TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A Kansas House committee has passed a bill that says the federal government has no power to regulate firearms, ammunition or gun accessories manufactured and sold in Kansas.

The House Federal and State Affairs Committee on Wednesday removed a provision that would have made it illegal for any doctor other than a psychiatrist to ask patients about gun ownership. The committee passed the measure on a voice vote.

The Kansas Attorney General’s Office has raised concerns about aspects of the measure that could run up against the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which says federal law takes precedence over state law when the two conflict.

The state attorney general’s office also estimates it could incur about $625,000 in legal fees to defend the law.

A Kansas Senate committee has endorsed an effort to build a center devoted to adult stem cells at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

The Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would create the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center in Kansas City, Kan. Supporters say the center could make the medical center a regional hub for adult stem cell research, treatment and education.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports if it is eventually approved, the center would be banned from using embryonic stem cells or cells taken from aborted fetal tissue.

However, the bill sent to the full Senate didn’t authorize funding for the proposed center. And a medical center official say the institution doesn’t have the funds to support the proposed center.

Today marks 1,400 days since the Democrat-controlled Senate has fulfilled their statutory obligation to pass a budget:

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts released the following statement:

“1,400 days without a budget is 1,400 days without leadership. This President won’t submit a budget worthy of a single vote, and the Senate Majority Leader prefers to handle major decisions behind closed doors. Our economy is faltering, our job creators have no certainty, a devastating drought is withering our crops, and Majority Leader Reid is obstructing Congress’ ability to set its priorities, establish baselines and craft long term solutions. This lack of leadership may provide political cover, but it is a dysfunctional way to run a government. The American people are paying the price and they deserve better.”

With winter storms bringing as much as two feet of snow to some parts of Kansas over the past week, the Kansas Insurance Department says there will likely be some damage claims filed.

Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger says consumers who have damage should contact their insurance agent as soon as possible. She also suggests taking pictures of the damage.

Anyone with questions or problems with a claim can contact the Kansas Insurance Department Consumer Assistance Hotline.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A proposal to require public buildings to either allow concealed weapons or provide adequate security measures is drawing the ire of leaders of local governments, health centers and local community corrections officers.

Currently, state, county and city governments can post signs banning concealed carry of guns in their buildings. A bill before the Kansas House would allow weapons in buildings that don’t have security measures such as metal detectors or security personnel.

The bill also would override local ordinances that outlaw open carry of firearms.

A state official said Monday that only a few of the state’s courthouses and non court-related buildings currently had the required security measures.

Associations for community mental health centers and community corrections offices sought exemptions from the proposal.