Highlights is a summary of major legislation passed during the Session. This edition contains summaries from more than 20 major topics, and includes briefs on the Kansas City Chiefs Stadium, School Cellphone Policies, Voter Registration Verification, and Cellphones in Work Zones and School Zones.
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Contents:
Abortion
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Children & Youth
Commerce & Labor
Concealed Carry & Firearms
Corrections
Economic Development
Education
Elections & Ethics
Federal & State Affairs
Financial Institutions & Insurance
Health
Housing
Judiciary
Local Government
Social Services
State Finances
State Government
Taxation
Transportation
Utilities & Telecommunications
Veterans & Military
2026 Legislative Session At-A-Glance: Bill Information and Fiscal Information for FY 2026
Abortion
Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression Act
HB 2635 enacts the Pregnancy Center Autonomy and Rights of Expression Act, prohibiting regulations, policies, procedures, and other measures that would require pregnancy centers to offer, perform, or provide referrals for abortions or abortion-inducing drugs or would interfere with a pregnancy center’s ability to provide pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting services. Pregnancy centers aggrieved by a violation of the Act could bring a civil action for damages or appropriate relief.
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
SB 364 creates and amends law concerning the resident senior combination hunting and fishing license and the Kansas kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing license.
The bill requires the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer residents age 65 years or older a combination hunting and fishing license at a discounted rate not to exceed one-eighth of the fee for a general combination lifetime license.
The bill extends the maximum age range for children to receive a license from 6 or 7 years of age to 6 through 15 years of age. The bill also reduces the maximum fee charged for the license from $500 to $400 for children 6 through 15 years of age. The bill does not change age specifications or fees charged for the license to children 5 years or younger. The bill removes the sunset for license provisions set to expire on July 1, 2032.
Potable Water and Water Grant Funding
HB 2462 requires rules and regulations for potable reusable water to be adopted and extends the sunset on transfers from the State General Fund (SGF) to the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) and transfers from the SWPF to the Water Technical Assistance Fund and Water Projects Grant Fund on a yearly basis until July 1, 2027. The Legislature’s intent is to provide for the transfer of $35.0 million from the SGF to the SWPF on July 1, 2028. The bill also makes changes to the grant application and selection criteria and gives priority to municipalities with a population of less than 3,000.
Children & Youth
Juvenile Code Revisions and Juvenile Crisis Stabilization Centers
HB 2329, among other things, amends provisions in the Revised Kansas Juvenile Justice Code (Juvenile Code) relating to pre-adjudication placement and sentencing. The bill also changes the name of juvenile crisis intervention centers to juvenile stabilization centers throughout the Revised Kansas Code for the Care of Children (CINC Code) and the Juvenile Code and modifies the intake criteria for and the treatment and services provided by such centers.
Pre-adjudication Placement. The bill directs the court to approve an override placing a juvenile in a juvenile detention facility when such juvenile is alleged to have possessed or used a firearm during the commission of an offense or has been presented to a juvenile intake and assessment center for the second time in three months for an offense that, if committed by an adult, would constitute a misdemeanor or felony charge. The bill also extends the maximum detention limit for a juvenile to 90 days from 45 days.
Sentencing. The bill authorizes the court to commit a juvenile directly to a juvenile correctional complex if the juvenile was adjudicated for an offense that would constitute a felony for an adult and a firearm was possessed or used during the commission of the offense or the juvenile is a chronic offender and is assessed as moderate-risk.
The bill directs the Secretary of Corrections to contract with therapeutic foster homes and emergency shelters and to establish Youth Residential Centers (YRCs). The bill further authorizes the court to sentence adjudicated juveniles directly to YRCs.
Juvenile Stabilization Centers. The bill requires both family skill building and individual communication services to be provided to individuals admitted to juvenile stabilization centers. Priority for admission to such centers would be given to young people who are 10 years of age or older, are at risk of being adjudicated, or are already adjudicated as a child in need of care.
Child Placement Agencies and Kansas Tort Claims Act
HB 2521 modifies the definition of “governmental entity” in the Kansas Tort Claims Act to add a child placement agency, if the child placement agency had an active contract with the Secretary for Children and Families when the act or omission giving rise to the claim occurred. The bill limits application of the revised definition to a cause of action accruing on or after July 1, 2026, and the provision will sunset on July 1, 2029.
Child Abuse and Neglect Registry; Abuse and Neglect Reporting
HB 2601 establishes a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry (Registry) in statute, to be maintained by the Secretary for Children and Families. The bill requires an administrative hearing and an opportunity for appeal before placing an individual on the Registry, and provides a process for expunging the name of an individual ordered to be placed on the Registry. The bill also requires child abuse and neglect reports to include information about any known custody dispute involving the child subject to the report.
Commerce & Labor
Digital Right-to-repair Act
HB 2700 creates the Kansas Digital Right-to-repair Act, which establishes requirements for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and legal authorization for consumers related to the maintenance and repair of certain digital electronic equipment.
Within one year of the first sale of a product in Kansas, the bill generally requires an OEM to make replacement parts or tools available to any independent repair provider or owner of the equipment manufactured, sold, or supplied by the OEM. Such parts or tools must be the same products that the OEM makes available to authorized repair providers.
The bill applies to any product with a wholesale price of at least $50 sold or leased to a Kansas consumer that depends on digital electronics embedded in or attached to the product for its intended functionality. The bill exempts certain types of products, including farming equipment, motor vehicles, and toys from provisions of the Act. The Act only applies to digital equipment made for sale in Kansas by an OEM on or after July 1, 2027.
Concealed Carry & Firearms
Firearms Hold Agreements; Firearm Suppressors and Short-barrel Shotguns
Senate Sub. for HB 2501, among other things, creates law concerning firearms hold agreements and amends criminal and sentencing laws related to firearm suppressors and short-barrel shotguns.
The bill creates laws that allow a federal firearms licensee (FFL) to enter into an agreement to hold firearms for a firearm owner. Under such agreements, the FFL is immune from civil liability for storage or for returning the firearm to the owner per the agreement. Once the agreement is terminated, the FFL must return the firearm to the owner, so long as the owner is able to legally possess a firearm.
The bill also amends criminal law to allow for possession of firearm suppressors and short-barrel shotguns, while enhancing sentencing laws for certain felony offenses committed while using a suppressor or short-barrel shotgun.
Corrections
Prisoner Review Board
SB 459 establishes the Prisoner Review Board (Board) as an entity independent of the Kansas Department of Corrections. The bill increases Board membership from three members to five members, authorizes the Governor and Attorney General to appoint Board members, and modifies the requirements for parole hearings and the granting of parole.
Prison-made Goods Act—Hutchinson Pilot Program
HB 2596 creates a limited exception to the Prison-made Goods Act of Kansas authorizing the Secretary of Corrections (Secretary) to establish a pilot program at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility to enter into contracts for production of manufactured or modular homes.
The bill requires any private individual, corporation, partnership, or association contracting with the Secretary as a part of the pilot program to provide a nationally recognized construction education certification program for participants; evaluate the success of such program after participation and release; and pay all costs related to the project.
Any nonprofit organization contracting with the Secretary is required to agree not to request a property tax exemption for such housing units and to pay property or ad valorem taxes on units it retains and owns.
Economic Development
Extraordinary Event Proclamations
Senate Sub. for HB 2212 authorizes the Governor to issue a proclamation declaring the need for enhanced public safety and security for an extraordinary event.
An “extraordinary event” includes events hosted in Kansas, or in any county bordering Kansas, that would cause a significant impact in the state, including the World Cup, the Super Bowl, a national political convention, or other events similar in scope and size with respect to expected attendance and security requirements.
Any such proclamation would activate the disaster response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan and any applicable local and interjurisdictional disaster plans and would be valid for a maximum of 15 days but could be extended by the Legislative Coordinating Council for up to 90 days.
Kansas Sports Facilities Authority; STAR Bonds
HB 2466 enacts the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act (Act) and makes various changes to the STAR Bonds Financing Act (STAR Bonds).
Sports Facilities Authority
The Act establishes the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority (Authority) as a political subdivision of the state to provide for the development, management, and long-term use of a sports facility and related infrastructure (Facilities) for the Kansas City Chiefs (Team) to play home games and host other events and entertainment.
The Authority will consist of 11 members, to be appointed by August 31, 2026, to include the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) and members appointed by the Governor, certain members of the Legislature, the Kansas City Chiefs (Team), and the mayors of the two cities in which the Facilities are to be located.
Authority property used for public purposes is exempt from all property taxes and purchases for constructing, equipping, or furnishing the Facilities are exempt from sales and use taxes until the bonds used to fund such development are repaid.
STAR Bonds Changes
Visitation Goals. The bill requires the Secretary to establish project-specific visitation goals for visitors from at least 100 miles away and from out-of-state and creates a process for monitoring and encouraging satisfactory developer compliance with such goals.
Amusement Park Rides. The bill authorizes the use of STAR Bonds to finance amusement park rides and certain related buildings, including interactive visitor experiences with the capacity to attract over 100,000 people per year.
District Boundaries. The bill allows more than one STAR Bonds project within a project area and authorizes the Secretary to modify project boundaries after initial approval, provided it does not affect city or county participation or pledged revenues without local approval.
Pledged Revenues. The bill prohibits State General Fund revenues from being used to repay STAR Bonds and also prohibits tax increment revenue of a STAR Bond district from being pledged toward subsequent STAR Bond projects. The bill allows incremental revenue from Community Improvement Districts and Transportation Development Districts to be used to repay STAR Bonds.
Eminent Domain Authority. The bill eliminates the authority of local governments to exercise eminent domain to acquire property for a STAR Bond project.
World Cup Alcohol Sales; Short-term Rentals
HB 2481 authorizes counties and cities to allow, through ordinance or resolution, the sale of alcoholic beverages 23 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the duration of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, and between May 15, 2026, and July 25, 2026, requires the collection of transient guest taxes for any short-term rental or vacation unit and prohibits cities and counties from limiting the number of permits or other authorizations required for the operation of such units.
Education
Federal Tax Credit Participation
SB 361 authorizes Kansas to participate in the federal tax credit program for contributions of individuals to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) pursuant to Section 25F of the federal Internal Revenue Code for all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
The bill directs the State Treasurer to annually provide to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary’s delegate, any required information, including, but not limited to, a list of the SGOs located in Kansas that meet the requirements described in Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code.
