June 13, 2017
Kansas Legislature Adjourns After Lengthy, Contentious Session
Kansas lawmakers adjourned on Saturday after 113 days, marking the end of a contentious legislative year. They are slated to return to Topeka on June 26th for adjournment "sine die" to formally end session.

Legislative leadership in Topeka faced a split caucus this year following the 2016 elections, where voters sent several legislators to the Capitol who were opposed to many of the policies championed by Governor Sam Brownback. Lawmakers struggled all year to compromise on several critical issues, and the new legislative makeup took the state in a different direction than previous years after passing a $1.2 billion tax increase.

Lawmakers came to an agreement on the tax plan last Tuesday evening by passing SB 30. The tax plan was quickly vetoed by Governor Brownback; however, the House and Senate voted to override his veto by a vote of 88-31 and 27-13, respectively. Legislators reached a consensus after battling the tax issue for months, doing so in an effort to close the budget short fall and provide additional money for schools.

SB 30 will notably repeal the LLC tax exemption for over 300,000 businesses and extend the Star Bond Program 'sunset date' until July 2020. The tax increase is also applied retroactively to January 1, 2017.

We look forward to keeping a pulse on Topeka and working to develop our initiatives and goals over the next several months for next year's session. 

Below you'll find summaries of significant legislation considered this year.
Record-Keeping Requirements for Contractors ( HB 2201) - This bill, also known as the "taxpayer empowerment, accountability and transparency in state contracting act", creates several new reporting and record-keeping requirements for contractors and imposes cancellation for failure to comply.  Did not pass. Heard before House Committee on Federal and State Affairs, March 8
Contribution Prohibition if Entering State or Municipal Contract ( SB 105) - This bill prohibits the state or any municipality from entering into an agreement or contract with a business entity if that business has made a contribution to any state or municipal candidate within a specific time frame.  Did not pass. Referred to Senate Committee on Ethics, Elections and Local Government, February 1
Manufactured Goods Requirement ( SB 176) - This bill requires state agencies to use U.S.-manufactured goods in public works projects.  Did not pass. Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, February 8
Workforce Preference ( SB 177) - This bill requires at least 70% of a contractor's employees reside in Kansas if the contractor enters into a state contract for a project with an annual cost of at least $100,000.  Did not pass. Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, February 8
Join us in Washington, D.C., for Legislative Week
Register today! Join us in Washington, D.C., June 19-23, for ABC's Legislative Week.

Now is the time to build on our victories to advance the merit shop agenda in Congress and in the Trump administration! Join your fellow ABC members as one powerful voice to educate Congress and regulators about the issues that affect your businesses and to showcase the opportunities and diversity ABC members contribute to our industry and the economy. 

We will also be holding a reception on June 21st for the Kansas & Missouri Congressional Delegation. This is a great opportunity to meet your representative in Congress.

Please email michael@abcksmo.org if you're interested in learning more. 
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