Latest news with #SenateBill105
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Missouri bill bans smelly Callery pear trees and other invasive plants
MISSOURI — A Missouri bill that would ban Callery and Bradford pear trees, including five other invasive plants, is headed to Gov. Mike Kehoe's desk. The state legislature passed the ban earlier this month that would make selling, importing, or exporting several invasive species in Missouri illegal. Senate Bill 105 would ban and slow the spread of the Callery pear and burning bush species as well as perilla mint, Japanese honeysuckle, climbing euonymus, and sericea lespedeza. Sheriff pleads the Fifth repeatedly over questions about mysterious death The bill is now headed to Kehoe for a signature and would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2029. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed Oklahoma law would force disabled children out of public schools
Public education in Oklahoma has been in decline since 2011 — the same year the state reached its highest national education ranking at No. 17. That was the year Mary Fallin took office as governor. What followed was a decade of budget cuts, teacher shortages and a growing legislative push to divert public funds toward private school vouchers under the banner of 'parent choice.' Few have championed that agenda more aggressively than Sen. Julie Daniels, R-Bartlesville. Her support for defunding public education isn't just visible in her legislation — it's unmistakable in her own words, particularly in her defense of Senate Bill 105, which removes the one-year public school requirement for students with disabilities seeking a Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship. In an email, Daniels said: 'Taking it out hurts no public school but helps special needs students access the best school for them without wasting a year of their education.' According to Sen. Daniels, a year in Oklahoma public schools for a student with a disability is a waste. That single sentence lays bare the dangerous foundation of SB 105, and the deeply flawed logic behind her attempt to dismantle a system that exists to protect our most vulnerable learners. In that 'wasted' year, a child in public school is evaluated by a multidisciplinary team under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. If eligible, the student is given an Individualized Education Program that outlines measurable goals, supports and services—all designed by experts, including special education teachers, school psychologists, therapists and administrators. The student might receive reading interventions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, transportation or behavior support. Student progress is tracked and sent to parents commensurate with report cards. Services are documented. Parents are informed and protected. All of this falls under the legal guarantee of a Free Appropriate Public Education —a cornerstone of public education, grounded in federal law. These supports don't exist in a vacuum. They are monitored and held accountable by the Oklahoma State Department of Education. They are enforced by due process. They are built around one mission: to help children learn, grow and achieve independence. For students with disabilities, the ability to read, communicate and self-advocate isn't just academic — it is a lifeline. And yet, Sen. Daniels believes that this system, with all its safeguards, is expendable. She wants to reroute public dollars into private schools that offer none of the above — no individualized education programs, no certified staff, no documentation of progress, and no Education Department oversight. So what, then, does Sen. Daniels consider evidence of success? 'The measure of success is the very many happy families who have finally found a place for their child," she says. That's it. Happiness. Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent on outcomes measured by happiness. Sen. Daniels intends to try and increase access to private school funding so that even more money is spent on happiness. Since when did we fund education based on feelings rather than facts? Since when did anecdotal satisfaction replace reading scores, graduation data and independence skills? Public schools must answer to state and federal law. Private schools accepting Lindsey Nicole Henry Scholarship funds answer to no one. And somehow, Sen. Daniels sees 'happy families' as a better indicator of success than whether a child can read. That's not just bad policy — it's dangerous. And it's a strange hill for a self-described conservative to die on: promoting an emotionally driven, accountability-free program as a replacement for a federally protected educational system built on data and outcomes. For children with disabilities, the stakes are too high to experiment with feel-good legislation. Our students deserve progress, not platitudes. More: Can Ryan Walters be trusted with federal education money? His record says no. | EDITORIAL Jared S. Gleaton is an Oklahoma school psychologist and food critic. He is the author of "A Feast for the Senses: The Psychological Art of Eating Well." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: This bill would move disabled students out of public schools | Opinion
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kansas gov. vetoes two bills, allows for three new laws
