Sen. Ethan Corson

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 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 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.