Kansas lawmakers discuss shortening the legislative session

Kansas Statehouse in Topeka, February 2014.

? Kansas lawmakers say that legislative sessions need to be curtailed to expedite decisions and save taxpayer money.

The House Committee on Appropriations held a hearing Thursday to discuss a bill that would shorten the session in odd numbered years to 60 days. Even-numbered years would remain at 90 days as required by the Kansas Constitution.

Republican Rep. Marvin Kleeb from Overland Park was one of many members who testified that the shorter session would allow them to spend more time with their families and return to their businesses. They also said it would push lawmakers to discuss bills in a more efficient manner.

Kleeb added that a shorter session could save taxpayers more than $1.9 million a year.