Area state legislators touched on a number of bills that have been approved during turnaround week in the Kansas Legislature. That’s when bills approved by one chamber go to the other chamber for consideration.

State Senator Jeff Longbine said the Senate approved a bill that would require Kansas courts who fail to render a decision in a specific amount of time to explain to the public why they failed to take that action.   Longbine said for example, on average the State Supreme Court takes an average of 408 days from the presentation oral arguments until a decision is rendered. “It depends on what level of court, I think District Courts are required within 90 days, Court of Appeals would be 120 days, and the Kansas Supreme Court would need to report within 180 days of why they have not made a decision.”

Longbine added the bill doesn’t require the Court to make that decision, but does require them to report on why they have not made that decision.

State Representative Allan Rothlisberg explained the House approved a measure dealing with veterans suffering from post traumatic stress who might be convicted of misdemeanor crimes. “This is voluntary they have to do this…they have to request to get treated in a diversion program. They don’t go to the program, they don’t get diversion. Other states have done this, and found out that it really helps these veterans who do get in trouble.”

The bills now go to the other Chamber for consideration, and would also need the signature of Governor Sam Brownback to become state law.