82 Days – The state Supreme Court has given lawmakers until April 12 to produce a constitutional school finance plan.

Thursday’s highlights

The Kansas Senate unanimously approved repeal of what had been called a “clunker” of a law. Last year, to catch tax cheats, the Legislature passed a law forcing people who buy used cars from individuals to pay taxes on the “blue book” value of the vehicle. But numerous Kansans complained that they bought cars with problems and ended up having to pay taxes as if the car was in mint condition. This new bill repeals that law, and it also would make $5 million available for refunds. The measure now goes to the House for consideration.

More than 100 people showed up for a Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission meeting that took up the issue of whether changes are needed in sandhill crane hunting season in light of two whooping crane shootings in November. No action was taken.

Today’s schedule:

9 a.m.: House Utilities Committee; presentation of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ wind energy policy.

Quote of the day:

“If you’re going to have that frank discussion, it would be impeded by the fact that it might show up in the paper.”

— State Sen. Pete Brungardt, R-Salina, on making open public meetings of the all-GOP Senate committee that appoints committee chairs and makes committee assignments