Issues to watch when Kansas lawmakers reconvene

Kansas legislators reconvene Wednesday, ending their annual spring break to wrap up business for the year.

They still face fiscal and criminal justice issues.

The Republican-dominated Legislature has approved and GOP Gov. Sam Brownback already has signed the year’s biggest measure. It’s a school funding plan designed to comply with a Kansas Supreme Court mandate to boost aid to poor school districts.

But lawmakers still must finish work on the budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. There are also outstanding tax issues, and lawmakers are considering a proposal to shorten appeals in death penalty cases.

Lawmakers are expected to remain in session at least into the weekend. Wednesday would be the 77th day of their annual session, with 90 days specified by the Kansas Constitution.