Developments in the 2026 session of the Kansas Legislature were outlined Saturday morning by area legislators at Bella's Italian Restaurant in downtown Junction City.
State Senator Mike Argabright noted on tax bills it had been a "challenge to get something through a Chamber." A cap on assessments passed although he did not vote for it. Concerning star bonds that gained approval to support the Kansas City Chiefs move to Kansas. "Star bonds are used in designated areas for Kansas tourism." Those often bring in tourists from out of state and are paid back with increased sales tax revenues in the designated areas.
There was fraud legislation in both chambers. Argabright explained A1 could male a voice that sounded familiar. He urged the public to have a system within families to detect calls of that sort.
A ban on cell phone usage in schools during the school day was approved.
State Representative Nate Butler confirmed that this past Friday was the first adjournament and the Legislature will reconvene April 9 for the veto override session.
State Representative Shawn Chauncey did not vote for the budget bill and obseved that they only had one hour to look at it. He also noted that cell phones in schools will have to be inaccessible. State Board of Education member Dr. Beryl New said that board believes districts should be able to develop their own policy.
The Legislative Coffee event was hosted by the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce.