career paths and left the city, returning to her ancestral home to document and share her family’s unique American history. Plan in mind, she collaborated with Kansas Senators Dole and Roberts, the National Park Service, and the Nicodemus community and descendants to establish Nicodemus as a National Historic Site in 1996.

For some this designation would suffice, but not Angela. For decades stories and scripts recounting an American tale specific to Angela’s family origins that led to the only remaining all Black town west of the Mississippi River waited to be shared. As she compiled family histories, ancestors’ lives scrolled through her mind like a movie on a screen.

Once technology made it possible to transition text to visuals, Angela persuaded donors, descendants of original settlers, Nicodemus Historical Society, friends, landowners, and regional filmmaker Nick Abt to turn the script simmering in her brain for decades into the documentary Ellis Trail to Nicodemus.

It first premiered February 17 at Frontier Stage in Hill City. Cast, crew, and land owners of film locations reunited to celebrate the long-awaited documentary. Hugs and laughter established the sense of a long-awaited family reunion as friends and loved ones reconnected. Two showings accommodated appreciative audiences.

Building the excitement, Angela announced an extended version of the documentary comes out later this year. A poignant script, sweeping photography, gritty visuals of actual descendants slogging over open prairie in a land unlike anything their pioneer ancestors had ever seen evoked audience gasps, sighs, laughs, and tears. Nick’s drone photography invited viewers to travel alongside those following forebearers’ footsteps through sere grasses, over eroded limestone hills, and across rivers.

Descendent interviews at the end of the documentary enriched it, adding depth to the stories of these African American pioneer settlers who sought and experienced freedom as first- time landowners and homesteaders in the West. To watch the actress playing Zerina Johnson channel her character’s emotion when she first sighted Nicodemus moved some viewers to the edge of their seats. Hearing descendants explain what Nicodemus means—a home they can always return to--and their sense of belonging to those pioneer families forced a communal scramble for tissues. Spectators responded to the power of family stories involving strong people who prayed and sacrificed their way to better lives for themselves and future generations.

While some families have dreamers who see possibility and make it happen, others don’t. The doers research and record the stories. They encourage others to share in translating that story to film to make it every human’s story-- the appeal of this documentary. While it’s unique in its representation of formerly enslaved men and women seeking freedom and landownership, its love story and willingness to risk everything for a better life is a universal dream come true.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708725159287.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KAREN MADORINEveryone dreams, wishes, hopes, or long for something. Some are blessed to build happy families, find satisfying jobs, and establish cozy homes. A dear friend recently achieved the specific dream of sharing her family story—a history specific to a small town in western Kansas. Since I’ve known Angela Bates, she’s researched and documented lives of her Kentucky ancestors, once enslaved people belonging to Vice-President Richard M. Johnson. Her story is the result of what happens when dream meets hard work and persistence.Several years following Emancipation and the Homestead Act, recruiters traveled east to entice families to move West to homestead. Angela’s ancestors answered this call, founding Nicodemus and the surrounding township in Graham County.Like many rural communities, Nicodemus experienced boom and bust, forcing many residents to seek jobs in urban regions. Swimming against that current, Angela changed career paths and left the city, returning to her ancestral home to document and share her family’s unique American history. Plan in mind, she collaborated with Kansas Senators Dole and Roberts, the National Park Service, and the Nicodemus community and descendants to establish Nicodemus as a National Historic Site in 1996.For some this designation would suffice, but not Angela. For decades stories and scripts recounting an American tale specific to Angela’s family origins that led to the only remaining all Black town west of the Mississippi River waited to be shared. As she compiled family histories, ancestors’ lives scrolled through her mind like a movie on a screen.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708725175440.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Once technology made it possible to transition text to visuals, Angela persuaded donors, descendants of original settlers, Nicodemus Historical Society, friends, landowners, and regional filmmaker Nick Abt to turn the script simmering in her brain for decades into the documentary Ellis Trail to Nicodemus.It first premiered February 17 at Frontier Stage in Hill City. Cast, crew, and land owners of film locations reunited to celebrate the long-awaited documentary. Hugs and laughter established the sense of a long-awaited family reunion as friends and loved ones reconnected. Two showings accommodated appreciative audiences.Building the excitement, Angela announced an extended version of the documentary comes out later this year. A poignant script, sweeping photography, gritty visuals of actual descendants slogging over open prairie in a land unlike anything their pioneer ancestors had ever seen evoked audience gasps, sighs, laughs, and tears. Nick’s drone photography invited viewers to travel alongside those following forebearers’ footsteps through sere grasses, over eroded limestone hills, and across rivers.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708725189585.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Descendent interviews at the end of the documentary enriched it, adding depth to the stories of these African American pioneer settlers who sought and experienced freedom as first- time landowners and homesteaders in the West. To watch the actress playing Zerina Johnson channel her character’s emotion when she first sighted Nicodemus moved some viewers to the edge of their seats. Hearing descendants explain what Nicodemus means—a home they can always return to--and their sense of belonging to those pioneer families forced a communal scramble for tissues. Spectators responded to the power of family stories involving strong people who prayed and sacrificed their way to better lives for themselves and future generations.While some families have dreamers who see possibility and make it happen, others don’t. The doers research and record the stories. They encourage others to share in translating that story to film to make it every human’s story-- the appeal of this documentary. While it’s unique in its representation of formerly enslaved men and women seeking freedom and landownership, its love story and willingness to risk everything for a better life is a universal dream come true.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662752587394.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

MADORIN: A Dream Come True — Nicodemus documentary

By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension District

In today’s world, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are like “black holes.” Bobbie Bensaid, an extension educator from Mississippi State Extension, describes these platforms as “virtual portals that suck us in!” Social media is not bad, but at some point, it can consume more of our time than we would like. We often look to these unfulfilling brain boosts, and we can forget what we enjoy doing for fun! However, when we release dopamine due to meaningful activities, we are mentally satiated and tend to be more productive and fulfilled.

