Category Archives: Publications

Briefing Book 2026: Extraterritorial Zoning

Cities are authorized under KSA 12-715b et seq. and KSA 12-754(a) to adopt zoning regulations affecting land located outside the city but within three miles of its boundaries, or one-half the distance to another city if that distance is less than three miles. This is colloquially referred to as “extraterritorial zoning” or the “three-mile zone.”Continue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Extraterritorial Zoning”

Briefing Book 2026: Port Authority

A port authority is a legal entity created by a local government or governments to address local transportation-related issues. “Port” is statutorily defined for this purpose to mean a water-port facility, airport facility, terminal facility, land transportation facility, railroad facility, or industrial-use facility. A port authority is distinct from an airport authority. Statutes creating andContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Port Authority”

Briefing Book 2026: Budget Process Overview

Overview This article describes the historical process by which the Kansas State Budget has been developed, and changes made during the 2024 Legislative Session to that process. Historical State Budget Process Prior to the 2024 Legislative Session, the State budget process was largely shaped by the 1976 Task Force of Effective Management established by formerContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Budget Process Overview”

Briefing Book 2026: Speeding: Statistics, Laws, and Countermeasures

Driving too fast for conditions and exceeding the speed limit contribute to significant numbers of deaths, numbers of injuries, and costs. While Kansas laws generally specify acceptable speeds and penalties for violation, additional policy options could be explored. Speeding Statistics In information released in April 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) estimated 11,775 speeding-relatedContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Speeding: Statistics, Laws, and Countermeasures”

Briefing Book 2026: National Guard Mobilization

The National Guard is a creation of the U.S. Constitution, the U.S. Code, and state statutory authority. Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress is granted the authority to organize, arm, discipline, and call forth the Militia to “be employed in the Service of the United States…”The composition of the militia is more specifically defined in theContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: National Guard Mobilization”

Briefing Book 2026: Veterans Affairs Claim Sharks

A “claim shark” is the term given to an agent or company that charges veterans to help them file their initial claims for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. The process to file a claim for VA benefits is free, yet claim sharks usually charge upwards of $5,000 for their services despite the existenceContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Veterans Affairs Claim Sharks”

The Kansas Uniform Common Interest Owners Bill of Rights Act and Homeowners Associations

This memorandum discusses the Kansas Uniform Common Interest Owners Bill of Rights Act(1) (UCIOBORA, or Act) and homeowners associations (HOAs) within the state. The UCIOBORA is the primary document that details the role and responsibilities of HOAs and other forms of common interest communities.(2) This memorandum will provide a brief history of the legislation thatContinue reading “The Kansas Uniform Common Interest Owners Bill of Rights Act and Homeowners Associations”

Committee Reports to the 2026 Legislature

In the 2025 Interim, the Legislative Coordinating Council appointed eight special committees. Legislation recommended by the committees will be available in the Documents Room early in the 2026 Session. Such legislation will also be available on the Kansas Legislature’s website. Interim Committee Reports: Download a PDF of the 2025 Interim Committee Reports to the 2026Continue reading “Committee Reports to the 2026 Legislature”

Kansas Laws on Bicycle, E-Bike, and Scooter Operation

This memorandum summarizes State of Kansas traffic laws applicable to the operation of bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes)1, and electric-assisted scooters (e-scooters)2 on roadways. Local laws also may apply and may address additional topics. Download a PDF of this memo here. The “Rules of the Road” Apply to All Cyclists and e-scooter operators must follow theContinue reading “Kansas Laws on Bicycle, E-Bike, and Scooter Operation”