The Kansas Legislature convened the 2025 Session on Monday, January 13.  The new session brings newly elected policymakers and some significant changes in the schedule and process.  Specifically, the Legislature plans to end the session by April 12.  That is significant, because it is about a week before the spring consensus estimates are reported, which usually allows for some budget adjustments in a typical veto session that has traditionally taken place at the end of April.  

The House of Representatives has 20 brand new representatives plus one experienced legislator - Richard Wilborn held leadership positions in the Senate but ran for the House seat held by Rep. Les Mason when he unexpectedly passed away after the 2024 session.   There are also four representatives who were appointed in 2024 and could be considered relatively new, as well.  Former Reps Steve Huebert and Marty Long have also returned to the House this session.  

The Senate has 14 newly elected senators - six who were elected after already serving in the House of Representatives.  

With 35% of the Senate seats changing hands - observers are interested to see how if there are new policy issues brought forward.  Both the Senate and House elected more Republicans than before, creating a solid super-majority, and Democrats will have to find support from across the aisle to pass any of their priorities.

Regardless, there are plenty of new policymakers to meet and educate about the importance of mental health and substance use services.  The Kansas Legislature website is kslegislature.gov.