Pub. 9 2020 Issue 6

18 T he Kansas Legislature is set to convene in Topeka on Monday, Jan. 11, and all indicators are showing that they are planning to hit the ground running when they do return. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 legislative session was abruptly cut short, with many significant pieces of legislation left on the table that will need to be addressed in the upcoming session. This legislation also includes KBA’s tax equity legislation that passed with strong bi-partisan support but was vetoed by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly with no chance to override since it was passed on the last day of the session. Although many of the issues remain the same, the statehouse will have a very different look this year. The Senate Republican leadership will remain conservative for the next four years despite electing entirely new leadership for 2021, after eight years with Susan Wagle, the first female Senate President in Kansas history. Ty Masterson Ty Masterson (R-Andover) won the Senate presidency by acclamation after having no opposition. Rick Wilborn Incoming Senate Vice President Rick Wilborn The vice president’s slot went to current Judiciary Chairman RickWilborn (R-McPherson) after he defeated two other senators on a second ballot. Incoming Senate Majority Leader Gene Sullentrop In the race for majority leader, current Health Chairman and Legacy Bank Director Gene Suellentrop (R-Wichita) defeated current Ways andMeans Chairwoman CarolynMcGinn (R-Sedgwick). Gene Sullentrop 2021 Legislative Preview, Tax Equity Returns and New Legislative Leaders Elected By Alex Orel , KBA Senior Vice President Government Relat ions