Kansas Week 7 Recap: gun discrimination, plastic protections, sheriffs, rules, and more

Video Script

Hey I’m Davis Hammet with Loud Light. Here’s that happened in the 7th week of the 2022 Kansas legislative session

Gun Nondiscrimination (SB482)
The Senate held a hearing on making the firearm industry the first business group to become a protected class from discrimination in Kansas. The Kansas Rifle Association testified in support saying gun organizations are experiencing discrimination citing that the luxury lifestyle brand Yeti no longer gives NRA members discounts on cups & coolers. Equality Kansas testified that legislators should have “a real conversation about discrimination” citing how it’s still legal in Kansas to discriminate against the estimated 150,000 LGBTQ Kansans.

Banning Local Control of Throwaway Plastics (SB493)
A bill passed the Senate that would ban cities or counties from establishing regulations, taxes, or prohibitions on plastic grocery bags, styrofoam cups, or any other food or beverage related container. The bill would preemptively block local governments from taking action to address issues caused by single use petrochemical pollution such as clogged sewer lines & environmental degradation.

Sheriff Election Amendment (HCR 5022)
All Kansas counties have an elected sheriff except for Riley which has had a unified county police department since the 70s. Recently, Johnson County briefly considered adjusting their sheriff position which led to the House passing a constitutional amendment proposal to require every county except Riley to always have an elected sheriff. Essentially, it does nothing except strip away local control; however, the amendment would take away the ability of County Attorney’s to begin ouster proceedings against Sheriff’s engaged in willful misconduct. As recently as 2013, a County Attorney used that power against a Sheriff who interfered with law enforcement by tipping off his lover that she was the subject of a federal meth investigation. 

Rules & Regs Amendment (HCR 5014)
The House passed the rules and regs constitutional amendment which if enacted would allow the legislature to veto any rule or regulation they don’t like by a simple majority vote on a resolution as opposed to the current requirement that they pass a bill.

No-Knock Warrants
The House debated a bill amendment to ban no-knock warrants where law enforcement raids into a home without knocking or identifying themselves. The practice has led to both civilian & officer deaths, but the amendment was voted down as House members who work in law enforcement argued the practice is needed in some circumstances.

Coming Up 
This coming week expect the legislature to begin focusing on budgets, taxes, and state senate redistricting. You can get more involved in state policy by attending this week's Youth Advocacy Summit - YAS Week and Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, & Health - WEALTH Day. Find details at loudlight.org/events. Thanks for commenting, sharing, and donating. Stay tuned, stay engaged, & until next time, thank you so much Kansas!