Sen. Pat Pettey

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 summarySB 216 establishes Kansas' first statewide paid sick leave law, requiring most private employers to provide earned paid sick time for health and safety needs. Employees accrue sick time at their regular hourly rate (minimum $7.25/hour), with limits based on employer size: larger employers must provide up to 80 hours annually, while smaller businesses offer less. The law prohibits retaliation for using sick leave, bans employer demands for replacement workers, and allows up to 80 hours to carry over annually or be paid out at year-end. It excludes small businesses with under $5,000 annual sales, certain government workers, and employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.

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.