What is HCR 5008?

HCR 5008 is a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution that would put all state agency policies under the control of the legislature.

Currently, agencies are able to set their own policies. This is true all across the nation.

Why is this bad?

A very large portion of progressive policies – pro-trans policies included – across the nation are not laws, but rather agency policies.

By putting agencies under the control of the legislature, agencies would have to adhere to whichever party has the majority in the legislature.

Republicans have controlled the Kansas House since 1993 – and the Kansas Senate since 1917. Taking control of agencies prevents any dissent from the executive branch of the government against Republican rule in the legislature.

What can I do?

On Monday, February 3 at 3:30 PM, the House Committee on Judiciary will hold a hearing about this bill.

We need to move FAST!

You must submit your testimony no later than 10:00 AM on Monday, February 1!

Testimony Rules

1. Fill out the form at the following link: rb.gy/gpgyij
2. Email a copy of the form and your testimony to h.judiciary@ks.house.gov.
3. In the email subject line, write: OPP, HCR5008, [Your Last Name], 2.3.25.

If speaking in person, you must submit 15 hard copies to the Committee Assistant by 10 AM on February 1.

Please note: the form will tell you that the testimony is due two days before. We got confirmation from the committee that they will accept testimony through Monday since the hearing was scheduled at such short notice.

Tips

1. Sometimes, the office assistants of legislators will print out and/or deliver testimonies for you.
2. Emphasize how unconstitutional this bill is. This limits the power of the executive branch and undermines the will of the people who voted for the governor.
3. Emphasize how ineffective this bill is. It is a burden to have the legislature constantly update policies instead of trusting agencies to do it.

What Happens Next?

Here’s the good news: even if the bill passes the legislature, it is a constitutional amendment. That means it must be voted on directly by us.

If this bill gets to the point of a vote, then be ready to spread the word and VOTE NO!