As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) in Kansas has voted to postpone the full legislature's return to the state capitol. Originally, the legislature was set to return on April 27.
At the Wednesday morning meeting, the group of legislative leaders discussed whether it was safe for lawmakers to return to work at the statehouse. According to Revisor of Statutes Gordon Self, nearly two-thirds of Kansas lawmakers are considered at-risk when it comes to the coronavirus. The Kansas Constitution says that lawmakers must be in Topeka to discuss bills, but all voting must take place in the House of Representatives and Senate chambers. It was determined that it was unlikely that social-distancing guidelines could be met within the chambers.
House Majority Leader, Dan Hawkins of Wichita, made a motion to postpone the legislature's return to a later date. That new date will be set by the Legislative Coordinating Council. The LCC must meet by May 6 to discuss the possible return date. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.
Gov. Laura Kelly's Executive Order for stay-at-home status in the state is in effect through May 3.