Bobbie explains, “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released in the brain when we do activities that are pleasurable or that we enjoy. When we are stimulated and release large amounts of dopamine, we teach our brains to return to these activities. For example, when we do activities we enjoy, dopamine is released, and it tells our brain, “We love this! Good job! Let’s keep going!” This is why junk food, sugar, and the internet are so addictive. These things trigger the release of large amounts of dopamine into our brains and make us want to repeat these experiences.”

Motivation, alertness, and focus often accompany healthy dopamine levels. However, we may feel tired, burnt out, and unhappy if our dopamine levels are low or unbalanced. We may also experience memory loss, mood swings, sleeplessness, and concentration issues. Having unhealthy amounts of dopamine, whether those levels are too high or too low, can take a toll on mental health.

Bobbie suggests making a ‘Dopamine Menu’ to remind ourselves what it is that brings us true satisfaction and to be intentional about engaging in those activities.

Using the template of an actual menu, she describes different sources of dopamine production that lead to happiness:

“First let’s think of Starters or appetizers. These are quick boosts of joy that can be done in under 10 minutes. What are those things you like to do that don’t take much time?”

Some examples are making a grocery list for the week, playing a game with your child, spending a few minutes in prayer or meditation, going for a walk, or writing a note and sticking it in the mail.

“Next, we have Mains. These are the big passions we have that take up a considerable amount of time.”

Mains or entrees might include playing a sport, volunteering, cooking dinner for a loved one, gardening, sewing, learning a new language, or reading a book.

“Our next section on our Dopamine Menu is Sides, and these are activities you can do while doing something else. These are activities we can do that make unpleasant things a bit more pleasant.”

Sides can include listening to music while exercising, talking on the phone, singing during a long car ride, or drinking your favorite coffee in a meeting.

“Desserts are next on the menu. These are things that are tasty in moderation but make us feel yucky if we have them too much. Examples of dopamine desserts are scrolling through social media, eating actual dessert, playing video games, or binging tv shows.”

“Finally, we have Specials. These are like specials at a restaurant. They are not always available, and typically they cost a bit more than others. So, these are the activities we love but we cannot have or do all the time.”

For example, vacations, attending a concert, or going on a shopping spree are specials.

Using your personalized Dopamine Menu can be a useful tool to help you find true happiness and a sense of purpose. I challenge you to make a conscious effort to do things that bring authentic fulfillment rather than binging on “brain desserts” that tend to give a false sense of satisfaction.

Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1697546908793.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By KARISSA WINKEL Cottonwood Extension DistrictIn today’s world, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are like “black holes.” Bobbie Bensaid, an extension educator from Mississippi State Extension, describes these platforms as “virtual portals that suck us in!” Social media is not bad, but at some point, it can consume more of our time than we would like. We often look to these unfulfilling brain boosts, and we can forget what we enjoy doing for fun! However, when we release dopamine due to meaningful activities, we are mentally satiated and tend to be more productive and fulfilled.What is dopamine?Bobbie explains, “Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is released in the brain when we do activities that are pleasurable or that we enjoy. When we are stimulated and release large amounts of dopamine, we teach our brains to return to these activities. For example, when we do activities we enjoy, dopamine is released, and it tells our brain, “We love this! Good job! Let’s keep going!” This is why junk food, sugar, and the internet are so addictive. These things trigger the release of large amounts of dopamine into our brains and make us want to repeat these experiences.”Why is dopamine important?Motivation, alertness, and focus often accompany healthy dopamine levels. However, we may feel tired, burnt out, and unhappy if our dopamine levels are low or unbalanced. We may also experience memory loss, mood swings, sleeplessness, and concentration issues. Having unhealthy amounts of dopamine, whether those levels are too high or too low, can take a toll on mental health.What can we do?Bobbie suggests making a ‘Dopamine Menu’ to remind ourselves what it is that brings us true satisfaction and to be intentional about engaging in those activities.Using the template of an actual menu, she describes different sources of dopamine production that lead to happiness:“First let’s think of Starters or appetizers. These are quick boosts of joy that can be done in under 10 minutes. What are those things you like to do that don’t take much time?”Some examples are making a grocery list for the week, playing a game with your child, spending a few minutes in prayer or meditation, going for a walk, or writing a note and sticking it in the mail.“Next, we have Mains. These are the big passions we have that take up a considerable amount of time.”Mains or entrees might include playing a sport, volunteering, cooking dinner for a loved one, gardening, sewing, learning a new language, or reading a book.“Our next section on our Dopamine Menu is Sides, and these are activities you can do while doing something else. These are activities we can do that make unpleasant things a bit more pleasant.”Sides can include listening to music while exercising, talking on the phone, singing during a long car ride, or drinking your favorite coffee in a meeting.“Desserts are next on the menu. These are things that are tasty in moderation but make us feel yucky if we have them too much. Examples of dopamine desserts are scrolling through social media, eating actual dessert, playing video games, or binging tv shows.”“Finally, we have Specials. These are like specials at a restaurant. They are not always available, and typically they cost a bit more than others. So, these are the activities we love but we cannot have or do all the time.”For example, vacations, attending a concert, or going on a shopping spree are specials.Using your personalized Dopamine Menu can be a useful tool to help you find true happiness and a sense of purpose. I challenge you to make a conscious effort to do things that bring authentic fulfillment rather than binging on “brain desserts” that tend to give a false sense of satisfaction.Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or krwinkel@ksu.edu.

