Kansas Governor Poised To Trade Some Emergency Powers To Keep Her COVID Orders

A deal forged by the governor and legislative leaders extends the Kansas disaster declaration in response to the coronavirus through September, for now ending what’s become a partisan conflict. The bill lets Gov. Laura Kelly keep some of her powers to respond to the coronavirus, like delaying deadlines for things such as filing taxes or renewing drivers licenses. The plan gives legislators more control over extending the disaster declaration and reviewing new orders. “A compromise position. A position that still allows the governor to operate,” Republican Rep. Fred Patton told the House this week.