Kansas high court rules legislative panel exceeded its authority

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled Saturday that a Republican-dominated legislative panel exceeded its authority when it tried to overturn the Democratic governor’s executive order banning religious and funeral services of more than 10 people during the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision came after the justices heard oral arguments one day before Easter, which is typically the busiest day on the Christian calendar in terms of church attendance.

The Saturday hearing was the court’s first conducted completely via video conferencing.

The court ruled that legislative action designed to give the legislative leadership panel the ability to overrule Gov. Laura Kelly’s executive orders was flawed.