WINKEL: Finding true fulfillment, healthy dopamine levels

This week in the House of Representatives we debated nearly seventy bills before we adjourned for the midpoint of the session, commonly referred to as Turnaround. This is the time during session where we pass many bills out of the House and forward those bills to the Senate.

Here is a list of some of the bills that we debated this week in the House:

House Bill 2523 changes the allowance for a farm permit holder from fourteen to fifteen and allows them to drive to and from religious activities that is held by a religious organization. I contend that this bill is anti-agriculture by changing the age and I voted “no.”

House Bill 2661 requires that if there are vacancies in county commissioner districts due to increasing the number of commissioner districts be filled at the next general election and provides for staggering terms for the newly elected county commissioners.

House Bill 2604 increases the dollar amount for a small claim to $10,000.

House Bill 2484 enacts the Social Work Licensure Compact. This will provided interstate practice privileges for social workers.

House Bill 2637 expands the eligibility for Rural Emergency Hospital licenses to facilities that meet criteria at any point after 2015.

House Bill 2567 establishes the Kansas National Guard Educational Master’s for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) program. This is a bill that I co-sponsored.

House Bill 2678 extends the period for how long a groundwater right can be deposited in a water bank and requiring a water bank to authorize a withdrawal of water on or before December 1 of the calendar year, in which the withdrawn water is to be used.

I voted “yes” on these remaining bills. We will return from Turnaround on Feb. 28, 2024.

The House Appropriations Committee only met on Monday and Tuesday due to the approaching mid-session deadline referred to as “Turnaround.” Although we only met for two days, we did analyze many budgets.

Here is a list of some of the budgets that we heard: Kansas State Fair, State Institutions for Intellectual Disabilities, Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, Office of the State Treasurer, and Kansas Human Rights Commission. We also discussed the budgets for the

following departments: Agriculture, Wildlife and Parks, Commerce, and Health and Environment-Environment. When we return on February 28, the committee will resume the budget discussions and complete the budget by early March.

When we return from Turnaround on Feb. 28, the House Appropriations Committee will be finishing our budget reports. We will have the budgets of the Department of Children and Families, Corrections, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Environment-Health, just to name a few. We will wrap up the budget reports the following week and then work diligently on the budget for the state of Kansas.

While I am spending at home during Turnaround, I have many legislative towhalls and community events that I plan on attending. Here is the schedule for the legislative townhalls for the next week:

Febr. 27 - Smith Center – The legislative coffee will be held at the Second Cup, 210 West 1st Street at 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 27 – Osborne – This legislative coffee is scheduled at 2 p.m. and is located at the Hideout Coffeehouse, 130 West Main Street.

March 2 – Russell – This legislative coffee will take place at the Russell Historical Museum, 825 North Kansas Street at 11 a.m.

Anytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.

As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.

It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633970422056.jpeg" alt="Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Rep. Troy Waymaster, R-Bunker Hill, 109th Dist. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>February 23TurnaroundThis week in the House of Representatives we debated nearly seventy bills before we adjourned for the midpoint of the session, commonly referred to as Turnaround. This is the time during session where we pass many bills out of the House and forward those bills to the Senate.Here is a list of some of the bills that we debated this week in the House:House Bill 2523 changes the allowance for a farm permit holder from fourteen to fifteen and allows them to drive to and from religious activities that is held by a religious organization. I contend that this bill is anti-agriculture by changing the age and I voted “no.”House Bill 2661 requires that if there are vacancies in county commissioner districts due to increasing the number of commissioner districts be filled at the next general election and provides for staggering terms for the newly elected county commissioners.House Bill 2604 increases the dollar amount for a small claim to $10,000.House Bill 2484 enacts the Social Work Licensure Compact. This will provided interstate practice privileges for social workers.House Bill 2637 expands the eligibility for Rural Emergency Hospital licenses to facilities that meet criteria at any point after 2015.House Bill 2567 establishes the Kansas National Guard Educational Master’s for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) program. This is a bill that I co-sponsored.House Bill 2678 extends the period for how long a groundwater right can be deposited in a water bank and requiring a water bank to authorize a withdrawal of water on or before December 1 of the calendar year, in which the withdrawn water is to be used.I voted “yes” on these remaining bills. We will return from Turnaround on Feb. 28, 2024.Appropriations CommitteeThe House Appropriations Committee only met on Monday and Tuesday due to the approaching mid-session deadline referred to as “Turnaround.” Although we only met for two days, we did analyze many budgets.Here is a list of some of the budgets that we heard: Kansas State Fair, State Institutions for Intellectual Disabilities, Kansas Public Employee Retirement System, Office of the State Treasurer, and Kansas Human Rights Commission. We also discussed the budgets for thefollowing departments: Agriculture, Wildlife and Parks, Commerce, and Health and Environment-Environment. When we return on February 28, the committee will resume the budget discussions and complete the budget by early March.Return and Legislative CoffeesWhen we return from Turnaround on Feb. 28, the House Appropriations Committee will be finishing our budget reports. We will have the budgets of the Department of Children and Families, Corrections, Department of Transportation, and the Department of Health and Environment-Health, just to name a few. We will wrap up the budget reports the following week and then work diligently on the budget for the state of Kansas.While I am spending at home during Turnaround, I have many legislative towhalls and community events that I plan on attending. Here is the schedule for the legislative townhalls for the next week:Febr. 27 - Smith Center – The legislative coffee will be held at the Second Cup, 210 West 1st Street at 10:30 a.m.Feb. 27 – Osborne – This legislative coffee is scheduled at 2 p.m. and is located at the Hideout Coffeehouse, 130 West Main Street.March 2 – Russell – This legislative coffee will take place at the Russell Historical Museum, 825 North Kansas Street at 11 a.m.Contact InformationAnytime that you would like to participate and listen to the developments of committee hearings or discussion on the House floor, you can tune in by video or audio at www.kslegislature.org.As always, if you have any concerns, feel free to contact me (785) 296-7672, follow on twitter at @waymaster4house, or email me at troy.waymaster@house.ks.gov.It is a distinct honor to serve as your representative for the 109th Kansas House District and the state of Kansas. Please contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and questions. I always appreciate hearing from the residents of the 109th House District and others from the state of Kansas, as well.

