April 2, 2021 | Ranson Citycode Financial | Source
GOP lawmakers repeal Kansas mask mandate, lawsuits expected against local orders
“Kansas’ statewide mask mandate, already an exemption-filled patchwork, came to an end Thursday, canceled by top Republican lawmakers under a new law that makes it more difficult for health officials to keep COVID-19 precautions in place. A group of leading legislators, known as the Legislative Coordinating Council, voted 5-2 along party lines to overturn Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly’s mask mandate hours after she reissued it to fulfill the requirements of the new law. One member of the eight-person panel, embattled Senate Majority Leader Gene Suellentrop, was absent for the vote conducted over video conference. “The revocation of a one-size-fits-all statewide mandate does not in any way impact any local orders that are in place,” said Speaker Pro Tem Blaine Finch, an Ottawa Republican. “The numbers don’t support a statewide mandate at this time.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle