Kansas Municipal News
Kansas local government news, finance and municipal job openings, collected for city and county officials.
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Chiefs stadium bill sparks a ‘home rule’ lawsuit by Unified Government WYCO/KCK
The bill’s language, according to the lawsuit, restricts the Unified Government’s authority in a manner that runs counter to the Kansas Constitution’s right for local governments to determine local affairs “unless the Legislature acts through laws that apply uniformly to all cities.” Read more: Hutch…
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Are self-driving cars legal in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas legalized self-driving vehicles for commercial and personal use in 2022. Autonomous vehicles are permitted if they comply with state and federal regulations and traffic laws and can reach a minimal safety condition, such as stopping on a road shoulder if the automated system…
Kansas Supreme Court weighs in on Topeka pothole case, saying cities have duty to keep streets reasonably safe
Troy Alan Martin sued the City of Topeka for failing to keep its streets reasonably safe for travel. He claimed he was ejected from his car and injured after hitting a pothole on Southwest Topeka Boulevard. Read more: LJWorld
Judge dismisses Edgerton’s lawsuit against residents who filed anti-data center petition
A citizen-led petition asking for a proposed data center in Edgerton to be voted on by the public will move forward after a Johnson County judge sided with two residents the city sued. Read more: Johnson County Post
New ordinance aims to protect Fort Scott history
Fort Scott City Commissioner Matthew Wells spoke with us Sunday looking to clarify some decisions made by commissioners to preserve the historic nature of downtown. He says he and fellow commissioners have gotten concerns from the community regarding a year old ordinance made to protect…
Mulvane adopts new e-mobility ordinance
During its Aug. 17 meeting, the Mulvane City Council took action to approve an ordinance updating a section of the city code with new regulations on the use of e-mobility devices (e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc.). Presented for discussion in July, the final ordinance includes restrictions…
Kansas’ new by-right housing law forcing NEJC cities to revisit zoning — whether they like it or not
Two years after Prairie Village’s housing debate was effectively put to rest, a new state law is forcing the city to delve back into housing discussions. Senate Bill 418, known as the by-right housing bill and signed into law earlier this year, removes barriers to…
El Dorado must either adopt data‑center ban or send it to a vote after judge’s ruling
A major milestone for people fighting against data centers in El Dorado after a judge ruled on a citizen-led petition to ban them Friday night. The 13th District Judge declared the petition a legislative function of municipal government. This means the city will either adopt…
Lyon County judge orders Emporia data center ban on ballot
The ruling follows a hearing on temporary orders tied to the petition, which was launched after city commissioners approved zoning changes this summer that could allow data centers to be built in the community. Read more: KSN-TV
Why cities are suing Kansas residents over petitions to ban data centers
State law allows residents to propose ordinances through petitions. Cities argue the petitions are legally flawed and would cause harm if enacted into law. Read more: CJonline
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