Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt's office is warning legislators that some laws they passed this year could lead to litigation costing the state more than $1.2 million over the next two years.
One measure taking effect Thursday declares that the federal government has no power to regulate guns manufactured, sold and kept in Kansas. And a sweeping anti-abortion law that takes effect in July declares that life begins "at fertilization."
The Senate Ways and Means Committee reviewed requests Thursday from Schmidt to boost his office's budget during the two-year period beginning in July to cover potential litigation costs.
GOP lawmakers who backed the new laws said any measures they approve could prompt challenges.
Critics of the laws said questions about whether they'd withstand court scrutiny were raised previously.