WAYMASTER: From the Dome to Home: Feb. 23, Turnaround

Thursday marked a critical deadline known as “turnaround,” marking the official halfway point for the 2024 Legislative session. It was a busy week for the Senate, as we spent two full days debating and voting on and passing out over 40 bills ahead of the Turnaround deadline. After being on the floor all day Wednesday and Thursday, the Legislature will break until February 28th to give clerical staff time to process the significant amount of paperwork resulting from this week. By “turnaround,” a bill, with few exceptions, must have passed its Chamber of origin in order to be considered by the other Chamber before session is over for the year. When the Senate returns on Wednesday, the legislature is scheduled to meet for another month before our April recess. We will then return for a brief period to consider any vetoes prior to final adjournment. The focus for the next month will be to consider bills passed by the House Chamber and bills exempt from the Turnaround deadline. Under legislative rules, most bills must be adopted by one chamber in order to be considered by the other chamber. The major item we must complete prior to adjournment is passing the budget.

SENATE FLOOR ACTION SB 430 would amend workers compensation law to, amongst other things, increase lifetime benefit maximums, provide coverage for members of the Kansas National Guard, and modernize elements of the administrative process. I voted yes. The compromise bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 458 would reform the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 36-2.

SB 391 Enacting the constitutional right to health freedom act to regulate the activities of the secretary of health and environment related to public health functions; repealing statutes relating to the secretary's authority to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties. I voted yes. SB 391 passed the Senate 23-17.

SB 420 would eliminate the element of concealment from the crime of breach of privacy related to installing or using a device to photograph or record a person under or through their clothing, or a person who is nude or in a state of undress. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 455 would authorize electric public utilities to retain certain electric generating facilities in the utility's rate base, prohibiting the state corporation commission from authorizing the retirement of fossil fuel-fired electric generating facilities unless certain requirements are met. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 29-8.

HB 2392 would make updates to the Kansas Code of Military Justice (KCMJ). The bill would consolidate language from various provisions of Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated into new sections of law and repeal those sections that have been consolidated or otherwise removed. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 292 would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 384 would authorize the Emergency Medical Services Board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation adopted to implement, enforce, or otherwise regulate provisions regarding minimal staffing on each vehicle providing emergency service. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-0.

SB 333 would extend the sunset date for the State Use Law Committee, which is organized within the Department of Administration, to July 1, 2029. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 38-2.

SB 352 would establish the John D. Springer patient's bill of rights to require hospitals to allow in-person visitation, adopt visitation policies and procedures and creating a civil cause of action for violation of such rights. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 26-13.

SB 387 would provide for the continued enrollment of students who attend a school district of non-residence pursuant to the school district open enrollment law and authorizing an appeals process for denial of an open enrollment application. It would also specify that no school district shall be required to provide transportation to non-residents. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 37-3.

SB 431 would require the Capitol Preservation Committee to approve plans to place a permanent memorial honoring the life of Emil Joseph Kapaun. Father Emil Joseph Kapaun was born in Pilsen, Kansas, and served as a U.S. Army Chaplain in World War II and the Korean War, where he became a prisoner of war (POW). He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2013. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 381 would amend law concerning the appointment of district coroners to allow a county in a multiple county judicial district to appoint, at the county’s expense, a district coroner, regardless of the county’s population. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 359 would authorize issuance of five license plates on and after January 1, 2025 - Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Current. I voted yes. The bill passed 36-2.

SB 162 would create the Riley County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and the Crawford County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act. The acts would not apply to land, structures, or equipment used for agricultural activity or oil and gas exploration and development activity. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 34-5.

SB 190 would amend the Kansas Code of Criminal Procedure to require a magistrate to order, as a condition of release for any person charged with a felony that the person execute a waiver of extradition. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 31-6.

SB 272 would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Public Use General Aviation Airport Development Fund from $5.0 million to $15.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2024. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 36-4.

