TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Kansas Legislature will focus on issues related to the coronavirus when it reconvenes for a single day later this month to wrap up the 2020 session, a leading lawmaker said.
A panel of legislative leaders on Wednesday decided that lawmakers will return May 21. The truncated session is aimed at limiting exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
House Speaker Ron Ryckman, a Republican from Olathe, told the Topeka Capital-Journal that it appears no vote will take place on a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion. Ryckman said expansion of Medicaid will likely be discussed, but “we really need to work on what’a want versus a need.”
Many issues had to be put aside when lawmakers were forced to vacate in mid-March as the pandemic began to worsen.
“There’s really nothing off the table, but we do want to focus on things that are in response to COVID-19,” Ryckman said of the upcoming session.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
The number of confirmed cases in Kansas reached 5,734 on Wednesday, up 276 from Tuesday. The actual number of cases is thought to be higher because of limited testing and because people can be infected without feeling ill.
Reported COVID-19 related deaths increased by seven to 144, according to the state’s count.
