Legislature Adjourns Sine Die

On Monday, the Legislature returned to Topeka for Sine Die, the ceremonial last day of the 2017 Legislative Session.  The Senate met for less than 15 minutes and the House for less than one hour, both adjourning before noon.

There were no veto override efforts.  House Minority Leader Jim Ward, D-Wichita, hoped to override Governor Brownback's line item veto of a budget proviso relating to disability waivers, but the Senate met and adjourned quickly.  There did not appear to be enough House members present to be successful.

Jason Probst (D-Hutchinson) was sworn in to replace Patsy Terrell, who passed away suddenly during the veto session. 

John Wilson (D-Lawrence) announced his retirement from the House - saying that his young family and career needed his attention.  Said Wilson, "Now is actually a really great time to be in the Legislature. It's just not a really great time for me." 

Some believe that the Legislature will need to return for a special session after the Supreme Court reviews the new school finance plan, but others believe it will satisfy the court's concerns.

Governor Brownback vetoed Sub for HB 2313 – the lottery vending machine bill that included funding for mental health programs.   Read the Governor’s Veto message.  It is interesting that the Governor vetoed a bill that his appointed Lottery Director had worked very hard to pass.

Governor Brownback also vetoed two provisions of the budget bill – both relating to social services under the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.