Government of Kansas - Legislative Branch

Legislative Branch

The Kansas Legislature, making up the legislative branch, consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. All of the State’s legislative authority is vest within the Legislature. The most important of these powers are the powers to levy and collect taxes, borrow money, raise and maintain the militia of the State. The constitution grants the Legislature the authority to legislate on all rightful subjects of legislation.

The Legislature meets normally once a year. Meetings begin in January and usually will last for a period of 90 days. Under special circumstances, the Governor can call special sessions. The Governor has a strong influence in shaping the agenda of the Legislature. All acts of the Legislature must be approved by a majority in both houses and signed by the Governor to be enacted into law. However, should the Governor veto the bill, the Legislature, by a two-third vote in both houses, may over turn the Governor's veto and the bill be enacted into law without the Governor's signature. On appropriations bills, however, the Governor has a line-item veto.