AEP

LEGISLATIVE BILL TRACKER

KAEP

Bill Number
and Sponsor

Bill Subject

Current Status

Last Action

H Sub for SB 329

Senate Ways and Means Committee

Enacting the Kansas Illegal Alien Reform Act

Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested

3/28/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 96, Nays 27
3/28/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred: Conference Committee requested; appointed Brungardt, Reitz and Gilstrap
3/27/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; be amended; be passed as amended
3/14/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Federal and State Affairs
3/16/2007 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
3/15/2007 - House: Received and introduced
3/14/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 27, Nays 10
3/7/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed by Ways and Means
3/6/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Assessment and Taxation; referred to Ways and Means
2/8/2007 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation
2/7/2007 - Senate: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This is the illegal immigration bill that came out of the House Committee.

It is a major improvement over previous versions of the bill. No longer will a business be responsible for the actions of their independent or subcontractors. No longer will the state try to enforce the law through the tax code. Businesses are no longer at risk of penalty for simple paperwork violations. And no case can be brought against any business that uses the federal government's E-Verify system.

However, businesses that violate the law still face the penalty of losing all of their business licenses. The unintended consequences of that penalty could devastate the state economy and could threaten public safety. For example, if a local telephone company such as Embarq broke the law, every one of the communities they serve would lose all phone service, including 911 for 10 days. An electric company that had its license suspended would result in all of their customers losing service. The patient at nursing home or hospital would be sent home or have to find a new facility. A 10,000 head feed yard would be forced to depopulate which would destabilize the cattle market.

The coalition of business and ag groups that have opposed many of the immigration proposals because of their unfair treatment of business remain opposed to this bill because of these types of unintended consequences when business licenses are used as a punishment.

SB 444

Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee

Taxation; relating to property tax exemptions; tangible personal property not specifically classified; certain housing; homestead property tax refunds, certain social security payments

On Final Action in House

3/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed as amended
3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Taxation
3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 3/13/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S
2/11/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation
2/8/2008 - House: Received and introduced
2/7/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 38, Nays 2
1/30/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Assessment and Taxation
1/18/2008 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation
1/17/2008 - Senate: Introduced

Property Taxes

This bill eliminates the 30% tax on tangible personal property valued at $1500 or less.

Sub for SB 453

Senate Ways and Means Committee

Rural development; establishing the Kansas Commission on Rural Policy; concerning the Rural Housing Incentive Act; pertaining to certain definitions

Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested

3/28/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 93, Nays 30
3/28/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred: Conference Committee requested; appointed Brownlee, Jordan and Baron
3/27/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed as amended
3/25/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget
3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 3/12/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 431-N
3/4/2008 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget
2/29/2008 - House: Received and introduced
2/28/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 40, Nays 0
2/26/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Commerce
2/6/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Thursday, 2/14/2008, 8:00 AM, Rm 123-S
1/30/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/5/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 123-S
1/23/2008 - Senate: Referred to Commerce
1/22/2008 - Senate: Introduced

RURAL POLICY COMMISSION
This bill creates the Rural Policy Commission to focus state resources on rural economic development.

It is the centerpiece of the Kansas Farm Bureau legislative agenda and has been endorsed by the Kansas Senate and House Republicans.

Sub for SB 458

Peggy Palmer, R-16th

Enacting the Kansas Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Reform Act

In House Federal and State Affairs

3/28/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
3/27/2008 - Senate: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0
3/27/2008 - House: Received and introduced
3/26/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; be amended; substitute be passed as amended
3/12/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Federal and State Affairs
2/20/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 2/27/2008, 10:30 AM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Tuesday, 3/4/2008, 10:30 AM, Rm 313-S
1/23/2008 - Senate: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
1/22/2008 - Senate: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This is now the Senate version of immigration reform legislation. It creates several new crimes for people who steal, create, manufacture, sell or use fraudulent identities to help illegal aliens get a job. Businesses that engage in the practice of knowingly hiring illegal aliens can be held in contempt of court which means substantial fines or potential jail time. The standard is strict enough that innocent businesses will not be subject to prosecution and only the guilty will be affected by the punishment.

The coalition of businesses and ag groups that have opposed several immigration bills this year supports this bill.

This started as the Kansas version of the Oklahoma law. In addition to punishing businesses who hire illegal immigrants, this bill would attempts to eliminate any social and community support for illegal immigrants.

Sub for HB 2694

Jim Ward, D-88th

Income taxation; relating to credits; alternative-fuels

On General Orders in House

Above the Line in House

3/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar
3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Taxation
3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 3/6/2008, 1:00 PM, Rm 182-W
2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 2/21/2008, 7:30 AM, Rm 531-N
2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S
1/29/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation
1/28/2008 - House: Introduced

TAX CREDITS FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES
This bill changes the income tax credit for buying a Flex Fuel Vehicle from $750 with a requirement to provide receipts for 500 gallons of fuel to a simple $500 debit card that is given to the purchaser of a new FFV and is only good for purchases of E-85 or use at a blender pump.

This bill started as an expansion of the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles to include vehicles that run on alternative fuels that are not ethanol or biodiesel. Examples would include hydrogen and propane vehicles.

Of the more than 48,000 flex fuel vehicles in Kansas, only 151 have qualified for the current credit.

Sub for HB 2694

Jim Ward, D-88th

Income taxation; relating to credits; alternative-fuels

On General Orders in House

Above the Line in House

3/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar
3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Taxation
3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 3/6/2008, 1:00 PM, Rm 182-W
2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 2/21/2008, 7:30 AM, Rm 531-N
2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S
1/29/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation
1/28/2008 - House: Introduced

HB 2897

House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Grain commodity commissions

Pending motion to concur or nonconcur

3/28/2008 - Senate: Advanced to first order of business; Committee of the Whole: Be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0
3/27/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar
3/26/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture
3/5/2008 - Senate: Referred to Agriculture; Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 3/12/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 423-S
3/4/2008 - Senate: Received and introduced
2/29/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 119, Nays 4
2/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended
2/27/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources
2/15/2008 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources; Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/19/2008, 3:30 PM, Rm 783 Dock
2/14/2008 - House: Introduced

COMMODITY COMMISSIONS
This is the newest version of the commodity commission assessment increase bill. It allows the wheat, corn and sorghum commissions to increase their authority. It requires all increases to be voted on by all growers. It also allows a first purchaser to serve on a commission.

HCR 5033

Judy Morrison, R-23rd

Urging the United States to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

On General Orders in House

3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be adopted as amended by Federal and State Affairs
3/12/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 3/17/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S
3/7/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Transportation; referred to Federal and State Affairs
3/6/2008 - House: Referred to Transportation
3/5/2008 - House: Introduced

FREE TRADE
This resolution urges Congress to withdraw from NAFTA.

