House panel endorses industry ‘no-call’ bill

Topeka  A House committee has endorsed a “no-call” telemarketing bill backed by the industry and opposed by some legislators and the AARP.

Monday’s voice-vote endorsement by the House Utilities Committee sent the bill to the full chamber for debate.

Under the legislation, consumers could have their names added for five years at a time to a national no-call list maintained by the Direct Marketing Assn., an industry group. Violators could be sued and fined $5,000.

The AARP, which represents about 350,000 Kansans 50 or older, contends a state list would better protect consumers from unwanted calls.

But telemarketing and telecommunications company say the industry proposal would be less burdensome to businesses, cheaper for the state and just as helpful to consumers.

Committee considers gambling expansion

Topeka  A House committee heard more than three hours of testimony Monday on a bill to expand legalized gambling, including complaints from businesses that wouldn’t be able to participate.

The Tourism Committee plans to meet again Wednesday to discuss the measure, which would allow slot machines and other electronic gambling devices at the state’s five pari-mutuel racing venues and in the meeting halls of veterans’ groups.

Supporters say the bill would raise money for the state, save the foundering racing industry and recapture millions of dollars spent by Kansans at Missouri and American-Indian casinos. Members of a subcommittee that drafted the proposal estimate it could raise $80 million a year for the state.

Some opponents argued Monday that increased gambling would lead to more social problems, including more Kansans with gambling addictions.

Panel endorses bills favored by abortion foes

Topeka  Two bills backed by abortion opponents have cleared a House committee, one revising the state’s parental notification law and the other creating an “Unborn Victims of Violence Act.”

On an 11-7 vote, the Federal and State Affairs Committee endorsed a bill requiring doctors to notify a parent or guardian by certified mail or in person when a girl under 18 seeks an abortion.

State law already requires notification but does not spell out how it must be made. The bill also would amend the law to make it harder for doctors to get around the notice requirement by declaring that the girl faces an emergency.

The “Unborn Victims” measure would declare that “an unborn child” is a person or human being in Kansas criminal law, allow prosecution for the death or injury of fetus.

The committee endorsed the measure on a voice vote, also sending into the House. Most members of the committee oppose abortion, and there was little debate on either measure.

“There’s no reason to argue,” said Rep. Rick Rehorn, D-Kansas City, an abortion rights supporter. “We lose every vote.”