Sen. Pat Pettey

Maddy summarySB 218 would raise Kansas's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with future increases tied to the Midwest Consumer Price Index (cost of living). It applies to most Kansas workers not covered by federal minimum wage law, excluding agricultural workers, domestic workers, and others defined in the bill. Tipped employees would receive at least half the minimum wage plus tips, with employers covering any shortfall if tips don’t meet the full minimum. The current $7.25 hourly rate would remain in effect until the end of 2025.

Maddy summarySB 220 increases penalties for employers who violate child labor laws in Kansas. It raises fines for repeat offenses: $25,000 for a second violation and $50,000 for a third or subsequent violation, in addition to criminal penalties. The bill amends existing law to upgrade repeat violations to felony charges (severity levels 7 and 5) and replaces the previous misdemeanor penalties of up to $100 or 90 days in jail. This directly affects employers who illegally hire minors or violate child labor regulations, with significantly higher financial consequences for repeat offenders.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commemorates the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The measure acknowledges previous centennial celebrations and notes that the State of Kansas is already planning related events through its Travel Kansas website. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Bowser, with no new laws or funding created.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates March 13, 2025, as Mental Health Advocacy Day at the Kansas Capitol. The measure formally acknowledges the presence of student groups and mental health organizations visiting the statehouse to promote awareness and discuss wellness programs. By issuing this recognition, the Senate highlights ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and improve access to behavioral health services for Kansans. The resolution does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to support these advocacy efforts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Michael Young, a Kansas native and artist, for creating the Brown v. Board of Education mural displayed on the Kansas Capitol tour. The bill formally recognizes his contribution to preserving the history of civil rights through this specific artwork, which depicts the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that ended racial segregation in public schools. By passing this resolution, the Senate acknowledges the mural's role in educating the public about the state's commitment to justice and equality. The final step of the process involves sending official copies of the resolution to both Michael Young and Senator Klemp.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 1710 formally congratulates and commends educators in Kansas who have received prestigious awards for their teaching excellence. The resolution specifically honors Meredith Reid, who won the 2024 Milken Educator Award, and recognizes thirty-two other teachers who received the Kansas Horizon Award for outstanding performance in their first year of teaching. Additionally, it acknowledges six Kansas educators who were selected as National Finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching between 2021 and 2023. The resolution directs the Secretary of the Senate to send 34 copies of the document to the Commissioner of Education.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates February 5, 2025, as Early Childhood Advocacy Day in Kansas to highlight the importance of investing in young children's development. The bill formally recognizes the need to support the well-being and education of the state's youngest residents, as well as the parents and caregivers who look after them. By sending copies to various child care and family advocacy groups, the resolution aims to encourage public focus on early childhood services and licensed child care. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote the value of early education for future economic strength.