Sub for SB 89

Senate Agriculture Committee

Water; concerning the Republican River and the disposition of moneys recovered from certain litigation; establishing the Republican River Water Conservation Projects Fund

Enrolled and presented to the Governor

3/25/2008 - Senate: Enrolled and presented to Governor
3/19/2008 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report on Senate bill; Yeas 39, Nays 0
3/14/2008 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 122, Nays 0
2/26/2008 - House: Acceded; appointed Faber, Knox and Svaty
2/25/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Taddiken, Pine and Francisco
2/21/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 118, Nays 0
2/20/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended
2/14/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources
1/24/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Agriculture and Natural Resources
3/28/2007 - House: Withdrawn from Appropriations; referred to Committee of the Whole
3/27/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar; withdrawn from Calendar; referred to Appropriations
3/22/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources
2/15/2007 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources
2/14/2007 - House: Received and introduced
2/13/2007 - Senate: Commitee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 40, Nays 0
2/8/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Agriculture
1/17/2007 - Senate: Referred to Agriculture
1/16/2007 - Senate: Introduced

WATER
This bill designates how future revenues from water litigation with Nebraska will be spent.

It designates that a portion of the money will be used for a CREP program. It does not set aside any money for future litigation costs.

The money from the Colorado lawsuit did include litigation costs for future lawsuits and did not set aside money specifically for CREP.

H Sub for SB 327

Terry Bruce, R-34th

Energy; relating to conservation and electric generation, transmission and efficiency and air emissions

Vetoed by Governor

3/21/2008: Vetoed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius
3/12/2008 - Senate: Enrolled and presented to Governor
3/6/2008 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report on Senate bill; Yeas 31, Nays 7
3/5/2008 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report, agreed to disagree; 2nd Conference Committee appointed: C. Holmes, Olson and Kuether
3/5/2008 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report, agreed to disagree; 2nd Conference Committee appointed: Emler, Apple and Lee
3/5/2008 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 75, Nays 47
2/21/2008 - House: Acceded; appointed C. Holmes, Olson and Kuether
2/20/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Emler, Apple and Lee
2/19/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 77, Nays 45
2/18/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be passed; be amended; substitute be passed as amended
2/13/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Energy and Utilities
1/22/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Energy and Utilities
3/27/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar
3/23/2007 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities; Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Energy and Utilities
3/22/2007 - House: Received and introduced
3/21/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0
3/15/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Assessment and Taxation
2/23/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Ways and Means; rereferred to Assessment and Taxation
2/22/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Assessment and Taxation; referred to Ways and Means
2/8/2007 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation
2/7/2007 - Senate: Introduced

CO2 REGULATION
This is the House version of the Holcomb bill.

This bill requires the Secretary of KDHE to reconsider the Holcomb permit without considering CO2.

It also sets up a commission to study the state's energy policy.

It requires all electric generation facilities of 250 million BTU heat hour or greater to use the best available carbon capture technology.

This requirement is the first such requirement in the world. It would require all coal and natural gas plants to use the best technology available to capture carbon and to continuously improve their technology as science progresses. The added cost to ratepayers cannot be calculated.

SB 461

Senate Commerce Committee

Employment security law

In House Commerce and Labor

3/20/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be rereferred to Commerce and Labor; Yeas 63, Nays 58
3/17/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed by Commerce and Labor
3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 3/12/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 784 Dock
2/19/2008 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor
2/18/2008 - House: Received and introduced
2/14/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0
2/12/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Commerce
1/30/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Friday, 2/8/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 123-S
1/24/2008 - Senate: Referred to Commerce
1/23/2008 - Senate: Introduced

ELECTRONIC FILING
This bill requires employers to file their wage reports with the state electronically. Employers over 250 would be required to file electronically this year, above 100 in 2009 and above 50 in 2010.

SB 674

Senate Ways and Means Committee

Ethanol production incentive fund payments

In Senate Agriculture

3/19/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 3/24/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 423-S
3/11/2008 - Senate: Referred to Agriculture
3/10/2008 - Senate: Introduced

ETHANOL PRODUCER INCENTIVE FUND
This bill allows the Dept. of Revenue to pay the incentive fund on an annual basis rather than a quarterly basis.

SB 525

Senate Commerce Committee

Kansas Investments in Major Products and Comprehensive Training Act (IMPACT)

In Senate Commerce

3/18/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Commerce
3/10/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed by Commerce
2/29/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Ways and Means; rereferred to Commerce
2/28/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Calendar; referred to Ways and Means
2/21/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar
2/19/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed by Commerce
2/4/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 2/6/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 123-S
2/1/2008 - Senate: Referred to Commerce
1/31/2008 - Senate: Introduced

JOB TRAINING
This bill streamlines the state's IMPACT job training program which provides funds equal to 95% of the future income tax withholding of the newly trained employees for the training program.

HB 2937

House Federal and State Affairs Committee

Workers compensation; relating to bilateral scheduled injuries

In House Commerce and Labor

3/14/2008 - House: Motion to withdraw from Committee, failed; Yeas 50, Nays 72
3/13/2008 - House: Motion to withdraw from committee and place on General Orders
2/26/2008 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor
2/25/2008 - House: Introduced

WORK COMP
This bill overturns the Kansas Supreme Court's ruling in the Casco case. In that case, the court ruled in favor of businesses that multiple scheduled injuries do not automatically qualify an injured employee for full body disability.

The ruling will save businesses a substantial amount of money in work comp premiums.

HB 2961

House Taxation Committee

Property taxation; relating to ad valorem property tax levy for schools, reduction; use of lottery moneys therefor

In House Taxation

3/12/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation
3/11/2008 - House: Introduced

PROPERTY TAX CUT
This bill reduces the statewide property tax mill levy by almost 3 mills and replaces that funding with new dollars from the casino legislation passed last year.

HB 2954

House Taxation Committee

Taxation; relating to employment of unauthorized aliens; credits, deductions and exemptions, forfeiture thereof; duties of Department of Revenue

In House Federal and State Affairs

3/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
3/6/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This bill attempts to enforce immigration laws through the state tax code. It denies all tax credits, exemptions and deductions for any business that knowingly hires an illegal alien.

Knowingly hiring would include any simple paperwork mistake on the part of the employer.

HCR 5035

House Taxation Committee

Urging the Congress of the United States to pass legislation that provides for the forfeiture of tax credits, deductions and exemptions for employers that employ unauthorized aliens

In House Federal and State Affairs

3/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
3/6/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This resolution urges Congress to pass legislation denying tax credits, deductions and exemptions to businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants.

