Opinion

In-state tuition repeal passes

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Monday, the House voted to repeal in-state tuition 72-50. This is the bill that I introduced before session started. The bill would require illegal aliens to pay the same rate as U.S. citizens from other states and foreign-exchange students.

There were 413 reported illegal aliens enrolled at Regent institutions in 2010. It was a major hurdle to get the bill passed in the House. It will take a small miracle to get the Senate to support the bill.

The House passed two key pieces of pro-life legislation. HB 2035 strengthens late-term abortion reporting requirements and HB 2218 restricts abortions after 21 weeks when medical research indicates a baby can feel pain.

Voter identification legislation passed the House. This legislation requires voters show photo-identification at the polls. Documentation that qualifies includes expired drivers' license for voters over 65 years of age. New voters would be required to show documentation, rather than simply marking a checkbox to confirm citizenship.

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors in order to evade tax withholding was passed 85-34. The bill mirrors federal law in defining misclassification.

Turn-around day was Saturday, the final day for non-exempt bills to switch chambers.

There are three exempt committees, Appropriations, Taxation and Federal and State Affairs.

Bills introduced in, or touching these committees are exempt from session deadlines. The House will focus next week on exempt bills until committees have had an opportunity to work Senate bills.

I have received several e-mails regarding HB 2701, also known as the SOB (Sexual Orientated Business) or strip club bill.

The Speaker of the House told freshmen that we will be working this bill.

It passed through the exempt committee, Federal and State Affairs, so it is considered "blessed" and can be worked after turn-around.

Several people have contacted me about the feral hog funding.

I spoke with two legislators that are on the Agriculture Budget Committee. They are aware of the program and would like to see continued funding for it.

Editor's Note: Rep. Caryn Tyson can be reached at (785) 296-6838, or Caryn.Tyson@house.ks.gov.