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Confused By The Kansas Statehouse? There’s An App For That

Stephen Koranda
/
Kansas Public Radio
An app can help Kansans answer questions about the Legislature.

Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka Monday for the start of the 2020 legislative session, where they'll debate everything from Medicaid expansion to abortion policy.

Following those issues can be confusing, but there’s an app for that. The State Library of Kansas has experts available to help navigate that process.

The library can answer questions through a telephone hotline, text messages or a smartphone app.

Hundreds of bills will wind their way through a complex legislative process of committee meetings, floor debates and amendments.

“If you don’t deal with it all session long, you might have a little trouble negotiating some of the finer points,” said Cindy Roupe, the library’s director of reference.

Those experts can help Kansans follow a bill, contact a legislator or learn how the legislative process works.

“That will maybe open up a new interest for them or make them realize they do have a voice in what goes on,” Roupe said.

The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 1-800-432-3924 or by text message at 785-256-0733.

Stephen Koranda is the managing editor of the Kansas News Service, based at KCUR. He has nearly 20 years of experience in public media as a reporter and editor.