Knowingly hiring illegal immigrants would include any simple paperwork mistake.

HCR 5036

House Taxation Committee

Urging the United States Congress to adopt an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the citizenship status of children born to parents neither of whom are citizens of the United States

In House Federal and State Affairs

3/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
3/6/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This resolution urges Congress to change the US Constitution to no longer give automatic citizenship to anyone born in the United States. The consitutional provision has existed since 1789.

SB 497

Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee

Taxation; creating the Kansas Investment Credit Act and the Kansas Jobs Credit Act

In Senate Assessment and Taxation

In Senate Commerce

2/29/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Ways and Means; rereferred jointly to Assessment and Taxation and Commerce
2/28/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn jointly from Assessment and Taxation and Commerce; referred to Ways and Means
1/30/2008 - Senate: Referred jointly to Assessment and Taxation and Commerce
1/29/2008 - Senate: Introduced; Scheduled Hearing: Friday, 2/1/2008, on Senate adjournment, Rm 123-S

TAX CREDITS
This bill repeals the HPIP Credit and replaces it with the investment and jobs credit.

HB 2921

House Federal and State Affairs Committee

Creating the Kansas Employment Verification Act

In House Federal and State Affairs

2/21/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs; Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 2/25/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S
2/20/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This is the business and ag coalition bill for immigration reform.

It requires all employers in the state to use the federal I-9 hiring procedures currently required under federal law. It gives blanket immunity to any employer that uses the I-9 procedure, E-Verify or the Social Security Administration's Verification System from any state, city or county actions for hiring an illegal immigrant.

The bill also prohibits cities and counties from implementing their own laws. The bill increases penalties for people who create or use false IDs for illegal immigrants.

HB 2680

Ann Mah, D-53rd

Enacting the Immigration Accountability Act; relating to employment; duties of the Department of Revenue

In House Federal and State Affairs

2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 2/25/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S
1/28/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
1/25/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This is the House Democratic version of the illegal immigration reform bill. It requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system and punishes them by revoking all licenses to do business for hiring illegal immigrants.

HB 2836

Lance Kinzer, R-14th

Enacting the Kansas Illegal Alien Reform Act

In House Federal and State Affairs

2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 2/25/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S
2/13/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
2/12/2008 - House: Introduced

IMMIGRATION
This is another of the get tough on illegal immigrant bills.

It not only requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system. Employers can lose their business license if they hire an illegal alien and they can be sued by legal residents who don't get a job.

HB 2894

House Appropriations Committee

The Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment; duties and powers in issuing approvals and permits

In House Energy and Utilities

2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 783 Dock
2/15/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities
2/14/2008 - House: Introduced

CO2 REGULATION
This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to use the same standards for renewal of current coal plant air permits as the ones he used to deny the Holcomb permit. This is intended to put Eastern Kansas lawmakers on notice that if Western Kansas does not get the cleanest coal plant in America, Eastern Kansas will lose all of their older, and dirtier, coal plants.

HB 2898

House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee

Grain commodity commissions; relating to assessment refunds

In House Agriculture and Natural Resources

2/15/2008 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources; Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/19/2008, 3:30 PM, Rm 783 Dock
2/14/2008 - House: Introduced

COMMODITY COMMISSIONS
This bill requires commodity commissions to furnish first purchasers with refund forms for producers who choose not to participate in the fund.

HB 2863

Dale Swenson, R-97th

Minimum wage and maximum hours law

In House Commerce and Labor

2/14/2008 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor
2/13/2008 - House: Introduced

MINIMUM WAGE
This bill raises the state minimum wage to the federal level.

HB 2848

House Commerce and Labor Committee

Workers compensation; relating to bilateral scheduled injuries

In House Judiciary

2/13/2008 - House: Referred to Judiciary
2/12/2008 - House: Introduced

WORKERS COMPENSATION
This bill would overturn a recent Supreme Court decision that benefits employers.

The Supreme Court ruled that injuring two scheduled body parts does not automatically make a person permanently disabled. This bill would overturn the courts decision.

HB 2821

House Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee

Insurance; relating to rates and rate modifications for workers compensation insurance

In House Insurance and Financial Institutions

2/12/2008 - House: Referred to Insurance and Financial Institutions
2/11/2008 - House: Introduced

WORKERS COMPENSATION
This bill just makes technical changes to how work comp rates are calculated at the Department of Labor. However, it is amendable to all work comp legislation and could result in overturning the recent pro-business Supreme Court ruling in the Casco case.

SB 571

Joint Committee on Economic Development

Income taxation; relating to deductions; expensing of investment expenditures

In Senate Assessment and Taxation

2/7/2008 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation
2/6/2008 - Senate: Introduced

INCOME TAXES
This bill allows businesses to expense investments in the year they are made rather than depreciating them. The taxpayer must forfeit most tax credits they would otherwise be eligible for, but passage of this bill would allow any business to write off investments rather than only those that pre-qualify for tax credits.

HB 2774

House Federal and State Affairs Committee

Immigration; requiring the Adjutant General to request certain information from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to establish communications with certain foreign countries

In House Federal and State Affairs

2/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
2/6/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This bill requires the state adjutant general to collect the names of countries of origin of any worker deported from Kansas due to improper documentation. It also requires the adjutant general to work with foreign countries to maintain a list of legal alien potential employees. Businesses that have an employee deported will be able to contact the adjutant general for assistance in locating a legal worker.

SB 553

Senate Ways and Means Committee

The environment; relating to carbon dioxide emission offset

In Senate Natural Resources

2/6/2008 - Senate: Referred to Natural Resources
2/5/2008 - Senate: Introduced

CO2 REGULATION
This is part of the original bill to allow the construction of the Holcomb power plant expansion.

This caps the amount of CO2 that a new fossil fuel based power plant can produce and creates a system of credit trading. There are no credits for carbon captured on ag land or for converting ag land to pasture.

HB 2639

House Energy and Utilities Committee

Establishing the Energy Resources Commission; relating to powers and duties thereof

In House Energy and Utilities

2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 783 Dock
1/18/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities
1/17/2008 - House: Introduced

ENERGY

This bill creates a commission to study resources in Kansas and make recommendations to the Legislature.

HB 2751

House Taxation Committee

Income taxation; relating to deductions; expensing of investment expenditures

In House Taxation

2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 2/13/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S
2/5/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation
2/4/2008 - House: Introduced

INCOME TAXES
This bill allows businesses to expense investments in the year they are made rather than depreciating them. The taxpayer must forfeit most tax credits they would otherwise be eligible for, but passage of this bill would allow any business to write off investments rather than only those that pre-qualify for tax credits.

