Sen. Rick Billinger

Maddy summarySB 315 adjusts funding levels for various Kansas state regulatory boards and agencies for fiscal years 2026-2028. It increases budgets for agencies like the State Bank Commissioner ($13.99 million vs. $13.71 million) and Kansas Board of Barbering ($262,373 vs. $258,595), while decreasing funds for others, such as the State Board of Pharmacy ($3.21 million vs. $3.61 million). The bill modifies specific expenditure limits for these agencies' fee funds without changing their regulatory authority or policy functions. It directly affects state boards overseeing professions including barbering, pharmacy, nursing, and real estate.

Maddy summarySB 312 designates a segment of U.S. Highway 36 within Phillipsburg (from its eastern to western city limits) as the "Deputy Sheriff Brandon Gaede Memorial Highway" to honor the Phillips County deputy who died in the line of duty in 2025. The bill requires the Kansas Department of Transportation to install official commemorative signage along this highway segment per state transportation laws. This is a ceremonial designation with no policy changes or funding impacts.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the right to bear arms in Kansas to explicitly include ammunition, firearm accessories, and components. It classifies this right as a natural and fundamental one that cannot be infringed, requiring any future restrictions to meet the strict scrutiny legal standard. If approved by the legislature and voters, the change would strengthen protections for gun ownership while maintaining existing rules against standing armies in peacetime. The amendment would be placed on a special election ballot for Kansas residents to vote on in August 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Kansas to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and live in their local voting area are eligible to vote. The key provision clarifies residency requirements by allowing exceptions for people who temporarily move away, such as those voting in presidential elections or relocating within the state during an election cycle. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the change would codify these specific voter qualifications into the state constitution.

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 Senate Resolution commends the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office and acknowledges the patriotism of Kansas employers who support their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. The measure highlights the partnership between these groups, noting how employer policies like flexible leave and job protection help service members balance military duties with their civilian lives. By formally recognizing this collaboration, the resolution aims to strengthen the bond between the state, its service members, and their workplaces without altering any laws or policies.