The bill also prohibits any state department, division, or other agency from promulgating any rules and regulations that are more stringent than the applicable federal law or rules and regulations.
Personal Communication Device and Social Media Policies
Senate Sub. for HB 2299, among other things, requires each school district and accredited nonpublic school (private school) to adopt policies and procedures regarding the use of personal electronic communication devices (devices) and social media platforms.
Personal Communication Device Policies. Each school district and private school is required to adopt policies and procedures to prohibit student use of devices during the school day. Such policies must require, among other things, that all devices be turned off and securely stored away from the student’s person in an inaccessible location.
Districts and private schools may optionally adopt similar policies and procedures that prohibit the use of devices during school-sponsored events or events occurring outside of the school day.
Social Media Policies. The bill requires all school districts and private schools to adopt policies and procedures to prohibit school employees from privately or directly communicating with any student via social media platforms and from requiring the use of social media for any assignment or extracurricular activity. Districts are allowed to approve a social media platform to be used for official school purposes.
Establishment of the KIRK Act Governing Campus Expressive Activity
HB 2333 establishes the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge (KIRK) Act (Act) and makes changes to the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act.
KIRK Act. The Act prohibits institutions from creating free speech zones and limits them to enforcing only reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on free speech activities. Institutions are allowed to charge permit-related security fees based on neutral criteria such as location, anticipated audience size, and whether alcohol will be served.
The Act requires institutions to publish free expression policies, train relevant personnel, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. The bill also creates a cause of action against institutions and officials who are not immune from suit or liability under the Act.
Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act. The bill also adds political and ideological student associations to groups protected under the Kansas Preservation of Religious Freedom Act.
Students Safe at School Act, Fentanyl Abuse Education, Naloxone in Schools
HB 2534, among other things, requires school districts to develop fentanyl abuse education programs and maintain stock supplies of naloxone, creates the Students Safe at School Act, and amends the definition of “crisis drill” for purposes of rules and regulations promulgated by the State Fire Marshal.
Fentanyl Abuse Education Programs. The bill requires the State Board of Education (State Board) to develop guidance for age-appropriate instruction on the prevention of the abuse of and addiction to fentanyl and other opioids and requires each school district’s board of education to develop fentanyl abuse education programs.
Naloxone. The bill requires school districts to maintain a stock supply of naloxone, as recommended by a school nurse, at each school operated by the district. The bill also authorizes a school nurse or designated school personnel to administer naloxone in an emergency situation to any individual who displays the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose.
Students Safe at School Act. The bill establishes the Students Safe at School Act related to active shooter drills and simulations. Among other things, the bill requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to adopt policies for the conduct of active shooter drills; prohibits schools from conducting, sponsoring, or permitting any active shooter simulation on school property where students in grades kindergarten through 8 regularly attend; allows specified persons to conduct and participate in certain tactical training exercises; and requires a 24-hour notice and opt-out policy.
State Fire Marshal Rules and Regulations. The bill defines the term “crisis drills” used in continuing law to include intruder response drills, lockdown drills, and active shooter drills. The bill prohibits crisis drills from including an active shooter simulation or any element of an active shooter simulation as defined within the bill.
Higher Education Policy Promulgation Authority
HB 2560, among other things, exempts state educational institutions from certain requirements upon promulgation of policy by the state educational institution and the subsequent approval by the State Board of Regents. These requirements include statutes concerning the execution of contracts, procurement of goods and services, transactions involving easements, disposition of surplus property, establishment of hospitality limitations, and participation in the Kansas Quality Program.
Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act
Sub. for HB 2595 establishes the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act (Act), administered by the Department of Commerce (Department) in coordination with the Office of Judicial Administration. The Act contains a stipend program administered by the Department in coordination with Washburn Law School and the University of Kansas School of Law, which provides a stipend of no more than $3,000 per school year for up to 3 years to qualifying students. The Act also contains an attorney training and loan repayment program in which the State pays all or part of the principal, interest, and related expenses of educational loans for eligible rural attorneys selected to participate. The amount provided to each eligible attorney, determined by the Department, cannot exceed $20,000 for each year the attorney establishes eligibility. The total amount of repayment for any eligible attorney cannot exceed $100,000, and participation in the program is limited to 5 years.
Elections & Ethics
Amendments to Election Law, the Campaign Finance Act, and the Mail Ballot Election Act
House Sub. for SB 260 makes various amendments to election law, the Campaign Finance Act, and the Mail Ballot Election Act concerning the withdrawal of candidates from certain elections, a vacancy in the joint candidacy of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, and “paid for” or “sponsored by” attributions, among other provisions.
Withdrawal from Certain Elections. The bill permits a candidate for school board, city official, or community college trustee to withdraw their candidacy if certain criteria are met, including severe medical hardship on the candidate or the candidate’s immediate family or the candidate no longer resides in the district for which the candidate filed for office.
The bill also authorizes withdrawal of a candidate for any national, state, county, or township office if the nominee does not reside in Kansas or in the county or district in which the candidate was nominated.