HCR 5029

House Energy and Utilities Committee

Urging Congress and the President of the United States to develop a program of capturing and storing carbon and other greenhouse gases

In House Energy and Utilities

2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 783 Dock
1/28/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities
1/25/2008 - House: Introduced

CO2 REGULATION
This is a resolution to the federal government urging the creation of a program to capture and use CO2 and other greenhouse gases.

It is part of the package that is intended to resolve the Sunflower power plant issue. The plant that was denied used captured CO2 to grow algae that was then used to make biodiesel.

HR 6009

Jim Ward, D-88th

Urging the Congress of the United States to control the borders, prevent illegal immigration and alleviate the logistical and financial burden currently resting on states and private businesses

In House Federal and State Affairs

2/4/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs
2/1/2008 - House: Introduced

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
This is a resolution that simply urges Congress to take action to control our nation's borders and reform immigration law.

SB 515

Senate Utilities Committee

The environment; relating to conservation and electric generation, transmission and efficiency and air emissions

In Senate Utilities

1/31/2008 - Senate: Referred to Utilities
1/30/2008 - Senate: Introduced; Scheduled Hearings: (Pro): Monday, 2/4/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S; (Pro): Tuesday, 2/5/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S; (Opp): Wednesday, 2/6/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S; (Opp): Thursday, 2/7/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S

CO2 REGULATION
This is the bill that is intended to overturn Secretary of KDHE Bremby's decision to deny the Holcomb power plant expansion.

In addition to allowing the expansion to move forward, several energy efficiency requirements are placed on state and local governments. More importantly, the bill sets up a system for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel powered electric generation facilities. It creates a carbon trading system giving various types of carbon offsets preferential status. And, it creates the nation's first carbon tax for facilities that do not meet increasing carbon reduction requirements.

The bill allows utilities to take 3 times the value of carbon sequestered for idling productive ag land as a credit to meet the new standard.

In addition, any new cost to meet these regulations, including the carbon tax, will be paid by the ratepayers.

HB 2711

House Energy and Utilities Committee

The environment; relating to conservation and electric generation, transmission and efficiency and air emissions

In House Energy and Utilities

1/31/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities
1/30/2008 - House: Introduced; Scheduled Hearings: (Pro): Monday, 2/4/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S; (Pro): Tuesday, 2/5/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S; (Opp): Wednesday, 2/6/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S; (Opp): Thursday, 2/7/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S

CO2 REGULATION
This is the bill that is intended to overturn Secretary of KDHE Bremby's decision to deny the Holcomb power plant expansion.

In addition to allowing the expansion to move forward, several energy efficiency requirements are placed on state and local governments. More importantly, the bill sets up a system for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel powered electric generation facilities. It creates a carbon trading system giving various types of carbon offsets preferential status. And, it creates the nation's first carbon tax for facilities that do not meet increasing carbon reduction requirements.

The bill allows utilities to take 3 times the value of carbon sequestered for idling productive ag land as a credit to meet the new standard.

In addition, any new cost to meet these regulations, including the carbon tax, will be paid by the ratepayers.

HB 2456

House Federal and State Affairs Committee

The Employment Security Law; relating to contribution rates

In House Commerce and Labor

1/22/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Commerce and Labor
2/19/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Commerce and Labor
2/8/2007 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor
2/7/2007 - House: Introduced

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
This bill sets up a system to permanently reduce unemployment insurance rates by 40% anytime the fund has a balance in excess of $600 million. The rate automatically goes up when the fund reaches $425 million. The bill gives a tax break to all businesses that pay the tax whether they have a positive balance or not.

HB 2635

House Energy and Utilities Committee

Establishing a water sustainability review process and implementation thereof

In House Energy and Utilities

1/18/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities
1/17/2008 - House: Introduced

WATER

This bill establishes a water sustainability review process.

S Sub for HB 2031

House Taxation Committee

Income taxation; relating to withholding; publicly held partnerships; treatment of social security benefits for income tax purposes; earned income credit

Approved by Governor

4/19/2007: Approved by Governor Kathleen Sebelius
4/9/2007 - House: Enrolled and presented to the Governor
4/3/2007 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 40, Nays 0
4/3/2007 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report on House bill; Yeas 122, Nays 0
3/22/2007 - House: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Wilk, Carlson and Holland
3/22/2007 - Senate: Acceded; appointed Allen, Donovan and Lee
3/21/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 40, Nays 0
3/5/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Assessment and Taxation
2/15/2007 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation
2/14/2007 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 91, Nays 30
2/14/2007 - Senate: Received and introduced
2/12/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be amended; be passed as amended
2/5/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed by Taxation
1/10/2007 - House: Referred to Taxation
1/9/2007 - House: Introduced

SENATE TAX PACKAGE
This was originally the House's version of the franchise tax repeal. It would have repealed the franchise law over the next three years.

The Senate removed the House provisions and replaced it with a $500,000 franchise tax exemption and income tax relief for senior citizens. The franchise tax portion changes the computation of the franchise tax so that no business is taxed on the first $500,000 of net worth. The current computation requires businesses to include all of their net worth in the computations.

S Sub for HB 2476

House Energy and Utilities Committee

Taxation; relating to homestead property tax refunds

Approved by Governor

4/19/2007: Approved by Governor Kathleen Sebelius
4/9/2007 - House: Enrolled and presented to the Governor
4/3/2007 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 38, Nays 0
4/3/2007 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report on House bill; Yeas 122, Nays 0
3/28/2007 - House: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Wilk, Carlson and Holland
3/28/2007 - Senate: Acceded; appointed Allen, D. Schmidt and Lee
3/27/2007 - Senate: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0
3/26/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed
3/22/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Assessment and Taxation
2/28/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Utilities; referred to Assessment and Taxation
2/23/2007 - Senate: Referred to Utilities
2/22/2007 - House: Final Action: Passed; Yeas 94, Nays 29
2/22/2007 - Senate: Received and introduced
2/21/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed
2/19/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed by Energy and Utilities
2/8/2007 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities
2/7/2007

KAEP
Bill Number and Sponsor	Bill Subject	Current Status	Last Action
H Sub for SB 329 Senate Ways and Means Committee	Enacting the Kansas Illegal Alien Reform Act	Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested	3/28/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 96, Nays 27 3/28/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred: Conference Committee requested; appointed Brungardt, Reitz and Gilstrap 3/27/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; be amended; be passed as amended 3/14/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Federal and State Affairs 3/16/2007 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 3/15/2007 - House: Received and introduced 3/14/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 27, Nays 10 3/7/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed by Ways and Means 3/6/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Assessment and Taxation; referred to Ways and Means 2/8/2007 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation 2/7/2007 - Senate: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This is the illegal immigration bill that came out of the House Committee. It is a major improvement over previous versions of the bill. No longer will a business be responsible for the actions of their independent or subcontractors. No longer will the state try to enforce the law through the tax code. Businesses are no longer at risk of penalty for simple paperwork violations. And no case can be brought against any business that uses the federal government's E-Verify system. However, businesses that violate the law still face the penalty of losing all of their business licenses. The unintended consequences of that penalty could devastate the state economy and could threaten public safety. For example, if a local telephone company such as Embarq broke the law, every one of the communities they serve would lose all phone service, including 911 for 10 days. An electric company that had its license suspended would result in all of their customers losing service. The patient at nursing home or hospital would be sent home or have to find a new facility. A 10,000 head feed yard would be forced to depopulate which would destabilize the cattle market. The coalition of business and ag groups that have opposed many of the immigration proposals because of their unfair treatment of business remain opposed to this bill because of these types of unintended consequences when business licenses are used as a punishment.

