NEXT UP: VETO SESSION
LEGISLATIVE NEWS AND ANALYSIS BY CHUCK WEBER, KANSAS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE
IN THIS ISSUE
- LATE NIGHT FIRST ADJOURNMENT
- TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IN TOPEKA
- SATANIC STATEHOUSE CHAOS
Kansas legislators now take a deep breath before gathering again on April 10 for the "Veto Session." The regularly scheduled session in Topeka concluded when the House adjourned around 11:35 p.m. on Thursday, March 27. The Senate adjourned earlier that same evening.
First Adjournment comes on Day 74 of the 2025 Session. Many observers describe the session as one of the most intense and productive in recent history. We agree.
This abbreviated newsletter offers the highlights with more details coming in the days ahead. The all-important Veto Session is set to begin on Thursday, April 10, and is expected to last two or three days.
Republicans used their expanded super majorities in the House and Senate to pass significant parts of their legislative agenda. That agenda included legislation supported by the Kansas Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Catholic Bishops of Kansas.
Here's a brief overview of what happened.
JUDICIAL REFORM ON THE BALLOT
In perhaps the most consequential action of the 2025 Legislative Session, Kansans will now have the chance to change the way State Supreme Court justices are selected and seated.
Most citizens are unaware that the current process by which Kansas State Supreme Court justices are elevated to the bench is unique in all the United States. The current section process, sometimes referred to as the "merit system," is controlled by lawyers who are members of the Kansas Bar Association. You can read one testimony opposing the current system (and supporting change), which includes historical background here: Judicial Reform Testimony by Wichita City Elders
The Judicial Reform measure known as SCR 1611 passed with super majorities in the House and Senate. Kansas citizens will now vote on whether to change the way Kansas selects State Supreme Court justices. The statewide vote is set for August 2026.
The Kansas Catholic Conference has not yet taken a position on judicial reform, but we most certainly have concerns with the current system. Look for more details on this issue in the months ahead.
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SINGLE RATE TAX PLAN
Last year, Kansas moved from a three-tier tax structure to a two-tier process. Now, it looks likely that Kansas will adopt a single-rate or flat tax approach. SB 269 is legislation that will gradually move Kansas to a single tax rate as income tax revenues beat inflation. The Kansas Catholic Conference does not hold a position on this proposal, which faces a likely gubernatorial veto.
GOOD PRO-LIFE LEGISLATION PASSED THIS YEAR
The Kansas Catholic Conference testified on behalf of and worked hard to pass the following pieces of legislation.
CCR for HB 2062 is legislation that will allow a judge to consider ordering child support payments from the father of a child dating back to the date of conception. This legislation also includes a new tax exemption provision for children and allows payments for child support to be pulled from the father's retirement or pension funds. The Governor may veto this legislation, but it passed by "veto proof" margins.
HB 2311 is legislation providing Religious Liberty protection for couples seeking to adopt or provide foster care for children. This legislation prohibits the State of Kansas from adopting and enforcing policies for the placement, custody and appointment of a custodian that may conflict with sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. Put another way, couples cannot be discriminated against if they do not believe in the "woke" ideology of human sexuality. The Governor may veto this legislation. It passed by "veto proof" margins.
S sub HB 2382 (originally SB 275) is legislation requiring that a scientifically accurate video depicting the fetal development of an unborn child from conception to birth be shown in Kansas classrooms. The video will be produced at the discretion of local school boards. One example of a video is here: Baby Olivia Video Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry in Kansas strongly opposed this legislation. The Governor is expected to veto this measure that passed by "veto proof" margins.
The 2025 Kansas Budget includes funding for another year of the Pregnancy Compassion Act, with an amount of $3 million, up from $2 million last year. These funds are distributed to qualified Kansas maternity homes and Pregnancy Resource Centers through the Kansas Pregnancy Care Network. The idea is to provide help to mothers in difficult pregnancies who wish to bring their child into the world. The Governor will almost certainly line-item veto these funds. We believe there are enough votes to override a veto.
HB 2307 will provide prenatal and post-natal diagnosis assistance for parents if their child has a disability. The Governor is expected to sign this legislation.
HB 2359 is Guardianship/End of Life Care legislation that will help protect people with an intellectual or developmental disability as they make end-of-life decisions. This bill, expected to be signed into law, fixes a fatal flaw in current Kansas law.
LEFT BEHIND
Kansas Catholic Conference efforts to modestly adjust the low-income tax credit scholarship program failed this session. This means it will be more difficult for children from low-income families across Kansas to choose a school of their choice--including a Catholic school--even if it is a better fit for their individual needs. Most of these students come from minority households. No tax dollars are used. Opponents misrepresented the program. More on this in the coming newsletters.
VETO ALERT!
Even though legislation may have passed by "veto proof" margins, we MUST let legislators know how you feel. We need veto override votes! We will be sending out a number of alerts, asking for your help. Please respond.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann raises the Blessed Sacrament at Assumption Church in Topeka
THIS IS HOW WE DO IT
Members of a group from Leavenworth called the Satanic Grotto held a demonstration on the steps of the Kansas Capitol this past Friday. As expected, the so-called "black mass" was a despicable display of anti-Catholic bigotry. There was a lot of news coverage of the events where the leader of this group and three others were arrested and punches were thrown. At its core, this was a publicity stunt seeking attention.
In response, the Catholic Church in Kansas turned to prayer. As chaos erupted at the Capitol, two churches in Topeka were overflowing with the faithful who gathered for a Eucharistic Holy Hour, followed by Mass. Archbishop Joseph Naumann was the main celebrant at Assumption Catholic Church. Holy Hours and Masses were held at the Catholic Cathedrals in Dodge City, Salina and Wichita. Churches across Kansas did the same.
This is how WE do it--with a peaceful and playful presence as we praise our Lord and seek the conversation of those involved. More photos can be viewed at:
Kansas Catholic Conference Facebook Page
A LOOK AHEAD--KEEP PUSHING!
Look for more information in the coming days as the Kansas Legislative Veto Session approaches. Your help will be needed. #1, prayers. Always prayers. But also your emails and phone calls to elected officials as we advocate together for Catholic principles and priorities that serve the common good.
Until next time, we persevere!
Chuck Weber
Kansas Catholic Conference
Satanists at the Capitol News Coverage
Kansas State Representative Susan Humphries interview
MORE COVERAGE COMPILATION COURTESY OF SUNFLOWER STATE JOURNAL
From The Associated Press: Satanist leader’s attempt to hold black mass at Capitol leads to arrests.
From The Kansas City Star: Satanist leader arrested after fight inside statehouse.
From the Topeka Capital-Journal: Satanist leader and others arrested at the Capitol.
From the Topeka Capital-Journal: Competing rallies between Christians and Satanists.
From the Catholic News Agency: Leader of the black mass arrested.
And KSNT’s video of events as they played out in the Capitol.