Kansas’s COVID-19 state of emergency will come to an end as top Republican lawmakers canceled a meeting to consider an extension sought by Gov. Kelly

Lawrence, KS – According to the statement, the expiration of the emergency declaration is a significant turning point in Kansas’s pandemic response, marking the effective end of a disaster-like approach.

The cancellation came after the Republican majority on the LCC in May only reluctantly authorized an extension until June 15. Masterson and other officials said the short-term extension was likely the last one they would support.

Some county and local governments may continue to have an emergency in effect, even after the statewide declaration ends. 

Kansas is the ninth state to lift its emergency order nationwide. Missouri’s emergency is set to remain in effect through August 31 as Gov. Mike Parson winds down emergency operations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday that Kansas will remain eligible for FEMA benefits with or without an emergency order. But Lawrence said the administration was unsure how long those benefits would last without an order.