SB 444 Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee	Taxation; relating to property tax exemptions; tangible personal property not specifically classified; certain housing; homestead property tax refunds, certain social security payments	On Final Action in House	3/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed as amended 3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Taxation 3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 3/13/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S 2/11/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation 2/8/2008 - House: Received and introduced 2/7/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 38, Nays 2 1/30/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Assessment and Taxation 1/18/2008 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation 1/17/2008 - Senate: Introduced
Property Taxes This bill eliminates the 30% tax on tangible personal property valued at $1500 or less.

Sub for SB 453 Senate Ways and Means Committee	Rural development; establishing the Kansas Commission on Rural Policy; concerning the Rural Housing Incentive Act; pertaining to certain definitions	Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested	3/28/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 93, Nays 30 3/28/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred: Conference Committee requested; appointed Brownlee, Jordan and Baron 3/27/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed as amended 3/25/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget 3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 3/12/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 431-N 3/4/2008 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget 2/29/2008 - House: Received and introduced 2/28/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 40, Nays 0 2/26/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Commerce 2/6/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Thursday, 2/14/2008, 8:00 AM, Rm 123-S 1/30/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/5/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 123-S 1/23/2008 - Senate: Referred to Commerce 1/22/2008 - Senate: Introduced
RURAL POLICY COMMISSION This bill creates the Rural Policy Commission to focus state resources on rural economic development. It is the centerpiece of the Kansas Farm Bureau legislative agenda and has been endorsed by the Kansas Senate and House Republicans.

Sub for SB 458 Peggy Palmer, R-16th	Enacting the Kansas Illegal Immigration Enforcement and Reform Act	In House Federal and State Affairs	3/28/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 3/27/2008 - Senate: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0 3/27/2008 - House: Received and introduced 3/26/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; be amended; substitute be passed as amended 3/12/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Federal and State Affairs 2/20/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 2/27/2008, 10:30 AM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Tuesday, 3/4/2008, 10:30 AM, Rm 313-S 1/23/2008 - Senate: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 1/22/2008 - Senate: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This is now the Senate version of immigration reform legislation. It creates several new crimes for people who steal, create, manufacture, sell or use fraudulent identities to help illegal aliens get a job. Businesses that engage in the practice of knowingly hiring illegal aliens can be held in contempt of court which means substantial fines or potential jail time. The standard is strict enough that innocent businesses will not be subject to prosecution and only the guilty will be affected by the punishment. The coalition of businesses and ag groups that have opposed several immigration bills this year supports this bill. This started as the Kansas version of the Oklahoma law. In addition to punishing businesses who hire illegal immigrants, this bill would attempts to eliminate any social and community support for illegal immigrants.

Sub for HB 2694 Jim Ward, D-88th	Income taxation; relating to credits; alternative-fuels	On General Orders in House Above the Line in House	3/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar 3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Taxation 3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 3/6/2008, 1:00 PM, Rm 182-W 2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 2/21/2008, 7:30 AM, Rm 531-N 2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S 1/29/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation 1/28/2008 - House: Introduced
TAX CREDITS FOR ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES This bill changes the income tax credit for buying a Flex Fuel Vehicle from $750 with a requirement to provide receipts for 500 gallons of fuel to a simple $500 debit card that is given to the purchaser of a new FFV and is only good for purchases of E-85 or use at a blender pump. This bill started as an expansion of the tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles to include vehicles that run on alternative fuels that are not ethanol or biodiesel. Examples would include hydrogen and propane vehicles. Of the more than 48,000 flex fuel vehicles in Kansas, only 151 have qualified for the current credit.

Sub for HB 2694 Jim Ward, D-88th	Income taxation; relating to credits; alternative-fuels	On General Orders in House Above the Line in House	3/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar 3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Taxation 3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 3/6/2008, 1:00 PM, Rm 182-W 2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Subcommittee Hearing: Thursday, 2/21/2008, 7:30 AM, Rm 531-N 2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S 1/29/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation 1/28/2008 - House: Introduced


HB 2897 House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee	Grain commodity commissions	Pending motion to concur or nonconcur	3/28/2008 - Senate: Advanced to first order of business; Committee of the Whole: Be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0 3/27/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar 3/26/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture 3/5/2008 - Senate: Referred to Agriculture; Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 3/12/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 423-S 3/4/2008 - Senate: Received and introduced 2/29/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 119, Nays 4 2/28/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended 2/27/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources 2/15/2008 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources; Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/19/2008, 3:30 PM, Rm 783 Dock 2/14/2008 - House: Introduced
COMMODITY COMMISSIONS This is the newest version of the commodity commission assessment increase bill. It allows the wheat, corn and sorghum commissions to increase their authority. It requires all increases to be voted on by all growers. It also allows a first purchaser to serve on a commission.

HCR 5033 Judy Morrison, R-23rd	Urging the United States to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)	On General Orders in House	3/26/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be adopted as amended by Federal and State Affairs 3/12/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 3/17/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S 3/7/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Transportation; referred to Federal and State Affairs 3/6/2008 - House: Referred to Transportation 3/5/2008 - House: Introduced
FREE TRADE This resolution urges Congress to withdraw from NAFTA.