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly vetoed two bills and allowed a handful of others to become law without her signature on Monday. Kelly announced in a press release that she has vetoed Senate Bill 5 and Senate Bill 14 on March 31. She also allowed three bills, House Bill 2106, House Bill 2027 and Senate Bill 105, to become new laws without her signature. Kelly issued statements on her reasoning behind each decision. Republican opposition also issued statements on the two veto decisions. More information on each bill, what the purpose of each is and Kelly's statements can be found below: Forbes Field becomes finalist to house new military aircraft Prohibits the use of funds provided by the U.S. government for the conduct of elections and election-related activities unless approved by the Kansas Legislature. 'Restricting federal funds for elections and election-related activities without legislative approval is not just unnecessary micromanagement; it undermines our ability to conduct secure and efficient elections. Some legislators have voiced concerns about voter fraud and foreign interference, but state and local election officials would be much more capable of addressing these threats if they received necessary funding from Congress. It doesn't make sense to turn down these resources that make our local elections in Kansas safe, secure, and accurate. Given that the Legislature only convenes for three months each year, how can we expect them to approve funding when they are not available year-round? Instead of obstructing our electoral process, lawmakers should concentrate on the real issues impacting Kansans, rather than complicating the management of election funds.' Gov. Laura Kelly statement on Senate Bill 5 'Federal taxpayer money flowing into our elections threatens the integrity and opens the door to nefarious actors who might want to tip the scale in favor of partisan politics. SB 5 simply ensures that election officials cannot accept outside funds unless it's allowed by law. It's disappointing the governor chose to side with those who want to undermine our elections or give the appearance of mischief. We side with common sense and election security, and that's why we're committed to overriding her veto.' Joint statement from Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins. Provides for continuous state budgets until amended, lapsed or eliminated by the Kansas Legislature, temporary reallocations and establishes conditions and limitations. 'Kansas entered statehood on January 29, 1861. Since that time, every single Legislature has managed to pass a budget that became law. In fact, technically speaking, it's the Legislature's only constitutionally required job. If this Legislature cannot do what every previous legislature has been able to do since our founding—through periods of war, famine, pandemic, recession, the Dust Bowl, and even the Great Depression—then they will have to do it over my veto because I will not sanction it, nor will the people of Kansas. This bill is the latest attempt at legislative overreach into the executive branch and is really nothing more than an invitation to government dysfunction—just like we see in Washington, D.C. Is that what we want for Kansas? I am confident that this Legislature will be able to continue the tradition of completing their constitutionally mandated duties, within the constitutionally mandated timeframe just as every one of their predecessors has been able to do.' Gov. Laura Kelly statement on Senate Bill 14 'Kansans are tired of watching the government shutdown drama at the federal level, where politicians use people's livelihoods as leverage to get their way. SB 14 prevents this by simply providing continuing appropriations in the rare event a budget is not yet agreed to at the end of the fiscal year. Sadly, the governor decided that she prefers the ways of Washington over ensuring state government, including our schools, is always open and operating. We stand ready to override her veto when we return.' Joint statement from Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins. Kansas measles outbreak likely to grow: KDHE Bans contributions from foreign nationals for the support or defeat of a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution. 'I support stopping foreign influence in our elections so that Kansans can decide what's best for Kansas. Federal law already prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to federal, state, or local elections. If the Legislature had crafted something similar for Kansas, I would have signed it. But this bill goes too far. I cannot sign a bill that takes away the ability of Kansans and Kansas businesses to support elections if they accept money from overseas for any purpose, not just those related to elections. Forcing Kansans to choose between accepting financial support for any reason or surrendering their voice in the political process is wrong. This bill potentially exposes our state to litigation for its limitations on speech and association, possibly violating First Amendment protections in the U.S. Constitution as well as possible equal protection violations of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution on account of disparate treatment of the people and businesses in Kansas based on whether they have international operations or support.' Gov. Laura Kelly statement on House Bill 2106 Reorganizes subsections of the public assistance statute. 'The Legislature passed the so-called HOPE Act in 2015, severely restricting Kansans' ability to access social service programs like SNAP food assistance, TANF cash assistance, and childcare assistance. The HOPE Act was wrong then, and it remains wrong now. Legislators are only trying to put lipstick on a pig, and I refuse to associate myself with the HOPE Act. Now, more than ever, the Legislature should look for ways to support working Kansas families rather than further shredding the safety net that gives Kansans a bridge back to self-sufficiency.' Gov. Laura Kelly statement on House Bill 2027 Requires the governor to appoint a person to fill vacancies in the offices of U.S. senator, state treasurer and commissioner of insurance from a list of names approved by the Kansas Legislature. 'While I understand the Legislature's desire to have a say in the appointment process for filling vacancies for United States senator, state treasurer and insurance commissioner, this bill puts forth a partisan power grab by the Legislature and includes an overly bureaucratic process ripe for undue influence by special interests. Had the Legislature passed a simpler method for modifying the appointment process for these offices, I would've signed it into law. However, given my concerns about the messy process this bill creates, the bill will become law without my signature.' Gov. Laura Kelly on Senate Bill 105 Kansas gov. approves eight new laws Monday For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Kansas Senate, House make deal to weaken role of governors when filling political vacancies
