House Passed Abortion Bill
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has approved abortion legislation that addresses legal issues raised in state and federal lawsuits filed by abortion providers. The House's vote Friday was 112-11. The Senate is expected to approve the bill today (SAT) and send it to Governor Sam Brownback. Abortion opponents have said the bill makes minor changes in existing laws rather than setting new policy. Planned Parenthood officially is neutral on it.
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Legislators Pass Bill to Curtail Local Gun Laws
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are close to passing a bill to strip cities and counties of their power to regulate firearms. The Senate passed the final version of the measure on a 37-2 vote Friday night. House approval would send the measure to Governor Sam Brownback.
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Ban on Medicaid Expansion Passed
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-dominated Kansas Legislature has passed a bill to keep a ban in place indefinitely on expanding the state's Medicaid program under the federal health care overhaul. The House approved the measure yesterday (FRI) on a 68-54 vote, sending it to Republican Governor Sam Brownback. The Senate approved the bill last month.
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School Funding Bill Passes House
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas House has approved a bill boosting aid to poor Kansas school districts, clearing the way for negotiations with the Senate over school funding issues. The House vote Friday evening was 91-31. It came only a few hours after GOP Governor Sam Brownback met with majority Republicans to praise the plan and urge them to support it. Legislative leaders hoped a final plan would pass today (SAT).