If the county election officer receives a certification or a candidate dies on or before September 1 of the year of the election, the candidate’s name will be withdrawn.
Vacancy in the Joint Candidacy of Governor and Lieutenant Governor. The bill states that no vacancy in the candidacy of Governor or Lieutenant Governor shall be filled after a joint candidacy has been filed with the Secretary, and such vacancy would cause the candidacy to be terminated. The bill allows the remaining candidate to file a new joint candidacy with another individual in accordance with all statutory requirements for filing.
“Paid For” or “Sponsored By” Attributions. The bill amends the definition of “corrupt political advertising” within the Campaign Finance Act and election crimes law to remove the requirement to list the treasurer in “paid for” or “sponsored by” attributions in political advertisements.
SAVE Kansas Act, Voter Registration List Maintenance, and Voter Registration Application Websites
HB 2437 enacts the SAVE Kansas Act, concerning voter registration record maintenance, and creates restrictions for voter registration websites.
SAVE Kansas Act. The bill directs the Secretary of State (Secretary) to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database to check against the voter registration list for potential noncitizens registered to vote, and provides for administrative procedures when a suspected match is found.
Voter Registration List Maintenance. The bill expands the sources the Secretary and county election officers are authorized and directed to utilize when maintaining the registration list and the centralized electronic voter registration database maintained by the Secretary, in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act.
The bill directs confirmation notices be sent to registered voters within 45 days of certain events indicating a change of address. The bill gives the voter 45 days to respond to the confirmation notice, and if no confirmation is received or the voter confirms they have moved to a new residence, the county election officer is directed to remove the voter from the registration list.
The bill directs county election officers to remove a voter from the registration list and party affiliation lists when such voter is declared deceased on a notarized form executed by a family member. The bill further directs county election officers to remove a voter from the registration list when an obituary notice is published online by a funeral home.
Electronic Voter Registration Applications. The bill restricts a person registering to vote through a website to using only a website with a .gov domain or a website that has been approved to accept and transmit electronic voter registration applications by the Secretary. The bill provides criteria a website must meet in order to be approved by the Secretary for such purposes and creates a crime for persons or groups running such websites without approval.
Residency Requirements for State and Certain Local Elected Officials
HB 2733 requires certain elected officials to be, and remain, qualified electors and residents of Kansas and of such official’s respective district. A failure to remain a qualified elector residing in the appropriate district constitutes an immediate vacancy in the candidacy or office.
Federal & State Affairs
Data Sharing Requirements for Federal Benefit Programs
Senate Sub. for HB 2004 establishes and amends law regarding the sharing of information related to federal assistance programs with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The bill requires the Department for Children and Families and the OIG to cooperate in the exchange of information related to cash assistance, child care assistance, and food assistance applicants and eligibility determinations, among other data. The bill also requires the Secretary for Children and Families and the Secretary of Health and Environment, upon a written request of a federal agency, to provide the data contained in state records related to such federal partner, and fully respond in a timely manner.
Unlawful Approach and Interference with Law Enforcement; Immigration Enforcement
HB 2372, among other things, creates the crime of unlawful approach of a first responder, and creates and amends law related to immigration enforcement.
Unlawful Approach of a First Responder. The bill creates a new class B misdemeanor crime of unlawful approach of a first responder. Elements of the crime include being within 25 feet of a first responder and causing the first responder to be distracted from their duties or to have an increased level of concern of physical harm or property damage, among other elements.
287(g) Agreements. The bill provides for certain legal representation, immunity, and payment of judgment costs for state and local law enforcement agencies or officers acting in good faith under a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A 287(g) agreement allows such agencies to carry out certain federal immigration enforcement actions.
Sheriff Authority. The bill provides that a sheriff seeking to enter into a 287(g) agreement is exempt from certain statutory requirements and is allowed to sign such agreement without authorization of the county’s board of county commissioners.
Federal Detainer Detention. The bill authorizes a sheriff or keeper of a county jail to detain a person with a facially sufficient immigration detainer request issued by ICE or a U.S. Department of Homeland Security or ICE warrant. The bill specifies conditions for release, including the person proving their lawful presence.
Kansas Tort Claims Act. The bill amends the Kansas Tort Claims Act to add that a governmental entity or an employee acting within the scope of employment is not liable for damages resulting from enforcement of or failure to enforce any federal law or executive order, whether valid or invalid.
Article V Convention
HCR 5022 and SCR 1604 serve as Kansas’ application for the purpose of calling a convention of states under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to consider constitutional amendments on term limits and federal government restraints.
Financial Institutions & Insurance
Fraud Prevention and TEFFI Receivership
HB 2591 amends and creates law regarding financial exploitation reporting, cryptocurrency ATMs, and receivership of technology-enabled fiduciary financial institutions (TEFFI).
Financial Exploitation Reporting and Trusted Contact. The bill allows a financial institution to, in good faith and with reasonable cause, report any suspected financial exploitation of an adult account holder to a law enforcement agency with jurisdiction or to the Kansas Department for Children and Families. If such report is made, the bill permits the institution to place a temporary hold on the reported transaction or disbursement from the adult’s account for up to 10 business days. The financial institution is permitted to extend such hold under certain circumstances.
