By James Hoyt
KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA – Gov. Sam Brownback has failed to make public safety a priority, Democratic lawmakers said at a news conference Monday.

“Communities across Kansas are less safe because of decisions the governor and his Republican allies have made, mismanaging the state and failing to support law enforcement the way they should,” Rep. Tom Burroughs, D-Kansas City, said.
The legislators announced their support for three bills they say will improve public safety.
Two of the bills, SB 350 and HB 2559, are focused on increasing the numbers of Kansas highway patrolmen and staff at state agencies. The third, HB 2452, prohibits the distribution of firearms to individuals on the terrorist screening database or similar lists.

Increasing highway patrol funds
SB 350, introduced Jan. 22, would create a “Kansas highway patrol staffing and training fund” in the state treasury. The fund would be paid for by a $2 surcharge on Kansas vehicle registrations. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) had asked for increased state funding earlier this year.
The KHP employed 413 troopers as of Jan. 1, 2016. At the same time in 2006, it employed 475 troopers. Thirty-five counties are still without an assigned KHP trooper, Democratic lawmakers said in a news release.
The bill is scheduled for a hearing later this week.

Establishing minimum staffing levels
HB 2559, introduced on Jan. 27, would require state agencies and facilities to establish a minimum level of staffing.
“Other state law enforcement facilities, prisons and state hospitals are severely understaffed,” Rep. Dennis “Boog” Highberger, D-Lawrence, said.

Staff numbers became a concern after a patient at the Osawatomie state hospital was charged with the rape of a hospital employee in 2015.

Limiting firearms for individuals on watch lists
HB 2452, introduced on Jan. 13, prohibits the distribution of firearms to any individuals listed in a government terrorist screening database, such as the no-fly list. The White House has endorsed a similar policy, which has been met with some concern from conservative politicians.
Republican lawmakers and the governor’s office were unavailable for comment late Monday afternoon.

– Edited by Leah Sitz