TOPEKA, Kan. – The Kansas legislative session has hit the halfway mark this week, and things are heating up. This week is known as turnaround week, which is the last chance for bills to move forward before the deadline.
In the Senate, lawmakers are tackling a controversial bill that would require the state to send food assistance data to the federal government. Meanwhile, the House is debating a proposal to ban cell phone use in schools—an issue that Governor Kelly highlighted as a priority.
The Senate’s food assistance bill has been particularly contentious. Governor Kelly has previously opposed sharing this data with Washington. However, this legislation aims to enforce that requirement, directing the secretary for children and families to comply with federal requests.
Supporters argue that this measure could help ensure that aid only goes to those truly in need, potentially extending resources to more Kansas residents. Senator Renee Erickson from Wichita defended the bill, stating, “If we tighten that down, we’ll have more money to help the needy.”
On the flip side, critics, including Senator Cindy Holscher from Overland Park, believe this bill merely distracts from pressing issues like the affordability crisis facing many Kansans. “We’ve done nothing to address the affordability crisis,” she warned.
The Senate cast their votes, and the bill passed 28-9, moving it along to the House for further consideration.
In another corner of the legislature, the House debated a ban on cell phones in schools. This proposal had previously stalled but is gaining traction after two hours of discussion.
Supporters, including many educators, emphasize that unchecked phone use could negatively impact students’ mental health and learning. Rep. Jill Ward of Wichita noted that there was no opposition from schools regarding this proposal. However, some lawmakers, like Rep. Nikki McDonald of Olathe, feel it could infringe on local control.
As the debate continues, an amendment was made to allow school districts flexibility to establish communication systems for students during school hours.
Recent research shows that excessive phone use can disrupt learning and worsen mental health among teens. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, over 50% of teens believe that their phones distract them from their schoolwork.
The latest discussions in the Kansas Legislature highlight a struggle between regulation and local autonomy, raising questions about how best to support both students and families in the state.
With more debates on the horizon, Kansas residents will be watching closely as these bills progress.
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