The bill also allows a financial institution to, in good faith, notify a trusted contact of an adult account holder of suspected financial exploitation, unless the institution reasonably believes that the trusted contact has committed or attempted financial exploitation of the account holder.
Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act. The bill establishes the Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act as part of the Kansas Money Transmission Act. The bill outlines disclosure requirements for cryptocurrency ATMs and their operators, requires several fraud-prevention measures, and establishes a cap on certain fees.
TEFFI Receivership. The bill prohibits the Office of the State Bank Commissioner or any other state agency from becoming a receiver for a TEFFI that becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.
Health
Updates
HB 2068 amends various provisions in the Pharmacy Act of the State of Kansas and the Pharmacy Practice Act regarding pharmacist scope of practice, pharmaceutical compounding, authority to delegate access to the state’s prescription monitoring program database, and the remote practice of pharmacy.
The bill allows for a pharmacist to prescribe medication, excluding most controlled substances, or durable medical equipment under certain conditions and to provide a one-time emergency refill of a non-controlled prescription drug when no refills remain and continuation of therapy is necessary to prevent interruption of care. Pharmacists choosing to independently initiate therapy under the bill are required to maintain professional liability insurance.
Optometry Scope of Practice
HB 2223 amends law regarding optometry scope of practice to provide clarification, specification, and exclusions regarding procedures an optometrist is allowed to perform subject to education, training, and credentialing criteria.
The bill also requires an optometrist who is credentialed to perform certain procedures to carry a minimum amount of professional liability insurance and to participate in the Health Care Stabilization Fund beginning January 1, 2028.
Emergency Medications and Expedited Partner Therapy
HB 2250 adds administering an emergency opioid antagonist as a protected act immune from criminal prosecution if the person to whom aid was rendered reasonably appeared to need medical assistance or requested medical assistance from law enforcement or emergency medical services as a result of the use of a controlled substance and adds civil liability protection for first responders. The bill permits the administration of an emergency opioid antagonist up to 10 years past the product’s expiration date but prohibits pharmacists, health care providers, and school nurses from prescribing, dispensing, distributing, or furnishing expired emergency opioid antagonists.
The bill permits pharmacists to distribute epinephrine delivery systems to schools for emergency medication kits, allowing delivery systems beyond auto-injectors to be available for individuals experiencing an allergic reaction.
The bill also authorizes the use of expedited partner therapy (EPT) to treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), allowing a health care provider who clinically diagnoses a patient with an STD to provide EPT if the health care provider determines the patient’s sexual partner is unlikely or unable to present for examination, testing, and treatment.
Controlled Substances
HB 2365 amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA) by adding and removing certain substances in Schedules I, III, and IV, including adding 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a derivative of kratom, and mitragynine, the primary psychoactive component of kratom, to Schedule I of the CSA. The bill also modifies language related to fentanyl and cannabis to conform state statute with federal law and makes conforming amendments to the definition of “fentanyl-related controlled substance” in the Kansas Criminal Code.
Changes to State Board of Nursing
HB 2528 amends statutes regarding the Board of Nursing (Board), including voiding certain non-practice disciplinary actions based upon a violation of certain statutes, providing a 30-day grace period for nursing license renewal and a process for late renewal, and amending the definition of “unprofessional conduct” under the Kansas Nurse Practice Act to exclude behaviors unrelated to the practice of nursing, such as failure to timely renew a license. Among its provisions, the bill provides immunity from liability to individuals reporting malpractice in good faith to the Board and prohibits the Board from taking any retaliatory action against reporting individuals. The bill creates a private cause of action for individuals aggrieved by a violation of the bill if not addressed by the Board by September 1, 2026.
Housing
State Preemption of Local Rental Housing Ordinances and Resolutions
SB 391 prohibits any city or county from adopting or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that: prohibits landlords from refusing to lease privately owned property to a person because their source of income to pay rent consists, in whole or in part, of a financial payment or consideration from or through the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program or any other voluntary housing assistance program; restricts a landlord’s ability to use or consider income-qualifying methods, credit scores, credit reports, eviction history, property damage history, or criminal history or to request such information when determining whether to lease a property to a prospective tenant according to the landlord’s customarily applied criteria; limits the amount of a security deposit a landlord may require to lease a property to a prospective tenant; or requires landlords to grant an automatic right of first refusal to tenants.
Expungement and Mediation in Eviction Proceedings
Sub. for HB 2357 creates and amends law related to eviction proceedings for rental agreements subject to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Among other things, the bill requires expungement of certain court records if any related judgments are satisfied. A landlord may object to an expungement request, which will be considered by the court in determining whether to grant an expungement.
Judiciary
Interference with a Religious Assembly
Senate Sub. for HB 2018 creates the crimes of “interference with the conduct of a religious assembly” and “aggravated interference with the conduct of a religious assembly,” and provides for the severity levels and penalties associated with such crimes. In certain circumstances the bill provides the Attorney General with the authority to prosecute such crimes or to pursue damages for victims. The bill also creates a civil cause of action for victims, allowing recovery of damages, fees, and injunctive relief, and sets a five-year limitation for filing claims.