SB 318 would amend law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of cases by the city attorney in municipal court. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 338 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group-funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 339 would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital instructions promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 340 would remove automobile club from the definition of person for purposes of enforcing penalties for violations of insurance law. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 345 would create the Commercial Financing Disclosure Act pertaining to certain commercial financing transactions between a provider and a business. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 38-2.

SB 356 would amend provisions governing examination fees and compensation for examiners in the Insurance Code to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 362 would remove the expiration date of July 1, 2024, on the Sedgwick County Urban Area Nuisance Abatement Act. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 34-5.

SB 398 would authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to set the amount of fees and fines for applications, licenses, license renewals, certificates of authority, and other required filings by certain insurance entities and public adjusters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 405 would amend the Kansas Uniform Securities Act to address violations of the Act by a control person and subject the control person, in certain circumstances, to administrative and civil enforcement action. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 29-10.

SB 406 would repeal and replace the Kansas Money Transmitter Act with the Kansas Money Transmission Act. The bill would require the State Bank Commissioner to provide oversight of the electronic transmission of money. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 391 this act would remove the authority of the Secretary of Health and Environment to designate infectious or contagious diseases by rules and regulations. As in past years, it also removes the Department of Agriculture’s ability to monitor or take action to prevent highly infectious zoonotic disease such as avian bird blue and hoof and mouth disease if they spread to humans or from humans back to livestock which in our large rural districts would be problematic. I voted no. The bill passed the Senate 23-17.

SB 423 would grant the Commissioner of Insurance the ability to decrease the number of appointed board members on certain boards that fall under the Commissioner’s appointing authority. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.

SB 433 would clarify the practice privileges of institutional license holders who are employed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) or the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), or by a third party contracted by the institution. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.

SB 417 would remove the secretary of wildlife and park's authority to exercise the right of eminent domain. An amendment on the Senate floor removed the Ag committee’s work on the bill – it will need to be reviewed on the House side to find a compromised approach to the current agency’s duties. I voted no. The bill passed the Senate 25-14.

SB 434 would exempt the practice of hair removal by sugaring from the definition of cosmetology. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 38-1.

SB 462 would authorize the Director of Vehicles to waive the knowledge and skills test for driving a commercial motor vehicle for an applicant who qualifies for a waiver under the military Even Exchange Program. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 467 would expand and make changes to membership on the Council on Travel and Tourism as well as make changes to the Department of Commerce’s matching grant program for the promotion of tourism. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.

SB 473 Authorizing a notice to appear that meets certain requirements to serve as a lawful complaint under the Kansas code of criminal procedure. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.

HB 2105 would create the Kansas Earned Wage Access Services Act and authorize the Office of the State Bank Commissioner to regulate earned wage access services providers. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 34-6.

S Sub for HB 2247 would remove and relocate mortgage-related provisions from the Kansas Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) to the Kansas Mortgage Business Act (KMBA), add law supplemental to the KMBA and to the UCCC, amend contract rate law, and make several amendments to the UCCC. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 33-6.

SB 491 would create and amend law to standardize language pertaining to criminal history and record check fingerprinting requirements for all requesting entities and identify what criminal history records may be released to various agencies for the purpose of verifying a person’s identity, criminal history, qualifications, and fitness for employment. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 481 would rename the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus to Kansas State University Salina. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.

HB 2545 would make changes to the Self-Service Storage Act, specifically concerning sales of property after a notice of termination or non-renewal; non-delivery of rental agreements; and electronic signatures and delivery of rental agreements. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 438 would eliminate the requirement to subtract other aid from the state payment in the Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas (AO-K) Program. The bill would also limit the payment provided for each student to no more than $500 over the lifetime of the student. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

SB 363 would amend law regulating the practice of barbering and would create a new senior status license and add a written examination on the applicant’s knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of barbering to the requirements for licensure. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.

A full description of each bill can be found at www.kslegislature.org as well as the Final Action vote on each measure.

PAGES FOR THE SENATE – February 8, 15, and 22

On February 8th, Hadlee Brown and Journey Windscheffel from Russell; on February 15th, Norman Jurgensen and Kaylee Songer from Marysville; and on February 22nd, Madex Swisher, Bennington, and Colyer Rensink, Minneapolis, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, attending committee meetings, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.

Several legislative townhalls have been scheduled throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On Tuesday, February 27th, Representative Lisa Moser and I will be starting the day with a townhall in Mankato at 8:00 am at Possibilities. Next, Representative Troy Waymaster and I will be in Smith Center at 10:30 am at 2 Cup Café; and, then we will go to Osborne at 2:00 pm at The Hideout. On March 2nd, Representative Waymaster and I will be in Russell for a townhall at 9:30 am at the Russell Historical Museum. On March 9th, Representative Susan Concannon and I will be in Bennington at 9:30 am at Westside Ventures. On March 16th, Representative Moser and I will be in Marysville at 8:30 at Landoll Lanes. Next, we will be in Washington at 11:00 am at the Sale Barn Café. Then, we will go to Belleville at 1:30 pm at the Belleville Public Library.

Thank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at www.kslegislature.org . For those who want to pursue a more in-depth analysis of bills, go to and pull up “Bills &amp; Laws,” then “Senate Bills,” before scrolling to the desired number and hitting “SN” (Supplemental Notes) for a general explanation which is written by the Legislative research &amp; reviser staff. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ or watch session at this website as well as reviewing past committee meetings and sessions.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.

Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov

785 296-7389 https://elainebowers.com/ www.kslegislature.org

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/2/1580853658061.jpeg" alt="Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. File photo" />
 <figcaption>Sen. Elaine Bowers, R-Concordia, 36th Dist. File photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SENATE HIGHLIGHTSThursday marked a critical deadline known as “turnaround,” marking the official halfway point for the 2024 Legislative session. It was a busy week for the Senate, as we spent two full days debating and voting on and passing out over 40 bills ahead of the Turnaround deadline. After being on the floor all day Wednesday and Thursday, the Legislature will break until February 28th to give clerical staff time to process the significant amount of paperwork resulting from this week. By “turnaround,” a bill, with few exceptions, must have passed its Chamber of origin in order to be considered by the other Chamber before session is over for the year. When the Senate returns on Wednesday, the legislature is scheduled to meet for another month before our April recess. We will then return for a brief period to consider any vetoes prior to final adjournment. The focus for the next month will be to consider bills passed by the House Chamber and bills exempt from the Turnaround deadline. Under legislative rules, most bills must be adopted by one chamber in order to be considered by the other chamber. The major item we must complete prior to adjournment is passing the budget.SENATE FLOOR ACTION SB 430 would amend workers compensation law to, amongst other things, increase lifetime benefit maximums, provide coverage for members of the Kansas National Guard, and modernize elements of the administrative process. I voted yes. The compromise bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 458 would reform the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 36-2.SB 391 Enacting the constitutional right to health freedom act to regulate the activities of the secretary of health and environment related to public health functions; repealing statutes relating to the secretary's authority to quarantine individuals and impose associated penalties. I voted yes. SB 391 passed the Senate 23-17.SB 420 would eliminate the element of concealment from the crime of breach of privacy related to installing or using a device to photograph or record a person under or through their clothing, or a person who is nude or in a state of undress. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 455 would authorize electric public utilities to retain certain electric generating facilities in the utility's rate base, prohibiting the state corporation commission from authorizing the retirement of fossil fuel-fired electric generating facilities unless certain requirements are met. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 29-8.HB 2392 would make updates to the Kansas Code of Military Justice (KCMJ). The bill would consolidate language from various provisions of Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated into new sections of law and repeal those sections that have been consolidated or otherwise removed. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 292 would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 384 would authorize the Emergency Medical Services Board to grant a permanent variance from a rule and regulation adopted to implement, enforce, or otherwise regulate provisions regarding minimal staffing on each vehicle providing emergency service. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-0.SB 333 would extend the sunset date for the State Use Law Committee, which is organized within the Department of Administration, to July 1, 2029. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 38-2.SB 352 would establish the John D. Springer patient's bill of rights to require hospitals to allow in-person visitation, adopt visitation policies and procedures and creating a civil cause of action for violation of such rights. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 26-13.SB 387 would provide for the continued enrollment of students who attend a school district of non-residence pursuant to the school district open enrollment law and authorizing an appeals process for denial of an open enrollment application. It would also specify that no school district shall be required to provide transportation to non-residents. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 37-3.SB 431 would require the Capitol Preservation Committee to approve plans to place a permanent memorial honoring the life of Emil Joseph Kapaun. Father Emil Joseph Kapaun was born in Pilsen, Kansas, and served as a U.S. Army Chaplain in World War II and the Korean War, where he became a prisoner of war (POW). He was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2013. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 381 would amend law concerning the appointment of district coroners to allow a county in a multiple county judicial district to appoint, at the county’s expense, a district coroner, regardless of the county’s population. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 359 would authorize issuance of five license plates on and after January 1, 2025 - Kansas City Chiefs, Sporting Kansas City, Sedgwick County Zoo, Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Current. I voted yes. The bill passed 36-2.SB 162 would create the Riley County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and the Crawford County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act. The acts would not apply to land, structures, or equipment used for agricultural activity or oil and gas exploration and development activity. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 34-5.SB 190 would amend the Kansas Code of Criminal Procedure to require a magistrate to order, as a condition of release for any person charged with a felony that the person execute a waiver of extradition. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 31-6.SB 272 would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Public Use General Aviation Airport Development Fund from $5.0 million to $15.0 million annually, starting July 1, 2024. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 36-4.SB 318 would amend law in the Kansas Code of Procedure for Municipal Courts governing fingerprinting for municipal convictions and the prosecution of cases by the city attorney in municipal court. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 338 would amend provisions pertaining to certain financial reporting requirements on group-funded liability and group-funded workers compensation pools. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 339 would amend the effective date specified in the Insurance Code for the risk-based capital instructions promulgated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for property and casualty companies and for life insurance companies. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 340 would remove automobile club from the definition of person for purposes of enforcing penalties for violations of insurance law. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 345 would create the Commercial Financing Disclosure Act pertaining to certain commercial financing transactions between a provider and a business. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 38-2.SB 356 would amend provisions governing examination fees and compensation for examiners in the Insurance Code to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 362 would remove the expiration date of July 1, 2024, on the Sedgwick County Urban Area Nuisance Abatement Act. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 34-5.SB 398 would authorize the Commissioner of Insurance to set the amount of fees and fines for applications, licenses, license renewals, certificates of authority, and other required filings by certain insurance entities and public adjusters under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 405 would amend the Kansas Uniform Securities Act to address violations of the Act by a control person and subject the control person, in certain circumstances, to administrative and civil enforcement action. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 29-10.SB 406 would repeal and replace the Kansas Money Transmitter Act with the Kansas Money Transmission Act. The bill would require the State Bank Commissioner to provide oversight of the electronic transmission of money. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 391 this act would remove the authority of the Secretary of Health and Environment to designate infectious or contagious diseases by rules and regulations. As in past years, it also removes the Department of Agriculture’s ability to monitor or take action to prevent highly infectious zoonotic disease such as avian bird blue and hoof and mouth disease if they spread to humans or from humans back to livestock which in our large rural districts would be problematic. I voted no. The bill passed the Senate 23-17.SB 423 would grant the Commissioner of Insurance the ability to decrease the number of appointed board members on certain boards that fall under the Commissioner’s appointing authority. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.SB 433 would clarify the practice privileges of institutional license holders who are employed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) or the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC), or by a third party contracted by the institution. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.SB 417 would remove the secretary of wildlife and park's authority to exercise the right of eminent domain. An amendment on the Senate floor removed the Ag committee’s work on the bill – it will need to be reviewed on the House side to find a compromised approach to the current agency’s duties. I voted no. The bill passed the Senate 25-14.SB 434 would exempt the practice of hair removal by sugaring from the definition of cosmetology. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 38-1.SB 462 would authorize the Director of Vehicles to waive the knowledge and skills test for driving a commercial motor vehicle for an applicant who qualifies for a waiver under the military Even Exchange Program. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 467 would expand and make changes to membership on the Council on Travel and Tourism as well as make changes to the Department of Commerce’s matching grant program for the promotion of tourism. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.SB 473 Authorizing a notice to appear that meets certain requirements to serve as a lawful complaint under the Kansas code of criminal procedure. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.HB 2105 would create the Kansas Earned Wage Access Services Act and authorize the Office of the State Bank Commissioner to regulate earned wage access services providers. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 34-6.S Sub for HB 2247 would remove and relocate mortgage-related provisions from the Kansas Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) to the Kansas Mortgage Business Act (KMBA), add law supplemental to the KMBA and to the UCCC, amend contract rate law, and make several amendments to the UCCC. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 33-6.SB 491 would create and amend law to standardize language pertaining to criminal history and record check fingerprinting requirements for all requesting entities and identify what criminal history records may be released to various agencies for the purpose of verifying a person’s identity, criminal history, qualifications, and fitness for employment. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 481 would rename the Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus to Kansas State University Salina. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 39-1.HB 2545 would make changes to the Self-Service Storage Act, specifically concerning sales of property after a notice of termination or non-renewal; non-delivery of rental agreements; and electronic signatures and delivery of rental agreements. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 438 would eliminate the requirement to subtract other aid from the state payment in the Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas (AO-K) Program. The bill would also limit the payment provided for each student to no more than $500 over the lifetime of the student. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.SB 363 would amend law regulating the practice of barbering and would create a new senior status license and add a written examination on the applicant’s knowledge of state laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of barbering to the requirements for licensure. I voted yes. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.A full description of each bill can be found at www.kslegislature.org as well as the Final Action vote on each measure.PAGES FOR THE SENATE – February 8, 15, and 22On February 8th, Hadlee Brown and Journey Windscheffel from Russell; on February 15th, Norman Jurgensen and Kaylee Songer from Marysville; and on February 22nd, Madex Swisher, Bennington, and Colyer Rensink, Minneapolis, served as pages for the Kansas Senate. The pages spent their day with us at the Capitol running errands, working in my office, attending committee meetings, and taking a historical tour of the Capitol as well as the dome tour.LEGISLATIVE TOWNHALLSSeveral legislative townhalls have been scheduled throughout the 36th Kansas Senate District with more scheduled in the upcoming few weeks. On Tuesday, February 27th, Representative Lisa Moser and I will be starting the day with a townhall in Mankato at 8:00 am at Possibilities. Next, Representative Troy Waymaster and I will be in Smith Center at 10:30 am at 2 Cup Café; and, then we will go to Osborne at 2:00 pm at The Hideout. On March 2nd, Representative Waymaster and I will be in Russell for a townhall at 9:30 am at the Russell Historical Museum. On March 9th, Representative Susan Concannon and I will be in Bennington at 9:30 am at Westside Ventures. On March 16th, Representative Moser and I will be in Marysville at 8:30 at Landoll Lanes. Next, we will be in Washington at 11:00 am at the Sale Barn Café. Then, we will go to Belleville at 1:30 pm at the Belleville Public Library.THANK YOU FOR ENGAGINGThank you for all of your calls, emails, and letters regarding your thoughts and concerns about happenings in Kansas. I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at www.kslegislature.org . For those who want to pursue a more in-depth analysis of bills, go to and pull up “Bills &amp; Laws,” then “Senate Bills,” before scrolling to the desired number and hitting “SN” (Supplemental Notes) for a general explanation which is written by the Legislative research &amp; reviser staff. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ or watch session at this website as well as reviewing past committee meetings and sessions.Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.Thank you for the honor of serving you!Senator Elaine BowersKansas State Capitol BuildingRoom 223-E300 SW 10th St.Topeka, KS 66612 elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov785 296-7389 https://elainebowers.com/ www.kslegislature.org

