Topeka ? For the third straight year, a national organization has recognized measures sponsored by state Rep. Tom Sloan, R-Lawrence, as model legislation that should be approved in other states.

The Council of State Governments, which represents all branches of state governments, recognized Sloan for legislation that ensures voiceover Internet providers are part of the system by which emergency personnel are able to respond to health care emergencies.

In the past, the council has also recognized Sloan for work on laws adopted in Kansas that simplify the process to build electric transmission lines, and provide financing to extend the productive lives of municipal drinking water lakes.

“I believe that it is the responsibility of state legislators to look long-term and prevent crises that occur because problems have been ignored too long or opportunities are not seized,” Sloan said.