Jim Karleskint
jimkarleskint@yahoo.com
The past week was a short one for the legislature. Legislators were not in Topeka on Monday & Tuesday, it was the Turnaround break, then on Wednesday & Thursday we saw some committee work completed. However, not a great deal took place.
When I began my career in education, I was a Government/History teacher. One class I taught was Civics, a unit in my Civics class was “How a Bill Becomes a Law”. One concept that I never taught or for that matter never heard of till I was a legislator was “Gut n Go”. On Thursday in House K 12 Education Budget committee we saw “Gut n Go” at work. Removing the contents of a bill (gutting) that has passed one chamber of the legislature and replacing the contents of something else. SB 83 had passed the Senate; it was to be heard in K-12 Education Budget committee on Thursday. Chairwoman Williams let everyone know that really there was no need to hear the bill because the contents were going to be removed and something else will be in its place. It has not been disclosed what the contents will be, that is yet to be revealed. It is my guess that we will see the start of something rather large which combines several bills bundled into SB 83. State Board of Education member Ann Mah asked to testify on SB 83 and was critical of the process lacking transparency. There was an interesting exchange between Williams, her Vice-Chair Brenda Landwehr and Ms. Mah. It was pointed out that Gut n Go is within the rules of the House and therefore they will be moving forward. Stay tuned for what goes into SB 83.
About the time SB 83 was being gutted in K-12 Education Budget committee on Thursday afternoon Governor Kelly was speaking to educators across Kansas on fully funding Special Education. Governor Kelly has done several events to stress the need to fully fund special education. As nearly all of you know there is a Kansas statue that states Kansas is to provide 92% of excess costs of special education. Currently the state’s contribution is around 70%.
What to expect in week #9 in Education Committees
Monday-March 6
House Education. Hearing SB 66-This bill passed the Senate, has to do with recognizing teacher licenses from other states.
Senate Education-Hearing on HB 2238-Bill has passed the House. Requires that female student athletic teams only include biologically female students.
House K-12 Education Budget-SB 83-We may see Monday what will be the contents that are going to be added to this legislation.
Tuesday-March 7
Senate Education-Hearing on HB 2080-The bill has passed the House, allows virtual students to take virtual tests. Also, HB 2322-Has passed the House, revises the definition of children with disabilities.
Wednesday, March 8
Senate Education-HB 2138-Bill passed the House, has to do with career technical education credential.
Thursday, March 9
Senate Education-HB 2236-Bill passed the House, this bill establishes parents’ right to direct the education, upbringing and moral or religious training of their children.
Note: I have listed the bills that are being heard next week. Other education committees are having briefings on various topics.
Have a great week, let me know if you have questions.
