5 May 2005

Governor Sebelius signs 3 bills into law

Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed 3 bills into law today. During the 2005 session, she has signed 172 bills and vetoed four. Only those bills passed during veto session await her signature.

Removes vintage car seatbelt regulations

HB 2109 amends the Child Passenger Safety Act to exclude vintage cars from the safety belt requirements on vintage cars. The bill defines a passenger car as a motor vehicle manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1968, unless the motor vehicle was manufactured or assembled with safety belts. The existing definition of a passenger car does not contain a reference to a manufacturing or assembly date.

Alters architectural and engineering services provided by the Department of Administration

HB 2399 changes the existing single percentage concept to a fee structure based on the services provided and the complexity of the project. For construction projects that require selection of an architectural or engineering firm, the current 1 percent fee is eliminated and fees will be set based on the project’s size and complexity. For projects designed by the Department of Administration’s in-house architects or engineers, the bill eliminates the 8 percent design fee and allows for negotiated fees between the Department of Administration and affected agencies. Provisions included in this bill were attached to the Board of Regents FY 2005 appropriation for the state universities during the 2004 Legislative Session. HB 2399 will formalize those provisions and extend them to other state agencies.

Allows Kansas Supreme Court to install a Seal of Justice

HB 2320 authorizes the Kansas Supreme Court to spend money from the State General Fund or from any other special revenue fund to acquire and install a Seal of Justice in the Supreme Court Courtroom that is a replica of the Seal of Justice in the Statehouse. The bill also authorizes the Supreme Court to accept gifts and donations to pay for the Seal and will create the Judicial Branch Gifts Fund into which monetary gifts and donations received for the purpose of acquiring and installing the Seal will be credited.