Leadership

Majority Leader

The majority leader is the elected floor leader for the 30-member Senate Republican Caucus.  The principal responsibility of the Majority Leader is to set the Senate schedule, manage legislation during floor debate, and work with all members of the  Republican Caucus to advance Republican legislation.

Committee Assignments

Confirmation Oversight Committee (Chairman)

The Confirmation Oversight Committee is a unique committee that has special responsibility for reviewing appointments to various state offices.  It is responsible for helping the Senate fulfill its obligation under our state Constitution to give or withhold its consent to certain gubernatorial and other appointments.  Usual Meeting Time:  On call of the chairman.

The Organization, Calendar and Rules Committee is responsible for various internal operations of the Senate, such as assigning members to committees.  Usual meeting time:  On call of the chairman.

Judiciary Committee (Vice chairman)

The Judiciary Committee is one of the busiest committees in the legislature, handling roughly one-fourth of all legislation considered by the Senate.  The committee is responsible for a wide range of issues including criminal law and punishments, consumer protection law, family law, estate law, business and corporation law, and administration of the state court system.  Usual Meeting Time:  M-F, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Room 541-N.

Legislative Post Audit Committee

The Legislative Post Audit Committee is the legislature's joint "watchdog" committee of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives.  Its task is to oversee the work of the Legislative Division of Post Audit, which is the legislature's staff of professional auditors.  The committee assigns auditors to review and audit state programs to identify overlap, waste and abuse and to ensure accountability in state government.  Derek finds this committee's work among the most satisfying in the legislature because it usually results in specific and concrete recommendations to save taxpayers' money.  Usual Meeting Time:  On call of the chairman

Legislative Coordinating Council

The Legislative Coordinating Council is composed of the top three leaders of the Senate and the top four leaders of the House of Representatives.  It is responsible for the operations of the legislature during the months when the legislature is not in session.  Usual Meeting Time:  Monthly on call of the chairman.

State Finance Council

The State Finance Council is composed of the top elected leaders of the Senate and of the House of Representatives and of the chairman of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.  The governor of Kansas serves as chairman of the State Finance Council.  By law, the Council must approve certain financial transactions of the state before they may be entered into, including activities such as the issuance of bonds and the payment of settlements from lawsuits.  Usual Meeting Time:  On call of the governor.