GUEST COLUMN, Shannon Francis, 125th District Representative
It was great visiting with Lori & Maribel with Liberal Area Rape Crisis and Domestic Violence. They provide a necessary service for our community.
Trucking is vital for our local economy. The trucking industry of Southwest Kansas was well represented at the Kansas Motor Carriers Association state meeting. It was particularly good visiting with Jason Greer with National Carriers. This homegrown national trucking company is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of our community.
Week 7 of the legislative session has concluded, completing our first week post-Turnaround. While a few bills that originated in the House are being heard in exempt House committees, most of the traffic in the legislature is now from the other side of the rotunda. The House is hearing the Senate’s bills, and the Senate is hearing the House’s bills. As a result, most of our work this week happened in committee. But a few bills made it across the House floor.
HB 2291 establishes a regulatory sandbox allowing businesses to test innovative products or services without immediate regulatory constraints. This is especially valuable for startups in fields like technology and healthcare, offering a 24-month window to develop and refine their ideas based on practical experience, fostering a thriving environment for creativity.
With similar programs in states like Utah, HB 2291 places Kansas among forward-thinking jurisdictions. The Regulatory Relief Division’s ability to propose reciprocity agreements with other states could build a network, highlighting Kansas as a pioneer in modern business-friendly policies.
Small firms often struggle with regulatory costs that larger corporations can easily manage. This bill waives certain requirements, giving startups a fair opportunity to compete, with approval decisions considering competitor participation to maintain market fairness.
The program suspends licensing and certification fees for two years, requiring only a $250 application fee. This allows entrepreneurs to invest in critical areas like product development or staffing, enhancing their potential to succeed and contribute economically.
The Division uses data from sandbox participants to review state laws, recommending updates to outdated rules. Starting in 2027, annual reports will outline cost savings and consumer outcomes, ensuring regulations adapt to support contemporary business needs effectively.
The bill is designed to improve Kansas’ environment for business by reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers. It offers a structured approach to testing new ideas, addressing economic challenges, and promoting growth without relying on specific endorsements. While providing regulatory relief, the program includes robust safeguards: the Division can reject risky applications, terminate participation for misconduct, and mandate consumer disclosures. An 11-member committee adds oversight, ensuring innovation aligns with public welfare.
SB 4 shifts the deadline for receiving mailed advance voting ballots to 7 p.m. on election day, starting January 1, 2026. This change ensures faster vote counting and reporting, allowing election results to be finalized more quickly and reducing delays and uncertainty that can linger for days after polls close. By setting a clear, firm deadline aligned with election day, the bill provides a straightforward process that voters can trust. A prompt resolution of election outcomes helps reinforce public faith in the integrity and reliability of Kansas’ electoral system. The new deadline brings Kansas in line with the majority of states that require mailed ballots to arrive by election day. This consistency with national norms strengthens the state’s election framework and ensures it meets widely accepted standards for efficiency.
Moving the deadline from three days post-election to 7 p.m. on election day eliminates confusion about when ballots must be received. This clarity gives voters a precise cutoff, reducing the risk of ballots being inadvertently invalidated due to late arrival without a postmark or misunderstanding the rules and using drop boxes after the deadline.
