GOP saves, advances plan to limit Kansas agency regulations

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution to make it easier for the GOP-controlled Legislature to overturn state agencies’ regulations. Republicans had help from two dissident Democrats in Monday’s 85-39 vote. That was one vote more than the two-thirds majority necessary for passage. Most Democrats see the measure as a political attack on Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly, but Republicans say they’re trying to curb bureaucrats’ power. Under the proposal, lawmakers could repeal regulations with simple-majority votes in both chambers. Lawmakers now must pass a bill and obtain the governor’s approval or two-thirds legislative majorities to override a veto. The measure went to the Senate.