The Senate Committee on Ways and Means convened on March 7, 2025, to discuss various budgetary requests and evaluations related to law enforcement facilities in Kansas. The meeting focused primarily on the proposed funding for the Troop C headquarters and dispatch center, which has been a topic of ongoing assessment.

The committee began by addressing the location of the proposed facilities. It was noted that the Kansas Highway Patrol has evaluated potential sites, indicating that colocating the facilities may not be necessary. The discussion highlighted that the highway patrol has already conducted studies on various locations, with a preference for existing state properties.

Senator Alley inquired about the status of the proposal in relation to the House of Representatives. Senator Clay confirmed that the proposal had been presented to the House but was not included in their budget. The agency had requested $51.7 million for the Troop C headquarters and dispatch center, but this request was not reflected in the House's budget documents.

Merrill, a representative from the agency, clarified that the budget request was initially submitted as a placeholder due to an ongoing study. The study has since been completed, and the agency formally requested the funding amount. Despite the lack of funding in the House budget, both the joint committee on state building construction and the House budget committee on transportation and public safety directed the agency to continue working with the legislature to address the needs of the Celina campus.

The discussion also touched on the assessment of other potential locations in Central Kansas, including Abilene, McPherson, and Lindsborg. Ultimately, the study identified three sites in Celina, with two being existing state properties—K State Salina and Kansas National Guard land. The agency expressed a preference for utilizing these existing properties for the dispatch center and Troop C headquarters.

In conclusion, the committee's discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to secure funding and finalize the location for the law enforcement facilities, with a clear directive to continue collaboration with legislative bodies to meet the needs of the Celina campus. Further steps will be necessary to address the budgetary gaps and finalize the plans for these critical infrastructure projects.