Removal of Squatters Act
HB 2378 enacts the Removal of Squatters Act that, among other things, creates a procedure for property owners to request law enforcement remove unauthorized persons from a dwelling unit through submission of an affidavit. The bill also allows a person to bring a legal action for wrongful removal from a dwelling unit.
Unauthorized Occupant Affidavit. The bill authorizes the owner of a dwelling unit or their agent to request the removal of a squatter by submitting a notarized affidavit to a law enforcement agency in the county where the unit is located. The bill requires the affidavit to contain certain statements stating why the squatter is not authorized to occupy the unit.
Property Owner Notice to Vacate. In addition to completing the affidavit, the bill requires the affiant to provide notice at the dwelling unit to the unauthorized person that such person has no right to occupancy and must vacate the unit immediately.
Theft of an Implement of Husbandry, Livestock, Grain, and Hay
HB 2413, among other provisions, amends the crime of theft to include theft of an implement of husbandry, livestock, grain, and hay. Theft of livestock or an implement of husbandry is classified as a severity level 5 nonperson felony, and theft of grain is classified as a severity level 6 nonperson felony.
Electronic Monitoring of Persons Charged with Domestic Violence Offenses; Increased Penalties for Endangering a Child
HB 2479, among other provisions, requires a court to consider ordering electronic monitoring with victim notification as a condition of release for persons charged with certain domestic violence-related offenses and establishes parameters for the use of such monitoring. The bill also increases the penalties for the crimes of endangering a child and aggravated endangering a child when such child is less than 6 years of age.
Caleb’s Law – Sexual Extortion
HB 2537, among other provisions, amends the definition of the crime of sexual extortion to include additional conduct and creates two new crimes of aggravated sexual extortion.
Sexual Extortion. Among other changes, the bill amends the definition of sexual extortion by adding provisions that include threatening to disseminate sexual pictures or videos of a person with the intent to extort, and it raises the criminal penalty for related crimes involving minors and dependent adult victims.
Aggravated Sexual Extortion Crimes. The bill creates new offenses of aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm (severity level 3 person felony), and aggravated sexual extortion causing death (severity level 1 person felony).
Attorney General Educational Materials. Among other things, the bill requires the Attorney General to prepare and provide educational materials concerning sexual extortion and, in collaboration with the State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies, notify and educate the public about the amendments made by the bill.
Local Government
Public Nuisance and Negligent Actions
SB 462 prohibits certain public nuisance claims, limits when a political subdivision can bring a public nuisance claim, and requires special injury for certain public nuisance actions. The bill also prohibits persons who engaged in, participated in, or attempted to engage or participate in wrongful conduct from bringing an action or collecting damages for negligence related to such wrongful conduct.
Water Transfer or Appropriation
HB 2433 adds an exception to county home rule regarding the transfer or appropriation of water, to prohibit a county from enacting or enforcing any resolution or other action regulating the transfer or appropriation of water that conflicts with, interferes with, is more stringent than, or duplicates the control, regulation, enforcement, or oversight of the Chief Engineer or the Water Transfer Hearing Panel.
Municipal Contingency Fee Contract Requirements
HB 2593 requires any political subdivision, as defined in continuing law, to hold an open meeting before approving a contingent fee contract for legal services and requires such contract to be approved by the Attorney General before becoming effective. The provisions of the bill expire on July 1, 2031.
Social Services
Public Assistance Program Updates
HB 2731 establishes data-matching and eligibility-verification requirements for the Secretary for Children and Families and the Secretary of Health and Environment for certain public assistance programs; permits continuous eligibility provisions for select individuals; prohibits certain exemptions, waivers, and self-attestation; and changes eligibility requirements for certain public assistance programs.
The bill requires the Department for Children and Families and the Department of Health and Environment to verify participants’ eligibility on one or more of the following parameters: income, residency, age, household composition, caretaker relative status, or receipt of other coverage. The bill also increases the age of able-bodied adults from 49 to 64 years of age and lowers the age of dependents of able-bodied adults to be under 14 years of age.
State Finances
Included in the FY 2026 Budget
HB 2513 adjusts total state expenditures to $27.8 billion, including $10.9 billion SGF, in FY 2026. This is an all funds increase of $1.7 billion, or 6.4 percent, and an SGF decrease of $209.5 million, or 1.9 percent, from the FY 2026 approved budget. Further, this is an all funds increase of $354.8 million, or 1.3 percent, and an SGF increase of $331.1 million, or 3.1 percent, above HB 2434 and SB 315 as introduced. This leaves a remaining balance in the SGF of $2.2 billion in FY 2026.
Significant Adjustments—FY 2026
Reappropriations. SGF. Adds $285.6 million SGF to restore select reappropriations that were lapsed by the Special Committee on the State Budget.
SWPF. Adds $16.6 million to the State Water Plan Fund to restore select reappropriations.
Human Services. Contract Staffing. Adds $39.2 million SGF for contract staffing for nursing and other services at State Hospitals.
Public Safety. EMPG Grant. Adds $4.0 million SGF to cover reimbursements lost in federal adjustments to Emergency Management Performance Grant funds.