Sub for SB 89 Senate Agriculture Committee	Water; concerning the Republican River and the disposition of moneys recovered from certain litigation; establishing the Republican River Water Conservation Projects Fund	Enrolled and presented to the Governor	3/25/2008 - Senate: Enrolled and presented to Governor 3/19/2008 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report on Senate bill; Yeas 39, Nays 0 3/14/2008 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 122, Nays 0 2/26/2008 - House: Acceded; appointed Faber, Knox and Svaty 2/25/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Taddiken, Pine and Francisco 2/21/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 118, Nays 0 2/20/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended 2/14/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources 1/24/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Agriculture and Natural Resources 3/28/2007 - House: Withdrawn from Appropriations; referred to Committee of the Whole 3/27/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar; withdrawn from Calendar; referred to Appropriations 3/22/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Agriculture and Natural Resources 2/15/2007 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources 2/14/2007 - House: Received and introduced 2/13/2007 - Senate: Commitee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 40, Nays 0 2/8/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Agriculture 1/17/2007 - Senate: Referred to Agriculture 1/16/2007 - Senate: Introduced
WATER This bill designates how future revenues from water litigation with Nebraska will be spent. It designates that a portion of the money will be used for a CREP program. It does not set aside any money for future litigation costs. The money from the Colorado lawsuit did include litigation costs for future lawsuits and did not set aside money specifically for CREP.

H Sub for SB 327 Terry Bruce, R-34th	Energy; relating to conservation and electric generation, transmission and efficiency and air emissions	Vetoed by Governor	3/21/2008: Vetoed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius 3/12/2008 - Senate: Enrolled and presented to Governor 3/6/2008 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report on Senate bill; Yeas 31, Nays 7 3/5/2008 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report, agreed to disagree; 2nd Conference Committee appointed: C. Holmes, Olson and Kuether 3/5/2008 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report, agreed to disagree; 2nd Conference Committee appointed: Emler, Apple and Lee 3/5/2008 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 75, Nays 47 2/21/2008 - House: Acceded; appointed C. Holmes, Olson and Kuether 2/20/2008 - Senate: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Emler, Apple and Lee 2/19/2008 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 77, Nays 45 2/18/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be passed; be amended; substitute be passed as amended 2/13/2008 - House: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Energy and Utilities 1/22/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Energy and Utilities 3/27/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar 3/23/2007 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities; Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Energy and Utilities 3/22/2007 - House: Received and introduced 3/21/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be further amended; be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0 3/15/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Assessment and Taxation 2/23/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Ways and Means; rereferred to Assessment and Taxation 2/22/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Assessment and Taxation; referred to Ways and Means 2/8/2007 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation 2/7/2007 - Senate: Introduced
CO2 REGULATION This is the House version of the Holcomb bill. This bill requires the Secretary of KDHE to reconsider the Holcomb permit without considering CO2. It also sets up a commission to study the state's energy policy. It requires all electric generation facilities of 250 million BTU heat hour or greater to use the best available carbon capture technology. This requirement is the first such requirement in the world. It would require all coal and natural gas plants to use the best technology available to capture carbon and to continuously improve their technology as science progresses. The added cost to ratepayers cannot be calculated.

SB 461 Senate Commerce Committee	Employment security law	In House Commerce and Labor	3/20/2008 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be rereferred to Commerce and Labor; Yeas 63, Nays 58 3/17/2008 - House: Committee Report: Be passed by Commerce and Labor 3/5/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 3/12/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 784 Dock 2/19/2008 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor 2/18/2008 - House: Received and introduced 2/14/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report be adopted; be passed as amended; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0 2/12/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Commerce 1/30/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Friday, 2/8/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 123-S 1/24/2008 - Senate: Referred to Commerce 1/23/2008 - Senate: Introduced
ELECTRONIC FILING This bill requires employers to file their wage reports with the state electronically. Employers over 250 would be required to file electronically this year, above 100 in 2009 and above 50 in 2010.

SB 674 Senate Ways and Means Committee	Ethanol production incentive fund payments	In Senate Agriculture	3/19/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 3/24/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 423-S 3/11/2008 - Senate: Referred to Agriculture 3/10/2008 - Senate: Introduced
ETHANOL PRODUCER INCENTIVE FUND This bill allows the Dept. of Revenue to pay the incentive fund on an annual basis rather than a quarterly basis.

SB 525 Senate Commerce Committee	Kansas Investments in Major Products and Comprehensive Training Act (IMPACT)	In Senate Commerce	3/18/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Commerce 3/10/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed by Commerce 2/29/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Ways and Means; rereferred to Commerce 2/28/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Calendar; referred to Ways and Means 2/21/2008 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Be passed over and retain a place on the Calendar 2/19/2008 - Senate: Committee Report: Be passed by Commerce 2/4/2008 - Senate: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 2/6/2008, 8:30 AM, Rm 123-S 2/1/2008 - Senate: Referred to Commerce 1/31/2008 - Senate: Introduced
JOB TRAINING This bill streamlines the state's IMPACT job training program which provides funds equal to 95% of the future income tax withholding of the newly trained employees for the training program.

HB 2937 House Federal and State Affairs Committee	Workers compensation; relating to bilateral scheduled injuries	In House Commerce and Labor	3/14/2008 - House: Motion to withdraw from Committee, failed; Yeas 50, Nays 72 3/13/2008 - House: Motion to withdraw from committee and place on General Orders 2/26/2008 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor 2/25/2008 - House: Introduced
WORK COMP This bill overturns the Kansas Supreme Court's ruling in the Casco case. In that case, the court ruled in favor of businesses that multiple scheduled injuries do not automatically qualify an injured employee for full body disability. The ruling will save businesses a substantial amount of money in work comp premiums.

HB 2961 House Taxation Committee	Property taxation; relating to ad valorem property tax levy for schools, reduction; use of lottery moneys therefor	In House Taxation	3/12/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation 3/11/2008 - House: Introduced
PROPERTY TAX CUT This bill reduces the statewide property tax mill levy by almost 3 mills and replaces that funding with new dollars from the casino legislation passed last year.

HB 2954 House Taxation Committee	Taxation; relating to employment of unauthorized aliens; credits, deductions and exemptions, forfeiture thereof; duties of Department of Revenue	In House Federal and State Affairs	3/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 3/6/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This bill attempts to enforce immigration laws through the state tax code. It denies all tax credits, exemptions and deductions for any business that knowingly hires an illegal alien. Knowingly hiring would include any simple paperwork mistake on the part of the employer.

HCR 5035 House Taxation Committee	Urging the Congress of the United States to pass legislation that provides for the forfeiture of tax credits, deductions and exemptions for employers that employ unauthorized aliens	In House Federal and State Affairs	3/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 3/6/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This resolution urges Congress to pass legislation denying tax credits, deductions and exemptions to businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants. Knowingly hiring illegal immigrants would include any simple paperwork mistake.

HCR 5036 House Taxation Committee	Urging the United States Congress to adopt an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the citizenship status of children born to parents neither of whom are citizens of the United States	In House Federal and State Affairs	3/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 3/6/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This resolution urges Congress to change the US Constitution to no longer give automatic citizenship to anyone born in the United States. The consitutional provision has existed since 1789.

