HCR 5014
Here are just a few of the examples of how the bureaucratic state is running amok.
o In prior years we have seen the State Fire Marshall offer regulations that would have overridden local control on fire sprinkler systems, and barred Boy and Girl Scouts from participating in fireworks sales.
o The Board of Cosmetology passed a regulation requiring all salons to have two sinks: a working sink and a hair sink. Because of this regulation, small home salons were closed that had been in business for years.
o The Board of Cosmetology later tried to pass a regulation requiring salon rooms in nursing homes, hospitals and retirement homes to not only have the two sinks, but also have to be inspected by the Board of Cosmetology and only be used by a licensed cosmetologist – despite the fact that both KDHE and KDADS already inspect these facilities. This regulation effectively would not allow family members to wash or style a relative’s hair.
o A division of the Department of Agriculture brought a regulation to require all 105 counties in Kansas to hire a dedicated Noxious Weed Director. Small rural counties would be forced to spend $60,000 on another full-time employee. Despite the fact that most rural counties either share a noxious weed director or have employees hold multiple titles and positions.
o The Department of Labor brought six regulations which clearly changed Worker’s Compensation Law. Even though the Joint Committee on Rules and Regulations objected, they continued to go forward with the six regulations legislative members reached out to the Attorney General who was able to convince them to pare the six to three, but those three still remain with no easy path to remove them.
- Since 1984 the courts have barred the legislature from revoking rules and regulations. Since then, rules and regulations have essentially created a fourth branch of government run by unelected bureaucrats. I believe elected officials should make the laws and this amendment allows the voters of this state to make their voice heard on this issue.
- This is not a partisan issue. While governors may come and go, bureaucracy is forever. Regardless of who the governor is, without this measure we will continue to see more rules and regulations with less accountability and oversight.
- Right now, the only way to overturn a burdensome or excessive rule or regulation is to pass a bill. At the cost of $40,000 to introduce and run a bill, and with a limited 90-day session, the legislature cannot always afford, or have enough time to stop all of these rules or regulations. But if the public approves HCR 5014 this process can be streamlined, and our government can more efficiently step in and stop unnecessary regulations.
- We all know the high costs and red tape that can come from regulations. While some of them may be necessary and good for our families and communities, some of them are overly burdensome, costly and act as a drag on our economy. Allowing the legislature a chance to review and reject those harmful and unfair regulations is what this amendment is all about.
- “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” – Ronald Reagan