Included in the FY 2027 Budget
HB 2513 adjusts total state expenditures to $26.8 billion, including $10.7 billion SGF, for FY 2027. This is an all funds decrease of $1.1 billion, or 3.8 percent, and an SGF decrease of $189.4 million, or 1.7 percent, from the FY 2026 approved budget. Further, this is an all funds increase of $474.7 million, or 1.8 percent, and an SGF increase of $239.4 million, or 2.3 percent, above HB 2434 and SB 315 as introduced. This would leave a remaining balance in the SGF of $1.8 billion for FY 2027.
Human Services Caseloads. Adds $431.0 million, including deleting $68.9 million SGF, to adopt the Fall 2025 Consensus human services caseloads estimates. The SGF decrease is primarily attributable to lower-than-anticipated KanCare costs statewide; however, these savings are offset by increases in foster care costs in the Sedgwick County region.
Significant Adjustments—FY 2027
Human Services. Medicaid Capacity. Adds $49.8 million, including $18.9 million SGF, for a Medicaid capacity payment for nursing facilities of $15 per resident per day.
CHIP. Adds $56.5 million, including $15.0 million SGF, for the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
I/DD Waiver. Adds $41.7 million, including $16.0 million SGF, to provide a 6.0 percent reimbursement rate increase for providers of HCBS Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) waiver services.
FE Waitlist. Adds $40.0 million, including $15.0 million SGF, to cover the current HCBS Frail Elderly (FE) waiver services overages and to formally establish a waitlist for such waiver services.
SC MH Hospital. Adds $22.0 million, including $20.0 million SGF, and 336.0 FTE positions, to fund the first year of operations at the South Central Regional Mental Health Hospital.
PD Waiver. Adds $13.3 million, including $5.3 million SGF, to increase the Physical Disability Agency-Directed Personal Care Services rate from $19.52 to $29.00 per hour and reduces the FE Level 3 Personal Care Services rate from $33.24 to $30.00 per hour.
Contract Staffing. Adds $12.0 million SGF to increase expenditures for contract staffing at Larned State Hospital and Osawatomie State Hospital.
Behavioral Health. Adds $10.0 million SGF for hospitals providing inpatient behavioral health services for adults.
Education. Tech and Community Aid. Adds $20.7 million SGF for technical and community colleges.
Veterinary Lab. Adds $11.0 million SGF for debt service payments for the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at the Kansas State University Veterinary Medical Center.
Special Education. Adds $6.0 million SGF for Special Education State Aid.
General Government. Business Development. Adds $10.0 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to attract and develop new businesses in Kansas.
Public Safety. Health Care Contract. Adds $5.4 million SGF for the health care contract for correctional facilities.
KHP Modernization. Adds $3.2 million, including $2.4 million from the Kansas Highway Patrol Operations Fund, for modernization of agency equipment and technology.
Food Contract. Adds $2.2 million SGF to fully fund the food service contract for correctional facilities.
Mapping Grants. Adds $2.0 million, all from the 911 Operating Fund, for critical facility mapping grants.
Statewide Adjustments. Executive Branch Pay. Adds $35.3 million, including $13.2 million SGF, for a 1.0 percent salary adjustment for Executive Branch employees.
Operations Lapse. Deletes $9.3 million SGF to lapse 1.5 percent of state operations funded from the SGF. This lapse would not apply to SGF-financed operating expenditures for authorized contractual services, specific projects, or an identified program or entity. Additionally, the following entities are exempt from this provision: judicial and legislative agencies, correctional facilities, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas Sentencing Commission, veterans homes, the Office of the Attorney General, state hospitals, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the State Board of Regents, and State Board of Regents institutions.
Policy Changes—FY 2027
Education. School Walkouts. Adds language requiring Kansas State Department of Education use existing funds to establish a complaint process and penalties for school districts regarding student walkouts under certain circumstances; requiring that penalties assessed from such walkouts be remitted to the SGF; and specifying that any school day in which a walkout occurs will not count as an instructional school day.
General Government. Performance Metrics. Adds language requiring all applicants requesting state-appropriated funds provide the following information before funds are distributed: a statement of purpose, measurable outcome metrics, and a description of how progress will be measured. Applicants would receive 50.0 percent of the funds awarded upfront and 50.0 percent upon demonstration of measurable progress toward the declared outcome metrics.
Human Services. Abortion Funding. Adds language prohibiting the Kansas Department of Health and Environment from expending any funds to enter into a contract with, or make a grant to entities that assist, provide, perform, promote, counsel toward, refer for, or provide facilities for abortions. Additionally, this language excludes entities prohibited from performing abortions under chapter 76 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated—except in the event of a medical emergency.
Statewide Adjustments. Vacant Positions. Adds language to lapse SGF moneys associated with the salaries and wages of positions that have been vacant for 60 calendar days or the entire fiscal year.
Budget Stabilization Fund. Adds language to credit earned Budget Stabilization Fund (BSF) interest to the SGF for FY 2027 through FY 2030. This provision would take effect only when the BSF balance reaches 20.0 percent of actual tax receipt revenues in the previous fiscal year, and this transfer would be limited to 50.0 percent of the amount of tax-only receipts that exceed Consensus Revenue Estimates.