SB 497 Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee	Taxation; creating the Kansas Investment Credit Act and the Kansas Jobs Credit Act	In Senate Assessment and Taxation In Senate Commerce	2/29/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn from Ways and Means; rereferred jointly to Assessment and Taxation and Commerce 2/28/2008 - Senate: Withdrawn jointly from Assessment and Taxation and Commerce; referred to Ways and Means 1/30/2008 - Senate: Referred jointly to Assessment and Taxation and Commerce 1/29/2008 - Senate: Introduced; Scheduled Hearing: Friday, 2/1/2008, on Senate adjournment, Rm 123-S
TAX CREDITS This bill repeals the HPIP Credit and replaces it with the investment and jobs credit.

HB 2921 House Federal and State Affairs Committee	Creating the Kansas Employment Verification Act	In House Federal and State Affairs	2/21/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs; Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 2/25/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S 2/20/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This is the business and ag coalition bill for immigration reform. It requires all employers in the state to use the federal I-9 hiring procedures currently required under federal law. It gives blanket immunity to any employer that uses the I-9 procedure, E-Verify or the Social Security Administration's Verification System from any state, city or county actions for hiring an illegal immigrant. The bill also prohibits cities and counties from implementing their own laws. The bill increases penalties for people who create or use false IDs for illegal immigrants.

HB 2680 Ann Mah, D-53rd	Enacting the Immigration Accountability Act; relating to employment; duties of the Department of Revenue	In House Federal and State Affairs	2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 2/25/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S 1/28/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 1/25/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This is the House Democratic version of the illegal immigration reform bill. It requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system and punishes them by revoking all licenses to do business for hiring illegal immigrants.

HB 2836 Lance Kinzer, R-14th	Enacting the Kansas Illegal Alien Reform Act	In House Federal and State Affairs	2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Monday, 2/25/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S; Scheduled Hearing (cont.): Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 1:30 PM, Rm 313-S 2/13/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 2/12/2008 - House: Introduced
IMMIGRATION This is another of the get tough on illegal immigrant bills. It not only requires employers to use the federal E-Verify system. Employers can lose their business license if they hire an illegal alien and they can be sued by legal residents who don't get a job.

HB 2894 House Appropriations Committee	The Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment; duties and powers in issuing approvals and permits	In House Energy and Utilities	2/20/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/26/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 783 Dock 2/15/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities 2/14/2008 - House: Introduced
CO2 REGULATION This bill requires the Secretary of Health and Environment to use the same standards for renewal of current coal plant air permits as the ones he used to deny the Holcomb permit. This is intended to put Eastern Kansas lawmakers on notice that if Western Kansas does not get the cleanest coal plant in America, Eastern Kansas will lose all of their older, and dirtier, coal plants.

HB 2898 House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee	Grain commodity commissions; relating to assessment refunds	In House Agriculture and Natural Resources	2/15/2008 - House: Referred to Agriculture and Natural Resources; Scheduled Hearing: Tuesday, 2/19/2008, 3:30 PM, Rm 783 Dock 2/14/2008 - House: Introduced
COMMODITY COMMISSIONS This bill requires commodity commissions to furnish first purchasers with refund forms for producers who choose not to participate in the fund.

HB 2863 Dale Swenson, R-97th	Minimum wage and maximum hours law	In House Commerce and Labor	2/14/2008 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor 2/13/2008 - House: Introduced
MINIMUM WAGE This bill raises the state minimum wage to the federal level.

HB 2848 House Commerce and Labor Committee	Workers compensation; relating to bilateral scheduled injuries	In House Judiciary	2/13/2008 - House: Referred to Judiciary 2/12/2008 - House: Introduced
WORKERS COMPENSATION This bill would overturn a recent Supreme Court decision that benefits employers. The Supreme Court ruled that injuring two scheduled body parts does not automatically make a person permanently disabled. This bill would overturn the courts decision.

HB 2821 House Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee	Insurance; relating to rates and rate modifications for workers compensation insurance	In House Insurance and Financial Institutions	2/12/2008 - House: Referred to Insurance and Financial Institutions 2/11/2008 - House: Introduced
WORKERS COMPENSATION This bill just makes technical changes to how work comp rates are calculated at the Department of Labor. However, it is amendable to all work comp legislation and could result in overturning the recent pro-business Supreme Court ruling in the Casco case.

SB 571 Joint Committee on Economic Development	Income taxation; relating to deductions; expensing of investment expenditures	In Senate Assessment and Taxation	2/7/2008 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation 2/6/2008 - Senate: Introduced
INCOME TAXES This bill allows businesses to expense investments in the year they are made rather than depreciating them. The taxpayer must forfeit most tax credits they would otherwise be eligible for, but passage of this bill would allow any business to write off investments rather than only those that pre-qualify for tax credits.

HB 2774 House Federal and State Affairs Committee	Immigration; requiring the Adjutant General to request certain information from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to establish communications with certain foreign countries	In House Federal and State Affairs	2/7/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 2/6/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This bill requires the state adjutant general to collect the names of countries of origin of any worker deported from Kansas due to improper documentation. It also requires the adjutant general to work with foreign countries to maintain a list of legal alien potential employees. Businesses that have an employee deported will be able to contact the adjutant general for assistance in locating a legal worker.

SB 553 Senate Ways and Means Committee	The environment; relating to carbon dioxide emission offset	In Senate Natural Resources	2/6/2008 - Senate: Referred to Natural Resources 2/5/2008 - Senate: Introduced
CO2 REGULATION This is part of the original bill to allow the construction of the Holcomb power plant expansion. This caps the amount of CO2 that a new fossil fuel based power plant can produce and creates a system of credit trading. There are no credits for carbon captured on ag land or for converting ag land to pasture.

HB 2639 House Energy and Utilities Committee	Establishing the Energy Resources Commission; relating to powers and duties thereof	In House Energy and Utilities	2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 783 Dock 1/18/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities 1/17/2008 - House: Introduced
ENERGY This bill creates a commission to study resources in Kansas and make recommendations to the Legislature.

HB 2751 House Taxation Committee	Income taxation; relating to deductions; expensing of investment expenditures	In House Taxation	2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Wednesday, 2/13/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 519-S 2/5/2008 - House: Referred to Taxation 2/4/2008 - House: Introduced
INCOME TAXES This bill allows businesses to expense investments in the year they are made rather than depreciating them. The taxpayer must forfeit most tax credits they would otherwise be eligible for, but passage of this bill would allow any business to write off investments rather than only those that pre-qualify for tax credits.

