Rep. Leah Howell

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Kansas to explicitly define the right to bear arms as a natural and fundamental right that includes owning ammunition, firearm accessories, and components. It requires that any government restrictions on this right must pass the strict scrutiny legal standard, which is the highest level of judicial review. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the change would strengthen existing gun protections by clarifying the scope of items covered and the level of protection they receive.

Maddy summaryHB 2194 exempts retired teachers employed by Kansas school districts in certificate-required teaching positions from the standard employer contribution rate under the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS). Specifically, it removes the requirement for school districts to pay KPERS employer contributions on retired teachers' earnings when they return to work as certified teachers. This applies to retirees working in covered positions without prearranged employment agreements, directly affecting retired educators who resume teaching roles in public schools. The change modifies K.S.A. 74-4914 to create this specific exemption for teaching positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that honors the life and public service of Representative Melody McCray-Miller, who passed away in February 2026. It recognizes her decades of work in education, business, and government, including her roles as a teacher, restaurant owner, county commissioner, state representative, and community leader. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to Kansas families and communities but does not create new laws or change any policies. Its only effect is to officially celebrate her legacy within the Kansas House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors the life and public service of Representative Harold Lane, a former Kansas state representative from Topeka. The bill formally recognizes his contributions to local governance, his business career, and his legislative work on committees such as Appropriations and Energy and Environment. It serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Kansas House resolution honors U.S. military veterans who served in Honduras between 1981 and 1992 and urges the federal Congress to award them the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. The bill argues that these service members faced similar hazardous conditions to those who received the medal for service in El Salvador during the same period, creating an inconsistency in recognition. By requesting this specific federal decoration, the resolution seeks to provide equitable acknowledgment for the risks and sacrifices made by these veterans.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and honors the life and public service of Representative John Resman, who represented Kansas's 121st District. The resolution highlights his extensive background in law enforcement, including service in the U.S. Army, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, before his election to the state legislature. It commemorates his legislative work on committees related to corrections, federal affairs, and public safety, as well as his advocacy for fiscal responsibility and education. The resolution concludes by expressing condolences to his family following his passing in March 2026.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors the life and public service of Representative Robert Tomlinson, who recently passed away. It recognizes his decades of work as an educator, city council member, state legislator, and executive official in Kansas. The document formally acknowledges his career achievements and personal legacy without proposing new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes and honors the life and career of Representative Billie Ray McCreary, who recently passed away. It highlights his military service, his work as a grocery store owner, and his legislative achievements in the Kansas House, including his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The resolution serves as an official tribute to his contributions to his community and the state of Kansas.

Maddy summaryHB 2634 requires Kansas landlords in cities or counties without their own maintenance code to follow the International Property Maintenance Code, 2012 (IMPC 2012) for health and safety repairs, such as electrical, plumbing, and structural maintenance. This ensures rental properties meet basic safety standards in areas lacking local regulations. The bill also allows limited written agreements between landlords and tenants to share specific maintenance tasks, but only if entered in good faith and not to evade the landlord’s core responsibilities. It does not change existing obligations for properties in jurisdictions with adopted codes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes an amendment to the Kansas Constitution to explicitly state that only United States citizens who are at least 18 years old and residents of their voting area are eligible to vote in the state. The key provision clarifies existing requirements by listing them as mandatory conditions for being a qualified elector, while including exceptions that allow citizens to vote absentee or in their former residence if they temporarily move within Kansas or during specific federal election periods. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters in a 2026 election, the change would formally codify current voting rules without altering the fundamental right to vote for those who meet the stated criteria.