RYCKMAN RECAP, Ron Ryckman, 38th District Senator
Week 9 of the 2026 Legislature actually took me out of my comfort zone just a bit, as I was behind the Floor microphone for a very uncharacteristic FIVE times over a four-day period. As those of you who know me well are aware, I much prefer to listen rather than speak, so that kind of “spotlight” doesn’t present itself often.
Nothing earthshaking or monumental, mind you, though uncommon enough that when I DO stand up to be recognized, my colleagues immediately start thinking it must be important! Not so much on the two Judiciary bills I floor-managed or “carried,” but on the three (what are called) “Points of Personal Privilege” (PPP), I would agree with them! Other than those highlights, the Senate was in what truly feels like a “wind down” mode, as we took a respectable 36 roll-call votes on the way to what is hard to believe only two weeks left before scheduled First Adjournment. We're sure to have a bevy of Vetoes to consider after that; however, it still seems very "out of time" to think that the end of Session and an early Easter could take place in the same week!
A “PPP,” generally speaking, is an opportunity for Senators to recognize, honor, or congratulate a distinguished citizen or group from their District for a particular accomplishment. Mine were no exception, as I first rose to celebrate a most impressive young educator, Sarah Thomas, of Ross Elementary School in Dodge City, for her selection as the 2026 Kansas Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year. Next -- after his singing of the National Anthem, I sponsored a Resolution recommending Barry Ward, a uniquely gifted and talented western artist from Copeland, as the Kansas State Balladeer, a title which I hope will eventually become permanent. Finally, I had stand in the VIP Section seven truly inspiring Middle School students and their teacher from Homeland Christian in Montezuma, with their parents “looking down on them” from the Gallery above. What great faith their appreciative, engaging, and respectful manner give us in the next generation of leaders!
The two bills on which I led the Chamber “Committee of the Whole” debate were interesting because they both had to do with penalties for agricultural-related theft, one for grain and the other for animals. I think my wife was a little worried that I might be taking on the image of the Senator in charge of defending farmers and ranchers against crime, but if so I guess I can handle it! HB 2422 would make the theft of grain or hay a class 6 nonperson felony and HB 2413 the stealing of horses or cattle a level 5 nonperson felony. I jokingly said that as an old wild west guy I had offered an amendment in Judiciary to make the punishment for that one “death by hanging” for the first offense and a $500 fine for the second, but it “died” for lack of a “second!” Still, I banter that I must have done a good job because both measures passed without a single “no” vote -- and our corn, wheat, sorghum, soybeans, barley, flax, oats, rye, alfalfa, brome, clover, prairie hay, horses, and cattle are feeling safer already!
When something kind of unusual happens in the course of our lawmaking, I like to share it with you to demonstrate that not all that transpires at the Statehouse is routine and predictable or even “regular order.” This week, one such occurrence was a motion to reconsider a vote that had just failed on a measure requiring school districts to provide a certain amount of daily recess time for students. That particular motion has to made by someone on the prevailing side, in this case one of the 23 who had first opposed SB 339 (with 17 in favor). It happened immediately after an explanation for his support by the Majority Leader, Senator Blasi, who convinced enough to “flip” that it passed the second time 24-15. My “no” vote didn’t change, not because I’m not in favor of our kids staying healthy, but rather that I think at some point we can go a little overboard in trying to micromanage what local districts are quite capable of handling on their own. Sort of the same as cell phone bans, I suppose, but oh well!
Two other items worthy of mention because of the high interest level is the Senate inaction on tax relief (due to the House delay in coming to agreement on the best approach to send over) and the tabling in Ag Committee of the so-called “pesticide” proposal, HB 2476, on which I have received perhaps more emails and phone calls than any other piece of legislation this year. There may be another attempt to move that one out next week, so we’ll see, but as frustrating as the tax delay is, I have this firm conviction that the only thing worse than doing nothing at all is passing the wrong thing! “Passing” is going to be a prohibitive challenge in the truest sense on K-156 from the U.S. 283 intersection west four miles to 214 Road beginning April 6 due to a shoulder-widening project, so you Hodgeman folks plan ahead! No advance planning necessary for a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, however, as it is upon us next Tuesday! Thank you, as always, for the honor and privilege of celebrating it with as your elected “voice” in Topeka!
