Capitol Comments Articles
Senate Federal and State Affairs Hears Immigration Bill

Immigration (Feb. 27, 2025) – The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Michael Thompson (R-Leawood), held a hearing on Senate Bill 254. The legislation prohibits aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States from receiving any state or local public benefit in accordance with applicable federal law.

The committee heard from the following conferees:

Proponents:

  • Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach suggested that Nebraska and Oklahoma have passed similar legislation.
    The committee questioned holding employers accountable and interactions with federal law.

Opponents:

  • Sister Therese Bangert
  • Stuart Swetlund, Kansas Interfaith Action
  • Mike Taylor, Kansas County Commissioners
  • Roshenelle Amby, ACLU
  • Tim Graham, KNEA
  • Forrest Emkee, Private Citizen
  • Justin Gust, El Centro
  • Aljandro Lopez, New Frontiers
  • Dr. Sliva, High School Teacher

The committee saw a conferee get up to testify after the time was up, and the microphone was cut off. The committee room was cleared as the conferees in the room were asking for more time to testify.