Politics

Holcomb city council has voted to delay implementing a new state law that allows concealed weapons in public buildings. City administrator Robin Pena said the six-month extension will give Holcomb time to create a plan to keep everyone safe.

The law takes effect July 1, but local governments are allowed to seek a delay until Jan. 1, 2014.

Kansas House Speaker Ray Merrick has named Wade Hapgood as his new chief of staff.

Hapgood replaces Christie Kriegshauser, who is leaving to join the Kansas Chamber of Commerce as vice president for political affairs.

Hapgood has been Merrick's legislative director since January. He was previously an aide to Merrick when the Stilwell Republican was House majority leader from 2007 through 2010. Merrick says he'll name a new legislative director soon.

On Thursday, The House Appropriations Committee approved an amended version of Governor Brownback's proposal to issue more bonds for a federal lab.

Earlier, they'd delayed a decision on whether to approve an extra $200 million for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility to be built in Manhattan, KS.

Some state lawmakers like Mark Hutton of Wichita, believe the deal between the federal and state government wasn't clearly defined.

The Kansas House is considering a bill that would allow religious symbols on public land.

According to the bill, religious  symbols would be allowed if they are part of the community's history or heritage. This bill was introduced in response to an incident last summer when the community of Buhler was threatened with a lawsuit because its city symbol contained a cross. 

More than 1,000 anti-abortion advocates gathered at the Statehouse to mark the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that made abortion legal in the country. The event is one of the largest yearly rallies held on the capitol grounds.

Speakers at the event noted that this year is the 40th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. Gov. Sam Brownback urged the crowd to keep fighting for the cause.