RESOURCES

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The Kansas Legislature consists of a 125-member House of Representatives and a 40-member  Senate. The Legislature convenes on the second Monday in January for an annual session and generally adjourns in early May. 

The Legislature’s committee system provides a way for citizen participation in the legislative process. Committees deliberate referred bills, take written and oral public testimony, and decide what recommendations to submit to the House or Senate. 

There are seven steps in the life of a bill: 

1. The introduction
2. Standing committee hearing and action
3. Action by the Committee of the Whole
4. Second chamber standing committee hearing and action
5. Second chamber action by the Committee of the Whole
6. Action by the governor
7. Publication of the law.