Sen. Mike Thompson, the Republican chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, said a collection of House amendments were removed from the Senate bill outlining a new process of filling vacancies for U.S. Senate, state treasurer and state insurance commissioner. The House and Senate approved the compromise bill Monday with two-thirds, veto-proof majorities. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA — The House and Senate voted to approve a bill Monday placing the Legislature in greater control of decisions traditionally left to governors when temporarily filling vacancies for U.S. Senate, state treasurer and state insurance commissioner. The content of Senate Bill 105 was developed based on the potential of U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall or Jerry Moran, both Republicans, vacating office before completing their Senate terms. The bill also envisioned a scenario in which state Treasurer Steven Johnson and Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, also Republicans, departed early. Traditionally, Kansas governors have temporarily filled vacancies in these political offices until a special election or the term of the departed politician was close to expiring and a regularly scheduled election took place. Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican, said the compromise bill would allow formation of a 12-member joint legislative committee to review applicants for vacancies in these jobs. Ten of 12 members on the nominating committee would be appointed by Republican leaders in the Legislature, with two selected by Democratic leadership in Legislature. The committee would be required to conduct at least one public meeting so nominees could be heard. Only members of the Legislature — 125 representatives, 40 senators — would be eligible to nominate candidates to fill a vacancy. Each legislator could nominate one person. An individual serving on the nominating committee couldn't be recommended to fill a vacancy. To be eligible to assume the role of U.S. senator, state treasurer or state insurance commissioner, an applicant would have to be a Kansas resident and registered in the same political party as the previous officeholder for at least six years preceding the vacancy. If the departing officeholder was unaffiliated with a political party, any suitable person residing in Kansas could be eligible the appointment. 'We were opposed to this to begin with,' said Rep. Silas Miller, D-Wichita. 'Now, it's even worse. Legislative power grab.' The House voted for the deal 84-36, which led to the Senate's 31-9 vote affirming the deal. The bill moves to the desk of Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly with two-thirds margins capable of overriding a veto. Under existing law, a Kansas governor possessed the power to appoint a Democrat to a seat formerly held by a Republican or the other way around. In 2020, Kelly named Democratic Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers to replace state Treasurer Jake LaTurner, a Republican who had been elected to the U.S. House. Republicans in the Legislature expressed disappointment Kelly handed a statewide office to a fellow Democrat. Republicans won the post back in 2022. The negotiated bill would require the nominating committee to submit a list of three finalists to the full House and Senate. If available, the House and Senate would meet in joint session to vote on nominees. All members of the Legislature would be expected to vote. If the Legislature endorsed less than three finalists, the nominating committee would reconvene to come up with alternatives. If the Legislature wasn't in regular session and no special session was called within five days, the nominating committee would be responsible for forwarding names of three finalists directly to a governor. A governor would have to make the appointment within three calendar days of receiving the nominations. 'It gives a little urgency to the Legislature to decide whether or not the Legislature wants to come back in special session,' said Sen. Mike Thompson, a Johnson County Republican. Thompson said 'all sorts of amendments' added to the bill by the House were dropped during final negotiations among Senate and House members.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Today at the Roundhouse, March 12, & recap
Mar. 12—Hundreds of the 1,182 bills filed during this year's 60-day session remain in limbo as lawmakers inch closer to the session's end. Here are a few things to watch out for on Wednesday, March 12, and a recap of Tuesday, March 11. Today at the Roundhouse Medical malpractice: After weeks of inaction, a high-profile proposal to change the state's medical malpractice laws, Senate Bill 176, could get a Wednesday evening hearing in the Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee. Child welfare: After passing the House last week on a 64-0 vote, a proposal to create an outside office to investigate complaints involving the Children, Youth and Families Department is on the schedule for the Senate Judiciary Committee. CYFD Secretary Teresa Casados has expressed opposition to the legislation, House Bill 5. Recap Survivors' Justice Act: An emotional debate of House Bill 73, which would allow childhood sexual abuse victims to seek civil action through age 58, led to its unanimous passage on the House floor. Social worker welcome sign: A push to include New Mexico in an interstate social worker compact breezed through the Senate on a 36-0 vote. The bill, Senate Bill 105, is one of several measures filed during this year's session that deal with compacts, which make it easier for registered professionals to legally work in different states. Photo of the day: Dancing on the floor Where the bills stand SB176: Must pass Senate Health and Public Affairs, Senate Judiciary and Senate Finance Committees, then the full Senate, then the House, then the governor's desk. HB5: Must pass the Senate Judiciary Committee, then the full Senate, then the governor's desk. HB73: Passed the House. Awaiting Senate committee assignments, then must pass the full Senate to make it to the governor's desk. SB105: Passed the Senate. Awaiting House committee assignments, then must pass the full House to make it to the governor's desk.
