Each day, a noticeable increased pace of the legislative business is occurring as committees are meeting and working on bills; this will no doubt cause a steady stream of bills coming to the floor soon for debate.

Gov. Brownback and Attorney General Schmidt have submitted a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency urging the agency to stop a proposed regulation of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO) based on concerns the rule would place an undue burden on Kansas livestock producers, a concern of methane gases.

The regulation of contention would require all CAFOs to report to the EPA regardless of their size or permit status adding an unnecessary layer of federal government paperwork. Gov. Brownback and Attorney General Schmidt note the EPA lacks jurisdiction and has no legal authority to gather information for livestock producers.

During the 2012 session, the legislature will redraw congressional, legislative and State Board of Education districts based on the 2010 census results. This practice is mandated by the Kansas Constitution and federal courts to ensure all districts are nearly equal in population. Each district will inevitably shift in some fashion.

New districts are created through legislation which must be signed by the governor into law and will be the priority, followed by Senate, congressional and then Board of Education maps. The process is complicated, political and frustrating but must be done and its makes sense to finish as quickly as possible so that more pressing issue that directly impact Kansas can take place.

In 2011, the Office of Repealer received 506 suggestions recommended for appeal. Receiving the governor's recommendations to reduce unnecessary regulation and cutting the "red tape" will free Kansas to focus on productivity and creating jobs.

The first debated House bill, HB 2436, amends the current law to impose a 180-day limit for the Kansas Corporation Commission to act on applications for certificates of public convenience, current law does not impose a deadline for action. This measure provides a confidence to new companies seeking certification in Kansas passed by a vote of 121 to 1.

HB 2353 would amend the Personal and Family Protection Act to allow individuals with concealed carry licenses to carry a firearm in a state or municipal facilities if adequate security measures, such as electronic screening equipment and security personnel, are not in place. Under the current bill, state or municipal facilities include libraries, college campuses, city halls and public office buildings. Proponents and opponents of the bill have turned out and possible action could occur in the future. I personally believe in the Second Amendment, but as a responsible owner, there are places guns do not need to be admitted to such as school campuses, courts, Legislature, etc.

Reforming the state's Medicaid system to improve consumer outcomes while controlling costs of the program is still a major project facing Kansas this year.

"Study after study demonstrates that persons with disabilities who work have improved outcomes and reduce costs to the Medicaid system," said Kansas Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer, an M.D. "In nearly every public input meeting we held on Medicaid reform, we heard from stakeholders that Medicaid consumers desperately want opportunities to work."

One component of the Brownback administration's effort to reform Medicaid is to create "off-ramps" for long-term Medicaid consumers, with most long-term Medicaid consumers being individuals with disabilities.

Dan Collins, R-Plainville, represents the 110th District in the Kansas House. dan.collins@house.ks.gov