Sen. David Haley

Maddy summarySB 91 establishes a legal process for individuals wrongfully convicted and imprisoned to sue the state for compensation. It requires claimants to prove their innocence through a reversed conviction or dismissal, entitling them to $65,000 per year of imprisonment (plus $25,000 for parole/post-release time), interest on damages, and attorney fees, with payments structured as lump sums or annuities. The bill also directs Kansas’ Attorney General to seek reimbursement from individuals who knowingly contributed to the wrongful conviction, including pursuing criminal charges where warranted.

Maddy summarySB 96 creates a new criminal offense for government officials (like police or county employees) who knowingly violate someone's constitutional or legal rights while acting under their official authority. It classifies violations as misdemeanors or felonies based on harm (e.g., causing bodily harm is a felony, emotional distress is a misdemeanor) and allows victims to sue for up to three times their actual damages or $10,000, plus attorney fees. The bill also requires courts to order restitution for victims' expenses, including legal costs, and permits the state attorney general to pursue cases on behalf of victims. This directly affects individuals harmed by officials' misconduct and imposes new criminal penalties and civil remedies in Kansas.

Maddy summarySB 94 requires courts to order convicted individuals who caused a parent’s or guardian’s incapacitation or death to pay child support as restitution for the victim’s minor children. Payments must cover each child’s reasonable needs until age 18 or high school graduation, with amounts determined by factors like the child’s age, financial circumstances, and standard of living. The court orders payments to the surviving parent or guardian and enforces them as a civil judgment under Kansas law. This applies specifically to crimes where the victim was a parent or guardian of a minor child at the time of the offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how homeowners can partially reclaim property with delinquent taxes. It allows owners of homestead properties (primary residences) to partially redeem their property by paying only the current year's taxes and interest, without needing to pay special assessments for previous years. Previously, partial redemption required payment of all delinquent special assessments, not just the year being redeemed. The change applies statewide except in Johnson County, which has separate rules. This simplifies the process for homeowners seeking to avoid full tax foreclosure.

Maddy summarySB 215 modifies Kansas property tax refund eligibility for seniors (65+) and disabled veterans by excluding Social Security payments from household income calculations and raising the income threshold from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. It also increases the maximum property value threshold for eligibility from $350,000 to $595,000, with automatic annual adjustments based on cost-of-living changes and property valuation trends. These changes apply to tax years beginning in 2025 and later, replacing previous eligibility rules under Kansas law. The bill directly affects qualifying seniors and disabled veterans seeking property tax refunds by expanding access to the program.

Maddy summarySB 95 allows Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas to create a port authority without needing prior legislative approval, which was previously required for most port authorities under Kansas law. The bill amends state code to specifically authorize this local port authority's creation under existing economic development provisions, granting it standard powers to foster commerce, business growth, and job opportunities. It directly affects Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas by enabling them to establish this port authority to promote regional economic development. The key change removes the need for the state legislature to vote on this specific port authority's formation, streamlining the process for local economic development efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves the creation of a Port Authority for Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, to support local economic development. It grants the unified government of the county and city the authority to establish the organization and define its specific powers and duties under existing state laws. The resolution does not create the authority itself but instead gives official legislative permission for local leaders to set it up through their own ordinances.

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 summarySenate Resolution 1733 formally recognizes the members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., for their contributions to public service, scholarship, and sisterhood. The resolution highlights the organization's history, including its founding in 1913 and its extensive network of chapters across the United States and internationally. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to specific state legislators and representatives of the sorority.

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.