Kansas lawmakers are considering several new proposals as the 2025 session of the Legislature gets underway.

 

Among bills recently proposed include a measure that would raise the state minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $15 per hours. The bill was announced this week by Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes and House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard. Both lawmakers are Democrats.

 

Another measure up for discussion in both the state House and Senate would ban the purchase of pop and candy with an EBT card, though it is unclear if such an effort would be allowed under federal law. The Senate version of the bill has been introduced by Wichita Republican Renee Erickson.

 

Lawmakers heard yesterday about a bill that would allow city and county governments to inspect apartments and rental homes if the person living there complained about the condition of the residence. Currently, Kansas law bans cities and counties from inspecting rental properties.

 

The Kansas Senate Committee on Government Efficiency has also established a Government Efficiency Portal where residents can voice their opinions on ways to make the government work better for Kansans.

 

The Kansas Government Efficiency Portal can be accessed here or by emailing kansascoge at senate.ks.gov