Newsletter - February 4, 2018
Colyer Sworn-In as 47th Governor
On Wednesday, February 3
rd, Governor Colyer was officially sworn-in as the 47
th Governor of the State of Kansas, on the first floor of the Statehouse. The oath of office was administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice Lawton Nuss, then followed by remarks from Governor Colyer. The Governor stressed the theme of a “new day” in Kansas and a “new tone,” as he vowed to listen to those on both sides of the aisle. He invoked the name of President Eisenhower, mentioned the Kansas spirit, and his own personal experiences with helping others.
For the full video footage of the inauguration, click
here.
For the full transcript of Governor Colyer’s speech, click
here.
Internet Sales Tax Litigation
On Thursday, the House Taxation Committee met jointly with the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation. The Committees heard from Charles McGuigan, the Chief Deputy Attorney General from South Dakota. The Committees also heard from Bryan Clark, Assistant Solicitor General, from the Attorney General’s Office and Mark Beshears, Department of Revenue. The briefing centered on the
South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., which is a pending U.S. Supreme Court case that will address whether a state may collect sales taxes from online retailers with no physical presence in the state. Clark’s testimony covered the preceding cases,
National Bellas Hess v. Department of Revenue of Illinois and
Quill Corp. v. North Dakota. On October 2, 2017, South Dakota asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision of the South Dakota Supreme Court. Kansas joined 34 states filing an
amicus curiae brief supporting South Dakota’s request for U.S. Supreme Court review. On January 12, the U.S. Supreme Court granted South Dakota’s request to take the case. The Department of Revenue presented its compiled data and information on taxation of internet retailers.
Floor Action
HB 2482—Expanding the hours of sale of alcoholic liquor by the drink.
Under current law, public venues, clubs, and drinking establishments are prohibited from serving, mixing, or consumption of alcoholic liquor on premises between the hours of 2 AM and 9 AM. The bill changes the hours to 2 AM and 6 AM.
Final Action, 75-47 I voted against this bill.
Thursday, February 1
HB 2042—Concealed carry licensure amendments under the personal and family protection act fee and extending the medical assistance fee fund
The bill original would recognize out-of-state concealed carry licenses, when the license holder acts in accordance with Kansas law. More importantly it puts Kansas in compliance with interstate compacts for concealed carry license reciprocity when Kansans travel out of state. Rep. Landwehr successfully offered an amendment to the bill which would lower the age in which an individual can conceal carry from 21 to 18, upon obtaining a concealed carry license which includes training and background checks (under current law, only Kansans over the age of 21 may conceal carry). It is not legal to carry in K-12 buildings no matter what age. Lastly, Rep. Aurand further amended the bill to require licensure to carry on all college campuses (regents institutions, community and technical colleges).
Final Action, 76-44 I voted for this bill.
HB 2145—Prohibiting the possession of a firearm by certain individuals
Specifically, this bill would bar the following individuals from possessing a firearm: fugitives from justice, illegal aliens, individuals convicted of a misdemeanor for a domestic violence offense within the past five years, and persons subject to court orders restraining them from harassing, stalking, or threatening a partner, or a child. These provisions are currently outlined in federal law, but are not instated in state law.
Final Action, 120-0 I voted for this bill.
Legislative Forum
Saturday, February 10, at 10:00 am the Liberal Chamber will be hosting a Legislative Forum at the Depot. Myself and Senator Estes will be attending. We will each give a brief update on the current session. Please come by and ask questions and share your thoughts about the issues affecting Kansas.
“You aren’t learning anything when you’re the one doing the talking.”
Constituent Services
Please reach out to me regarding issues with our state government that I can help with. I do ask that you send the request to me by email. This insures that I get the information correctly to the agency we are working with. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Please contact me anytime. My email is:
Shannon.francis@house.ks.gov. Topeka Office Phone: (785) 296-7466 Office at the Capitol: 561W (fifth floor west wing) 300 SW 10
th Avenue, Topeka KS 66612.
