From 2022 to 2023, ransomware attacks against cities, counties, and state agencies increased by 36 percent. A ransomware attack is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts its files on a victim’s computer or network, rendering them inaccessible until a ransom is paid to the attacker. Ransomware typically infiltrates a system through phishing emailsContinue reading “Kansas Cybersecurity Update”
Category Archives: Briefing Book 2025
Characterization of Military Service Upon Discharge
During the 2023-2024 biennium, the Legislature passed, and the Governor subsequently signed into law, several bills relating to veterans of the U.S. armed forces and the Kansas Army and Air National Guard. Many of the newly enacted laws updated language to ensure consistency amongst statutes. Others provided additional state benefits to veterans who received aContinue reading “Characterization of Military Service Upon Discharge”
Passenger Rail in Kansas
Current Passenger Rail Service Passenger rail service in Kansas is limited to Amtrak’s Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles, which includes nightly stops in Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City, and Garden City. Since 1999, the Heartland Flyer has connected Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, where Amtrak connections are available to DallasContinue reading “Passenger Rail in Kansas”
Kansas National Guard and the Texas Border
Kansas’ Support of Texas and the Southwest Border During the 2024 Legislative Session, two resolutions (HR 6035 and SR 1737) were adopted concerning illegal immigration, federal immigration policies, and the southern border of Texas. In addition, SB 28 appropriated $15.7 million from the State General Fund to the Adjutant General’s Department for the Southwest BorderContinue reading “Kansas National Guard and the Texas Border”
Hutchinson Correctional Facility Capital Improvement Projects
Background The Hutchinson Correctional Facility (HCF) is the second-largest facility in Kansas housing male adults, with a capacity of 1,810 residents at four custody levels: maximum, special management, medium, and minimum. The facility employs 507 full-time state employees, more than 85 contract employees, and has an annual operating budget of $47.3 million. The majority ofContinue reading “Hutchinson Correctional Facility Capital Improvement Projects”
Medical Marijuana Update 2025
Medical marijuana use is legal in 38 states and the District of Columbia. Recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia. In recent years, several bills were introduced to legalize medical or recreational marijuana use in Kansas. Legislation that would have legalized medical marijuana in Kansas received a floorContinue reading “Medical Marijuana Update 2025”
Kansas Law Enforcement Fentanyl Response
Fentanyl-related controlled substances (fentanyl) are powerful synthetic, or lab-made, opioids. Fentanyl has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat severe pain related to surgery or complex conditions. However, over the past decade, fentanyl and other illegally made synthetic opioids have been increasingly found in the drug supply and have contributed toContinue reading “Kansas Law Enforcement Fentanyl Response”
Review of Recent Abortion Court Cases
U.S. Supreme Court During its 2024 term, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) considered four cases related to abortion. Two cases were reversed and remanded, and two were dismissed, which, in effect, allowed abortion access to stand. In the consolidated cases of Food and Drug Administration v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine (2024) and Danco Laboratories, LLCContinue reading “Review of Recent Abortion Court Cases”
SCOTUS 2023 Term Review and October 2024 Term Preview
The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is the ultimate appellate jurisdiction for all federal court cases, as well as state court cases that involve questions of Constitutional or federal law. SCOTUS begins hearing cases in October of each year and typically issues decisions before the term is concluded, customarily in June or JulyContinue reading “SCOTUS 2023 Term Review and October 2024 Term Preview”
Brief: Kansas School Finance System Overview
The State’s current school finance system includes both the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA) and other school finance laws covering the following areas of focus: Each area contains its own unique funding formula or formulas. An in-depth memorandum on KSEEA and its formulas for each area, titled “Kansas School Finance System,” can beContinue reading “Brief: Kansas School Finance System Overview”
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