New Report Reveals Republican Legislators Played Politics with Kansans’ Health Behind the Scenes

TOPEKA –– A new report from the Topeka Capital-Journal exposed Attorney General Kris Kobach for using a “private email address for government work purposes.” Kobach’s office was forced to disclose hundreds of pages of records via the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), which not only exposed Kobach for his recklessness, but revealed the dark truth behind some Republican lawmakers’ opposition to a key piece of legislation. 

According to the report, some Republican legislators opposed legalizing fentanyl test strips, which reduces overdose deaths resulting from the presence of fentanyl in drugs, “simply because Laura Kelly [was] pushing it.” 

“It’s a shame to think some Republicans in the state legislature would put this life-saving policy at risk simply for political reasons,” said KDP Chair Jeanna Repass. “Legalizing fentanyl test strips was a huge victory for our state, and will continue to serve as a way to reduce overdose deaths and protect our communities. We are thankful for those in the legislature who put politics aside to come together on this issue, and thank Gov. Laura Kelly for her leadership that will no doubt save lives.” 

Legalizing fentanyl test strips had widespread bipartisan support, as well as support from law enforcement officials and parents across the state. Legislation to legalize fentanyl test strips was signed into law by Gov. Laura Kelly in 2023. 

Read more on the new report exposing some Republican legislators for playing politics here.