State Government
Limiting Use of Multiple-occupancy Private Spaces in Public Buildings to One Sex; Invalidation and Correction of Certain Driver’s Licenses and Birth Certificates
House Sub. for SB 244 requires the governing body or chief administrative officer of each public building in the state to designate each multiple-occupancy restroom, locker room, changing room, shower room, or other multiple-occupancy private space in such building for use only by individuals of one sex, and reasonable steps must be taken to enforce the law. The bill authorizes a person to file a complaint with the Attorney General against a governmental entity for violations of the law.
The bill also invalidates any birth certificate or driver’s license issued before July 1, 2026, that lists a gender contrary to an individual’s biological sex at birth and requires correction of such certificate or driver’s license.
Taxation
Tax Credits
SB 82 and HB 2464 concern tax credits. SB 82 creates new tax credits for purchases of lockable gun and ammunition storage and certain ethanol blends of motor fuels. The bill also expands a tax credit for employer expenditures for child care up to 75 percent of expenditures and creates a new credit for employer contributions to expand the availability of child care in their communities. The bill also repeals certain expired and unused tax credits.
HB 2464 extends the sunsets for tax credits for angel investors, the aviation and aerospace industry, and contributions to the Eisenhower Foundation and Friends of Cedar Crest.
Property Valuation Adjustment or Appraisal Requirement
HB 2644 requires county appraisers to either adjust property values downwards or provide a fee simple appraisal if the value of residential property increases by more than 5 percent above the prior-year valuation if the value of the property has been reduced on appeal in the past five years.
Transportation
Motor Vehicle Registration
SB 325, among other things, modifies the fees charged at vehicle registration.
Changes to Vehicle Registration Fees. The bill renames the facility fee to a transaction fee and limits it to $5. The county treasurer is authorized to recommend an increase of the fee up to $10, subject to approval or modification by the board of county commissioners, until January 1, 2030, when the fee will return to $5. The bill requires the Kansas County Treasurers Association to submit a report to the House and Senate Committees on Transportation on or before January 10, 2028, detailing the implementation of any fee increases, impact on county budgets, and usage of increased fee revenue.
Prohibiting Handheld Phone Use in Work and School Zones
House Sub. for SB 366, among other things, prohibits use of a mobile telephone in a school zone when a reduced speed limit is enforced or in a road construction zone while workers are present and signs are posted at the beginning of the road construction zone. Holding a mobile telephone constitutes a rebuttable presumption of a violation of this prohibition. Exceptions to the prohibition include use by law enforcement officers, in safely and lawfully halted vehicles, while using hands-free devices, and in certain emergency situations. The bill also establishes a violation as a traffic infraction and authorizes a fine of $60. However, law enforcement officers are required to issue a warning citation for such violations until July 1, 2027.
Restoring Driving Privileges
HB 2467 prohibits the Division of Vehicles, Department of Revenue, from considering a driver’s license “sanction”—suspension or restricted driving privileges—for failure to fully comply with a traffic citation if that sanction is more than five years old, allowing driver’s license reinstatement for those with no additional sanctions.
Utilities & Telecommunications
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rates
SB 380 requires retail electric suppliers to offer fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory rates and prohibits the supplier’s rate base from including services to all charging stations and certain costs, with some exclusions.
Rates and Services. The bill requires a retail electric supplier that provides, owns, operates, or maintains a fast charging station for direct public use to offer fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory rates and services to all entities providing similar services and prohibits the supplier from acting in a manner that provides an unreasonable competitive advantage for the retail electric supplier’s fast charging station.
Exclusions. The bill does not apply to any fast charging stations already in place before July 1, 2026; stations used exclusively by a retail electric supplier for internal purposes; and stations required to be owned or operated by a retail electric supplier under federal or state law or by an order of the Kansas Corporation Commission.
Statewide Conduit System
HB 2647 establishes the Statewide Conduit System (System) for fiber optic transmissions of broadband connections and the Kansas Broadband Revolving Fund to create and maintain the System. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a schedule of fees to be charged to entities installing or using the System. Any entity that installs equipment in or uses the System must obtain a highway right-of-way use permit.
Veterans & Military
Homeless Veteran IDs; Purple Heart Designation
HB 2274 authorizes the issuance of non-driver identification cards to homeless veterans who provide certain documentation to the State, and designates Kansas as a Purple Heart State and August 7 of each year as Purple Heart Day in recognition of Kansans who have earned the Purple Heart as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force.
2026 Legislative Session At-A-Glance
Bill Information
| Senate bills carried over from 2025 Session | 239 |
| Senate bills introduced in 2026 session | 237 |
| Total Senate Bills | 476 |
| House bills carried over from 2025 session | 318 |
| House bills introduced in 2026 session | 392 |
| Total House bills | 710 |
Bills Considered in 2026 Session that became Law:
| House Bills | 109 |
| Senate Bills | 48 |
| Percentage of Bills that became Law | 13.24% |
2026 Days in Session: 73
Fiscal Information for FY 2026 (Dollars in Millions)
| Estimated State General Fund Revenue | |
| Income Taxes | $5,995.00 |
| Excise Taxes | $3,713.80 |
| All Other | $390.6 |
| Total | $10,099.40 |
| Estimated State Budget | |
| State General Fund | $10,748.10 |
| All Other | $16,020.60 |
| Total | $26,768.70 |
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