School finance countdown: 64 days. The state Supreme Court has given lawmakers until April 12 to produce a constitutional school finance plan.

MONDAY’S HIGHLIGHTS

A Senate committee advanced two bills dealing with the state death penalty in response to a Kansas Supreme Court decision. The bills would abolish the death penalty or address a court decision that struck down the death penalty because the law favors the prosecution when juries consider whether to impose death.

Kansas University officials testified in favor of legislation that would allow KU classified employees to leave the civil service system. Classified staff at KU have been seeking the change for several years.

TODAY’S SCHEDULE

10:30 a.m.: Senate tax committee, discussion of Senate Bill 15, which requires that back taxes be paid before issuance of a professional license.

3:30 p.m.: House insurance committee, hearings on bills that would prohibit insurers from counting an insurance inquiry as a claim and prevent loss of homeowners coverage for filing one claim.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The Ichabod, one of the most unique (mascots) in the nation.”

— Resolution honoring Washburn University on its 140th anniversary