HCR 5029 House Energy and Utilities Committee	Urging Congress and the President of the United States to develop a program of capturing and storing carbon and other greenhouse gases	In House Energy and Utilities	2/6/2008 - House: Scheduled Hearing: Thursday, 2/14/2008, 9:15 AM, Rm 783 Dock 1/28/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities 1/25/2008 - House: Introduced
CO2 REGULATION This is a resolution to the federal government urging the creation of a program to capture and use CO2 and other greenhouse gases. It is part of the package that is intended to resolve the Sunflower power plant issue. The plant that was denied used captured CO2 to grow algae that was then used to make biodiesel.

HR 6009 Jim Ward, D-88th	Urging the Congress of the United States to control the borders, prevent illegal immigration and alleviate the logistical and financial burden currently resting on states and private businesses	In House Federal and State Affairs	2/4/2008 - House: Referred to Federal and State Affairs 2/1/2008 - House: Introduced
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION This is a resolution that simply urges Congress to take action to control our nation's borders and reform immigration law.

SB 515 Senate Utilities Committee	The environment; relating to conservation and electric generation, transmission and efficiency and air emissions	In Senate Utilities	1/31/2008 - Senate: Referred to Utilities 1/30/2008 - Senate: Introduced; Scheduled Hearings: (Pro): Monday, 2/4/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S; (Pro): Tuesday, 2/5/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S; (Opp): Wednesday, 2/6/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S; (Opp): Thursday, 2/7/2008, 9:30 AM, Rm 526-S
CO2 REGULATION This is the bill that is intended to overturn Secretary of KDHE Bremby's decision to deny the Holcomb power plant expansion. In addition to allowing the expansion to move forward, several energy efficiency requirements are placed on state and local governments. More importantly, the bill sets up a system for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel powered electric generation facilities. It creates a carbon trading system giving various types of carbon offsets preferential status. And, it creates the nation's first carbon tax for facilities that do not meet increasing carbon reduction requirements. The bill allows utilities to take 3 times the value of carbon sequestered for idling productive ag land as a credit to meet the new standard. In addition, any new cost to meet these regulations, including the carbon tax, will be paid by the ratepayers.

HB 2711 House Energy and Utilities Committee	The environment; relating to conservation and electric generation, transmission and efficiency and air emissions	In House Energy and Utilities	1/31/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities 1/30/2008 - House: Introduced; Scheduled Hearings: (Pro): Monday, 2/4/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S; (Pro): Tuesday, 2/5/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S; (Opp): Wednesday, 2/6/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S; (Opp): Thursday, 2/7/2008, 9:00 AM, Rm 313-S
CO2 REGULATION This is the bill that is intended to overturn Secretary of KDHE Bremby's decision to deny the Holcomb power plant expansion. In addition to allowing the expansion to move forward, several energy efficiency requirements are placed on state and local governments. More importantly, the bill sets up a system for regulating carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel powered electric generation facilities. It creates a carbon trading system giving various types of carbon offsets preferential status. And, it creates the nation's first carbon tax for facilities that do not meet increasing carbon reduction requirements. The bill allows utilities to take 3 times the value of carbon sequestered for idling productive ag land as a credit to meet the new standard. In addition, any new cost to meet these regulations, including the carbon tax, will be paid by the ratepayers.

HB 2456 House Federal and State Affairs Committee	The Employment Security Law; relating to contribution rates	In House Commerce and Labor	1/22/2008 - House: Withdrawn from Calendar; rereferred to Commerce and Labor 2/19/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed as amended by Commerce and Labor 2/8/2007 - House: Referred to Commerce and Labor 2/7/2007 - House: Introduced
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE This bill sets up a system to permanently reduce unemployment insurance rates by 40% anytime the fund has a balance in excess of $600 million. The rate automatically goes up when the fund reaches $425 million. The bill gives a tax break to all businesses that pay the tax whether they have a positive balance or not.

HB 2635 House Energy and Utilities Committee	Establishing a water sustainability review process and implementation thereof	In House Energy and Utilities	1/18/2008 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities 1/17/2008 - House: Introduced
WATER This bill establishes a water sustainability review process.

S Sub for HB 2031 House Taxation Committee	Income taxation; relating to withholding; publicly held partnerships; treatment of social security benefits for income tax purposes; earned income credit	Approved by Governor	4/19/2007: Approved by Governor Kathleen Sebelius 4/9/2007 - House: Enrolled and presented to the Governor 4/3/2007 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 40, Nays 0 4/3/2007 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report on House bill; Yeas 122, Nays 0 3/22/2007 - House: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Wilk, Carlson and Holland 3/22/2007 - Senate: Acceded; appointed Allen, Donovan and Lee 3/21/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed; Emergencied to Final Action: Passed; Yeas 40, Nays 0 3/5/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Assessment and Taxation 2/15/2007 - Senate: Referred to Assessment and Taxation 2/14/2007 - House: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 91, Nays 30 2/14/2007 - Senate: Received and introduced 2/12/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be amended; be passed as amended 2/5/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed by Taxation 1/10/2007 - House: Referred to Taxation 1/9/2007 - House: Introduced
SENATE TAX PACKAGE This was originally the House's version of the franchise tax repeal. It would have repealed the franchise law over the next three years. The Senate removed the House provisions and replaced it with a $500,000 franchise tax exemption and income tax relief for senior citizens. The franchise tax portion changes the computation of the franchise tax so that no business is taxed on the first $500,000 of net worth. The current computation requires businesses to include all of their net worth in the computations.

S Sub for HB 2476 House Energy and Utilities Committee	Taxation; relating to homestead property tax refunds	Approved by Governor	4/19/2007: Approved by Governor Kathleen Sebelius 4/9/2007 - House: Enrolled and presented to the Governor 4/3/2007 - Senate: Adopted Conference Committee Report; Yeas 38, Nays 0 4/3/2007 - House: Adopted Conference Committee Report on House bill; Yeas 122, Nays 0 3/28/2007 - House: Nonconcurred; Conference Committee requested; appointed Wilk, Carlson and Holland 3/28/2007 - Senate: Acceded; appointed Allen, D. Schmidt and Lee 3/27/2007 - Senate: Final Action: Passed as amended; Yeas 40, Nays 0 3/26/2007 - Senate: Committee of the Whole: Committee Report recommending substitute bill be adopted; substitute be passed 3/22/2007 - Senate: Committee Report: Substitute be passed by Assessment and Taxation 2/28/2007 - Senate: Withdrawn from Utilities; referred to Assessment and Taxation 2/23/2007 - Senate: Referred to Utilities 2/22/2007 - House: Final Action: Passed; Yeas 94, Nays 29 2/22/2007 - Senate: Received and introduced 2/21/2007 - House: Committee of the Whole: Be passed 2/19/2007 - House: Committee Report: Be passed by Energy and Utilities 2/8/2007 - House: Referred to Energy and Utilities 2/7/2007