Kansas Senate Oks Disaster Funds Bill

The Kansas Senate has approved legislation creating a special fund to help cover the state’s costs after a federal disaster declaration.

The bill authorizes the transfer of up to $22 million a year from the state general fund to a new disaster fund administered by the adjutant general. The fund would be capped at $40 million. Interest on the money would go toward state emergency management and homeland security operations.

Monday’s 38-0 Senate vote sends the bill back to the House, which had approved transferring $12 million a year.

A federal disaster declaration clears the way for federal assistance, with states paying back 25 percent, some of it coming from local governments.