Week eleven of the 2019 Kansas Legislature is in the books, and we worked more than 50 bills. It was a hectic pace, and we labored late into the night with a strategy to weaken the resolve of one side or the other. I held firm on issues that constituents contacted me about, but some representatives changed their vote an will be rewarded with a political favor at a future date.

Bills that passed the House included an increase in registration fees for electric and hybrid cars. There were many proponents and opponents, but it passed, and the fee will increase between $50 and $150 after it goes to a conference committee. Fees for oversized and overweight vehicles will also be going up. The trucking industry worked hard to make this an amicable solution for truckers. The possibility of more toll roads in the metro areas and installing dedicated lanes to fast traffic was approved when we authorized the Transportation Secretary to change financing requirements.  With the proliferation of the new ride services, the law was changed to allow for a light to be placed in the windshield to alert those waiting for a ride.

The Real Estate Commission brought a bill to increase the fee for late renewal of a license and raised the fee for late renewal of a license and raised the requirements on graduates and their employers. There is a shortage of aeronautical engineers, and the goal is to entice them to stay in Kansas. I’m sure other industries will be lining up to get their share of credits. After a lengthy debate, we voted to authorize cannabidiol for treatment of certain medical conditions.

We heard a lively discussion about schools and worked until midnight to pass a new funding bill that contained only provisions directing how new funding should be utilized. Lobbyists for the school community made it very clear that they opposed the bill, but after more drama than a soap opera, it passed by two votes. Negotiators will have to work quickly to get a plan finalized before the April 15 deadline.

The Governor is working to get cabinet appointments confirmed,and there have been some bumps in the road. She is no stranger to politics and will respond with adjustments when necessary. My experience with the selections has been positive, but there have been no major issues to debate. of the bills passed so far, we haven’t raised taxes, only fees. Internet sales tax has not been resolved,and it is past time for implementation.

Representative Dave Baker