Briefing Book 2025 – Page 3

Voter Registration Qualifications

Qualifications to Submit a Voter Registration Application Certain amendments of the U.S. Constitution provide that citizens of the United States over the age of 18 shall not be denied the right to vote based on their race, color, or previous condition of servitude (15th Amendment); sex (19th Amendment); or age (26th Amendment). The 24th AmendmentContinue reading “Voter Registration Qualifications”

Voter Roll and Poll Book Maintenance

Voter Roll Maintenance Voter registration list, or voter roll, maintenance is the process of removing voters from the voter roll or party affiliation lists. In Kansas, it is the responsibility of the county election officer to remove names of voters who have died or who have become disqualified from voting. The Secretary of State mustContinue reading “Voter Roll and Poll Book Maintenance”

Grid Security

Protecting the bulk electric system (or “power grid”) from both physical and cyberattacks is known as “grid security.” Risks and Threats In 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reported at least 175 instances of physical attacks or threats against critical grid infrastructure, including incidences of theft and vandalism. In 2024, Check Point Research documentedContinue reading “Grid Security”

Article V Convention (Convention of States)

What is Article V? Article V of the U.S. Constitution gives states the power to call a convention to propose and discuss amendments that “impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.” ArticleContinue reading “Article V Convention (Convention of States)”

Kansas Cybersecurity Update

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”

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”