State legislators work to designate a ‘Capitol Meditation Room’

A look at the inside of Gov. Sam Brownback's Meditation Room open to all legislators. House Bill 2075 would make this a permanent meditation room even after Brownback left office. The space is non-denominational and the furniture was donated. Photos by Kelsie Jennings — A look at the inside of Gov. Sam Brownback’s Meditation Room open to all legislators. House Bill 2075 would make this a permanent meditation room even after Brownback left office. The space is non-denominational and the furniture was donated. -Photo by Kelsie Jennings

By Kelsie Jennings
KU Statehouse Wire Service

TOPEKA — Some Kansas legislators would like to make a room in the Statehouse a designated quiet space, where legislators, staff and visitors can go to for a quiet moment.

The “Capitol Meditation Room,” located at 221-E, is already used as an unofficial quiet space, but legislators want to make sure that it stays that way by signing it into law.

The House Federal and State Affairs committee discussed House Bill 2075 on Tuesday. Rep. Steven Brunk (R-Wichita), chairman of the committee, said there wouldn’t be any additional costs in making this room the permanent quiet space because it is already furnished with donated furniture.

Brunk also said the quiet room would be neutral, non-denominational territory that would not cater to any particular religion. It’s just simply a quiet place where anyone can go to get away for a minute, collect his or her thoughts, meditate or pray.

Proponents of the bill agreed that the purpose to sign it into law is to help safeguard the room from future legislative changes. Right now, the room is part of Gov. Sam Brownback’s executive space and he has designated it for use as a quiet room, but legislators are afraid that this could change in the future with new leaders coming in and out of office.

Rep. Virgil Peck (R-Tyro) testified that the room is useful during the stress of the legislative sessions and “could be a place to go to where you know it will be quiet and you can refresh physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
Brunk said there hasn’t been any opposition to the bill and the committee will continue its discussion of HB 2075 on Thursday.

Kelsie Jennings is a University of Kansas senior from Olathe, Kan. majoring in journalism.