Increasing the rate of compensation for legislators for service during regular and special sessions and the interim period between regular sessions.
Impact
If enacted, SB35 will notably alter the financial structure governing legislator remuneration. Specifically, the daily compensation increases could enhance the attractiveness of serving in the legislature, potentially influencing the demographic diversity of lawmakers. Higher subsistence and mileage allowances would also support legislators in covering essential expenses incurred while fulfilling their legislative responsibilities. This change aligns with ongoing discussions regarding the sufficiency of legislative compensation, which some argue needs to reflect the demands of public service more adequately.
Summary
Senate Bill 35 proposes an increase in the compensation for members of the Kansas Legislature during both regular and special sessions, as well as for the interim periods between these sessions. The bill amends K.S.A. 46-137a to change the per diem rate for legislators from $88.66 to $125, thereby significantly raising their daily earnings while serving in session. Additionally, the subsistence allowance is set at $109 per day but may increase based on federal per diem rates applicable to federal employees. This bill aims to provide more financial support to legislators in performing their duties.
Contention
Debates surrounding SB35 may involve criticisms related to public perception of governmental salaries. Some constituents may argue that increasing compensation for legislators during a time when budgetary constraints affect other areas of state expenditure could appear unjust. Proponents of the bill, however, contend that fair compensation is crucial for attracting qualified candidates to serve in office and that it ensures that legislators can focus on their roles without undue financial strain. The conversation around this bill could highlight broader themes regarding public sector wages and their implications for governance.
Increasing the daily rate of compensation and eliminating the annualization of compensation in determining KPERS benefits and contributions for legislators first serving on or after January 13, 2025, and providing a compensation and KPERS benefits election for legislators with service prior to January 13, 2025.
Providing for the first adjournment of the Senate and House of Representatives for a period of time during the 2024 regular session of the Legislature.
Providing for the first adjournemtn of the Senate and House of Representatives for a period of time during the 2023 regular session of the legislature.
Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance.
Providing that all members of statutory boards or commissions who are authorized by statute to receive compensation shall receive the amount of per diem compensation paid to legislators.
Extending the 2024 regular session of the Legislature beyond 90 calendar days and providing for adjournment of the House of Representatives and Senate.
Providing for the first adjournment of the senate and the house of representatives for a period of time during the 2025 regular session of the legislature.
House Substitute for SB 229 by Committee on Legislative Modernization - Creating the legislative compensation commission, prescribing powers and duties of the commission and the legislature, establishing the rate of pay for statewide elected officials based on the salary for members of Congress and establishing the rate of pay for judges and justices based on the salary for district judges of the United States.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.