BOWERS: Senate Scene, Week 7; Turnaround

By RUSSELL FOX Insight Kansas

What does the law actually say when it comes to a young person’s right to privately decide what gender they identify with, and to their parents’ right to engage in or even direct the decisions they make? As usual, the law is a lot more ambiguous and contentious than many might wish.

Recently Dion Lefler--arguably the best-known journalist in Wichita, Kansas’s largest city--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dion-lefler/article285283457.html">picked a fight</a>&nbsp;with Kansas’s Attorney General Kris Kobach--arguably the best-known politician in the whole state--over essentially this issue, and Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/guest-commentary/article285546377.html">picked back</a>. Let’s focus on the heart of their argument, and see what we can clarify.

Last December Kobach sent&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/426996237_1373611433299120_8275965584595727633_n.pdf/letters-to-schools-and-kasb.pdf?_nc_cat=104&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=2b0e22&amp;_nc_ohc=xrVs78-ryEoAX9NYUap&amp;_nc_ht=cdn.fbsbx.com&amp;oh=03_AdSQqmYjEBOX6sFDCfW8JVMCQVBKkFVaJmp7MiME4YuTxg&amp;oe=65D3CE38&amp;dl=1">a letter</a>&nbsp;to six Kansas school districts regarding policies which allegedly require teachers of students who identify as trans or non-binary to avoid revealing information about the students’ self-identification to their parents unless the students give consent. In his letter, Kobach cited multiple Supreme Court cases defending “parents' right to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children,” and implied that he would treat these policies as a violation of those constitutional rights.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690389122282.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>By RUSSELL FOX Insight KansasWhat does the law actually say when it comes to a young person’s right to privately decide what gender they identify with, and to their parents’ right to engage in or even direct the decisions they make? As usual, the law is a lot more ambiguous and contentious than many might wish.Recently Dion Lefler--arguably the best-known journalist in Wichita, Kansas’s largest city--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/dion-lefler/article285283457.html">picked a fight</a>&nbsp;with Kansas’s Attorney General Kris Kobach--arguably the best-known politician in the whole state--over essentially this issue, and Kobach&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansas.com/opinion/guest-commentary/article285546377.html">picked back</a>. Let’s focus on the heart of their argument, and see what we can clarify.Last December Kobach sent&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.fbsbx.com/v/t59.2708-21/426996237_1373611433299120_8275965584595727633_n.pdf/letters-to-schools-and-kasb.pdf?_nc_cat=104&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=2b0e22&amp;_nc_ohc=xrVs78-ryEoAX9NYUap&amp;_nc_ht=cdn.fbsbx.com&amp;oh=03_AdSQqmYjEBOX6sFDCfW8JVMCQVBKkFVaJmp7MiME4YuTxg&amp;oe=65D3CE38&amp;dl=1">a letter</a>&nbsp;to six Kansas school districts regarding policies which allegedly require teachers of students who identify as trans or non-binary to avoid revealing information about the students’ self-identification to their parents unless the students give consent. In his letter, Kobach cited multiple Supreme Court cases defending “parents' right to direct the care, upbringing, and education of their children,” and implied that he would treat these policies as a violation of those constitutional rights.With the news of this letter became public, Lefler called Kobach a “bully,” and said that seeking to intimidate school districts into abandoning these policies was “endanger[ing] transgender kids without legal grounds.” His claim about the absence of any specific legal ground is correct: while a bill was proposed in the Kansas legislature last year that would have extended parental rights in this exact context, it died in committee, and so these policies do not violate any current state law.But Kobach responded that his job was to “protect the constitutional rights of Kansans in court, regardless of whether the Kansas Legislature has passed any statute on the subject,” and this is also correct: Kansas officials swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution as well as our state one, after all. So the real question is: what is the merit to Kobach’s conviction that the U.S. Constitution, as presumably reflected in the multiple Supreme Court cases which he cites, is on his side?It is true that federal cases&nbsp;<a href="https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/262/390/">stretching back a century</a>&nbsp;establish that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions about the education of their children. However, none of them are directly applicable to the present debate over names, pronouns, and privacy. Moreover,&nbsp;<a href="https://casetext.com/case/parker-v-hurley-2">other cases insist</a>&nbsp;that parents have to demonstrate a harm which “strike[s] at the heart of parental decision-making” before public schools, which are required by federal law to consider the needs of all students equally, can be forced to change policies which had been legally decided upon.In his response to Lefler, Kobach did mention one Kansas case that was directly on point—<a href="https://casetext.com/case/ricard-v-usd-475-geary-cnty">a 2022 federal district court decision</a>&nbsp;which forbade Geary County’s USD 475 from enforcing a policy to not share private information regarding a student’s gender identification because it violated how the student’s teacher understood her religious faith. Why didn’t he mention that case in his original letter? Likely because he knows there are other federal district court decisions (like Massachusetts’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberglaw.com/public/desktop/document/FooteetalvLudlowSchoolCommitteeetalDocketNo322cv30041DMassApr1220?doc_id=X3T38OEAVQ98HVAGVI971HP48HS">Foote v. Town of Ludlow</a>) which have taken up nearly identical cases and found for the school district instead. In the end, the Supreme Court will have to decide.In short, what is being fought about is unsettled law. I think there’s a good chance the Supreme Court will end up agreeing with Kobach’s particular application of these constitutional precedents—but for now, his letter reflects cultural assumptions rather than controlling principles. Round one, therefore, goes to Lefler.Dr. Russell Arben Fox teaches politics in Wichita, KS

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