Sen. Mary Ware

Maddy summarySB 46, the Blind Information Access Act, requires the Kansas state library to provide on-demand digital information services (including books, news, and emergency alerts) via audio, text, and braille to residents who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or print-disabled. It mandates the state librarian to contract with a service provider and establish a dedicated funding stream by transferring annual amounts from the Kansas Universal Service Fund to a new "Blind Information Access Fund." The bill specifies that these services must cover Kansas publications, national content, and real-time emergency alerts, with funding secured through existing telecommunications user fees. This creates a permanent, state-funded mechanism for accessible information without new tax obligations.

Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Congress to double fines for breaking federal immigration laws and asks Immigration and Customs Enforcement to more aggressively prosecute companies that hire undocumented workers. The bill directly addresses employers who hire unauthorized immigrants and federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, citing concerns that current penalties are too weak to deter hiring practices that allegedly harm American workers. Because this is a non-binding resolution rather than a law, it expresses the Kansas Senate's formal recommendation to federal officials without creating new legal obligations or changing existing statutes. The document highlights past statistics showing that ICE has rarely used criminal prosecution against employers compared to its focus on individuals entering the country illegally.

Maddy summarySB 200 designates Kansas as a "Purple Heart State" to honor residents who have received the Purple Heart medal for combat wounds. It requires the governor to annually proclaim August 7 as "Purple Heart Day" (commemorating the medal's historical origins) and urges veterans' organizations to plan recognition events. The bill does not create new benefits or funding but establishes a ceremonial observance for Purple Heart recipients, with all Kansas residents encouraged to participate in commemorating their service. This is a symbolic measure with no substantive policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove a specific clause from the Kansas Constitution that currently protects employees from being fired based on whether they join a labor union. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, it would eliminate the state's constitutional "right to work" provision regarding union membership. The bill directly affects workers and employers by changing the legal rules around union membership in the state. It is a procedural measure that sets up a vote for the public to decide whether to keep or remove this existing constitutional protection.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution expresses the Kansas Senate's disapproval of President Trump's decision to pardon over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The measure specifically targets those who were convicted of crimes like assaulting law enforcement officers or using deadly weapons during the event. By formally condemning these pardons, the resolution aims to signal that violence against police should result in accountability rather than leniency. The document is sent to state law enforcement groups and Kansas's U.S. congressional delegation to reinforce this stance.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution denounces a planned satanic worship ritual scheduled for March 28, 2025, on the grounds of the Kansas State Capitol. The bill expresses the Senate's disagreement with the event, which its sponsors characterize as anti-Catholic bigotry and an affront to Christian beliefs, while simultaneously acknowledging the First Amendment right to assemble. Additionally, the resolution condemns specific vandalism and hate speech incidents that occurred at St. Patrick Parish in Wichita on March 15, 2025. It calls on Kansans to promote unity and urges Governor Laura Kelly to condemn the planned ritual and the use of stolen property in the vandalism.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the contributions of Kansas Task Force 1 members who assisted in relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the Southeastern United States. The bill specifically honors these 36 responders, who hail from 22 different Kansas agencies, for their work in search and rescue, medical care, and transporting people and animals during difficult conditions. By passing this resolution, the Kansas Senate recognizes the outstanding service provided by these individuals but does not enact any new laws or policy changes.