Week 13 Legislative Update: Final Week of Session
Week 13 Legislative Update: Final Week of Session
This week marked the final week of the legislative session, as we returned to Topeka to address remaining business. Our focus included attempting to override several vetoes issued by Governor Kelly and making a final effort to pass key legislation before adjournment.
While many bills were addressed, I want to highlight a few of the most impactful measures that were successfully overridden and advanced.
Supporting Law Enforcement & Public Safety – HB 2372
HB 2372 makes several important updates related to law enforcement and immigration policy. The bill establishes a new offense for interfering with first responders while they are performing their duties and strengthens cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
It also ensures that law enforcement officers and agencies are protected when acting in good faith under federal agreements and provides support for legal costs when necessary. Additionally, it allows sheriffs to enter into federal immigration agreements without requiring approval from county commissioners.
This legislation was overridden with strong support—85-38 in the House and 31-9 in the Senate—demonstrating a clear commitment to protecting those who serve our communities.
Ensuring Informed Medical Decisions – HB 2729
I was proud to support the override of HB 2729, which focuses on ensuring patients receive clear, consistent, and state-approved information prior to undergoing an abortion.
This bill requires:
Standardized forms created by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Detailed information about procedures, including medication abortions
A minimum 24-hour window for patients to review information before the procedure
This ensures patients are fully informed and that healthcare providers follow consistent guidelines across the state.
Additionally, we were able to restore funding for pregnancy resource centers that had been removed through a line-item veto—continuing support for organizations that provide care and resources to women and families.
Strengthening Accountability in Public Assistance – HB 2004 & HB 2731
Two major bills focused on improving accountability and transparency in public assistance programs were also successfully overridden.
HB 2004 enhances collaboration between the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG), allowing for better detection and investigation of fraud. This includes sharing key data such as:
Assistance applications and eligibility records
EBT transaction data
Audit and investigation materials
The goal is simple: ensure public assistance is protected and used as intended.
HB 2731 builds on that effort by strengthening eligibility verification processes. By moving away from self-attestation and toward verified data, this bill helps reduce error rates and ensures assistance reaches those who truly qualify.
At its core, this is about responsible stewardship—protecting taxpayer dollars while maintaining strong support systems for those in need.
Looking Ahead
It has been a true honor to serve as your District 1 State Representative over the past two years. I am deeply grateful for your support, your conversations, and your engagement throughout this legislative session.
While we have made meaningful progress, there is still important work ahead.
With that in mind, I have officially filed for re-election. I am committed to continuing the fight for government accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility on behalf of the people of Kansas.
We have built a strong foundation, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue that work with your support.
Thank You
Thank you again for the privilege of serving you. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Dale Helwig
