In the wake of vetos of major legislation by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, the Kansas Legislature heads for a chaotic finale to an extended wrap-up session. The legislative maneuvering continues today.

Issues still pending include the Sunflower coal-fired power plant expansion; the state budget; a new voter ID law; and, perhaps, a last minute attempt to resurrect some form of abortion reform.

On the Sunflower plant, House and Senate leadership are attempting once again to muster enough votes to overcome the objections of Sebelius.

Two days after the House failed to reverse a veto by Sebelius of a bill that would have allowed the energy project to proceed, House supporters launched an effort to re-cast the project as an economic stimulus project and tie it to other economic stimulus efforts in the state, including an intermodal project near Gardner.

The new wrinkle was the subject of considerable legislative discussion into Saturday evening, but no vote was taken. It appears the issue could rise again, however, when legislators reconvene today.

If a bill addressing the coal plant issue is voted on, it would probably be approved. But Sebelius has already indicated she would veto it yet again. If that scenario developed and legislators were to attempt an override, it would have to occur on the usually-ceremonial final day of the Legislative session on May 29.

The state budget also remains at an impasse. A conference committee that is attempting to reconcile House and Senate versions of the budget bill will continue negotiations Monday.

Also at a temporary impasse is a bill that would require Kansans to show ID before voting in a public election. Sen. Tim Huelskamp said Democrats are insisting that the new law not go into effect until 2012. Republicans support an effective date of 2010. There also is disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over the use of ID for advance voting. Negotiators will continue to try to iron out differences when the Legislature reconvenes.

Finally, it appears possible that legislators will take another swing at an abortion reform bill. The Comprehensive Abortion Reform Act (CARA) was vetoed by Sebelius and an override attempt failed in the Senate when Republican senators John Vratil and David Wysong joined the minority opposing the bill. However, pro-choice lawmakers say they might attempt to resurrect some form of abortion reform that addresses criticisms that Sebelius made when issuing her veto.

Huelskamp said it was anyone’s guess how long the wrap-up session would last.

“It’s been unpredictable,” he said, “and I guess it’s not over til it’s over.”

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