ACLU of Kansas in the News

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Feb 27, 2024

Kansas can help juveniles trapped in cycle of crime, poverty | Kansas City Star

Recently, the Kansas Legislature introduced House Bill 2568, which would end the practice of assessing fees and fines to people moving through the state’s juvenile justice system. As I know firsthand, this...

A bill in the Legislature could lift a financial burden that holds young people back when they leave the criminal justice system. Bigstock Read more at: https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/readers-opinion/guest-commentary/article285938331.html#storylink=c

Feb 26, 2024

Trial starts in suit alleging at-large Dodge City elections unconstitutionally dilute Latino vote • Kansas Reflector

The suit was filed to demonstrate the at-large approach to city commission elections allowing all Dodge City residents to vote for all five commission seats, as opposed to a district form of representation...

The U.S. District Court trial challenging Dodge City’s method of electing city commissioners began Monday with testimony from plaintiff Alejandro Rangel-Lopez.

Feb 25, 2024

Felons who have paid their debt have a lot to teach Kansas about democracy | Kansas City Star

As a formerly incarcerated individual who successfully navigated the justice system, I understand firsthand the importance of restoring voting rights to citizens returning to public life.

Ladies That Lean is a Kansas City nonprofit that helps formerly incarcerated women integrate back into society.

Feb 23, 2024

Kansas lawmakers approve major civil asset forfeiture reform | Kansas City Star

Rashane Hamby, director of policy and research at the ACLU of Kansas, said Kansas’ current forfeiture law has placed an undue burden on claimants and has disproportionately impacted those who don’t have the...

Kansas Rep. Stephen Owens, a Hesston Republican, speaking on the House floor. KATIE BERNARD The Kansas City Star

Feb 21, 2024

Kansas House works election bills altering ballot access, advance voting and election crime - Kansas Reflector

“Democracy is not a partisan matter. It’s the very foundation that ensures each Kansas voter can have a voice in the laws and policies affecting their lives,” said Micah Kubic, executive director of ACLU of...

Rep. Paul Waggoner, a Hutchinson Republican, worked to convince the Kansas House to approve legislation that would end the practice of allowing Kansas to submit in-person advance ballots on the Monday prior to a Tuesday election. Starting in 2025, the de

Feb 16, 2024

Kansas House's child support bill invites scrutiny of meanings between lines of written text - Kansas Reflector

The bill’s narrow definition of “elective abortion,” which would exclude considerations of mental health for the pregnant woman, exemplified attempts to curtail women’s autonomy, reproductive freedoms and...

Taylor Morton of Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes urged Kansas House members to reject a bill extending child support obligations to a fetus from conception until birth. The bill was advocated by anti-abortion organizations. (Kansas Reflector screen