Government

Kansas legislators have given final approval to a bill reducing state regulation of telecommunications while beginning to phase out state subsidies for telecom firms.

Kansas Agriculture Secretary Dale Rodman says the Kansas Department of Agriculture will move most of its offices to Manhattan a little more than a year from now. 

Rodman could not be reached for comment on the decision, but a news release from his office says the agency will keep its main administrative office in Topeka. Most of its programs will move to Manhattan where officials can work closely with Kansas State University. 

A bill that would exempt private health clubs and gyms from property taxes has stalled in a committee.

Wednesday, a conference committee working on tax issues decided not to take up the health club measure.

Supporters of the bill, including health club owners, say they face competition from tax-free organizations like the YMCA and publicly owned health clubs. The controversial legislation prompted hundreds of emails about the issue to lawmakers.

Kansas legislators have been working on some weighty issues this legislative session.

Legislation that includes tax reform and changes to abortion law are under consideration. A bill signed into law by Gov. Brownback changes how appeals court judges are selected.

Lawmakers are expected to pass legislation through this week, then begin a wrap-up session May 8.

Negotiators for the Kansas House and Senate say agreement on a plan for more cuts in income taxes is unlikely until May.