GOP hopes to save plan to limit Kansas agencies’ regulations

By JOHN HANNA
AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Top Republicans hope to revive a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would make it easier for the GOP-controlled Legislature to overturn state agencies’ regulations. The House voted 80-33 this week to approve the measure, leaving supporters four votes short of the two-thirds majority needed for passage. The House can take a second vote, but it must occur Monday or the measure dies. Attorney General Derek Schmidt outlined the proposal last year after Republicans spent months criticizing Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Schmidt is the presumed GOP nominee for governor this year. Democrats see the proposal as political, while Republicans say it would rein in bureaucrats.