To address the continuing threat of terrorism and to work with the federal Department of Homeland Security (created in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001), homeland security in Kansas in 2003 operated under the authority of the governor; the adjutant general was designated as the state homeland security advisor.
All education services, including community colleges, are handled by the state Board of Education; the state university system lies within the jurisdiction of the Board of Regents. The Department of Human Resources administers employment and worker benefit programs; the Department of Economic Development operates housing and business planning programs. Social, vocational, and children's and youth programs are run by the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services; the Department of Health and Environment supervises health, environment, and laboratory services. Other departments focus on agriculture, commerce and housing, corrections, revenue, transportation, wildlife and parks, aging, and information resources.
A "Sunset Law" automatically abolishes specified state agencies at certain times unless they receive renewed statutory authority.