Federal and State Affairs

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)”

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”

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”

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”

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”

Marijuana Classification and Implications of Rescheduling

On May 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration published a notice of proposed rulemaking to transfer marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. Discussion of such a move began on October 6, 2022, when President Biden asked the U.S. Attorney General and the U.S. Secretary ofContinue reading “Marijuana Classification and Implications of Rescheduling”

Agency Review of All Rules and Regulations

2022 HB 2087 Requires Review of All Rules and Regulations Kansas law as amended by 2022 HB 2087 states a rule and regulation may be adopted or maintained by an agency only if it serves an identifiable public purpose to support state law, and the rule and regulation may be no broader than is necessaryContinue reading “Agency Review of All Rules and Regulations”

Capital Projects Involving National Guard Facilities, Emergency Management Services, and the Northeast Kansas Veterans’ Home

State agencies in Kansas that are responsible for military operations, emergency management, and veterans’ care are embarking on significant capital projects. These agencies include the Adjutant General’s Department and the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office (KCVAO). Joint Forces Headquarters The 2023 Legislature approved expenditures of $17.6 million, all from federal funds, for construction ofContinue reading “Capital Projects Involving National Guard Facilities, Emergency Management Services, and the Northeast Kansas Veterans’ Home”

Delta-8-THC

What is Delta-8-THC? Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) is a psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant that shares similar molecular structures to Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol. Concentrated amounts of Delta-8-THC are usually made from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). The main difference between Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC is the amount present in the dry weight of the Cannabis sativaContinue reading “Delta-8-THC”