Social workers could be rolled into the Kansas Tort Claims Act if Gov. Laura Kelly signs a bill passed by state lawmakers.
Blaise Mesa
Blaise Mesa is The Beacon’s Kansas Statehouse reporter. He has covered the Kansas Statehouse for The Beacon since Nov. 2023 after reporting on social services for the Kansas News Service and crime and local government for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He has a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in radio from Columbia College Chicago.
Posted inState Government
Kansas bill would drain funding that helps steer kids out of criminal justice system, advocates say
The bill focuses on detention and treatment programs. But opponents of the legislation say the proposed programs won’t succeed.
Posted inState Government
DOJ says Kansas handed over Social Security numbers of voters. The state says that’s not true
The U.S. Department of Justice claimed in court it already has sensitive data on voters. The Kansas secretary of state said none of that information has been shared.
Posted inState Government
Kansas bill to expand free breast cancer screening stalls in political squabble
Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt was a key force behind the bill. She is running against Ty Masterson in the Republican gubernatorial primary election.
Posted inState Government
Kansas lawmakers shaping sports authority — and tax shield — for new Chiefs stadium
The sports authority would work similarly to the one in Jackson County. It will mean the stadium is publicly owned.
Posted inState Government
Kansas lawmakers want to require age verification on all phone application downloads
The legislation passed the Senate 34-6. It would require adults and children alike to confirm their ages before downloading apps from platforms such as Google or Apple.
Posted inState Government
After months of fighting, Gov. Laura Kelly hands over personal data for SNAP recipients to Trump administration
The governor said she received additional privacy guarantees from the federal government. Republicans say she folded under pressure.
Posted inState Government
Kansas lawmakers are advancing property tax relief. Here are the major proposals
Caps on valuations and spending by local governments headline property tax relief packages.
Posted inState Government
Kansas pushes more jail time for problematic youth. Research says that will lead to more crime
Legislation sent to the governor allows more children to be locked up and for longer. It also requires new, previously unsuccessful treatment options to be funded.
Posted inState Government
Kansas Republicans override governor’s veto of transgender bathroom ban
The law requires people use bathrooms that align with their sex at birth.