Kansas Congressional Bills

in committee · Kansas · House May 13, 2025

HR 3368: Born in the USA Act of 2025

HR 3368, the "Born in the USA Act of 2025," prohibits federal funding for Executive Order 14160 (which aimed to restrict birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S.). The bill directly affects federal agencies that might implement the executive order by blocking their use of funds for that purpose. Its key provision is a funding ban targeting the executive order and any similar future policies, without changing citizenship law. The bill does not alter birthright citizenship rights but prevents federal resources from being used to enforce the controversial executive order. It is a procedural measure focused on funding, not a substantive policy change to citizenship rules.

Topics ✓ Immigration

Delia C. Ramirez (D) · 140 co-sponsors

in committee · Kansas · House May 13, 2025

HR 3353: Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act

HR 3353, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, increases penalties for providing prohibited items like phones to prisoners in federal custody, imposing up to two years in prison for violations involving such items. The bill requires the Bureau of Prisons to review and update its policies within one year of enactment to better address contraband possession by inmates, aiming to improve safety for both incarcerated individuals and staff. It specifically amends federal law to clarify penalties for trafficking prohibited objects, including phones, under Section 1791 of Title 18. The legislation directly affects federal prison operations, inmates, and staff by targeting contraband trafficking and mandating policy reforms.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · Kansas · Senate May 12, 2025

S 1717: Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2025

S 1717, the Ensuring Patient Access to Critical Breakthrough Products Act of 2025, requires Medicare to cover FDA-designated "breakthrough" medical devices during a 4-year transitional period starting when the device is approved. This directly affects Medicare beneficiaries (Part A/B enrollees) and device manufacturers, ensuring coverage for these innovative products while FDA reviews their safety. The bill mandates that Medicare’s coverage decisions for these devices must be finalized within 9-12 months before the 4-year period ends, and allows coverage denial only if clinical data shows the device poses undue risk. It also allocates $10 million annually (2026-2031) to fund Medicare’s implementation of these coverage rules.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Kansas · Senate May 12, 2025

S 1712: Criminal History Access Act of 2025

S 1712, the Criminal History Access Act of 2025, amends federal law to allow state "peace officer standards and training agencies" (agencies that set hiring and training standards for police officers) to access criminal history records for background checks. The bill adds these agencies to the list of entities authorized under Title 28 of U.S. Code to obtain such records. It requires the Attorney General to update federal regulations within 180 days of enactment to implement this change. This procedural amendment directly affects state law enforcement certification bodies by expanding their access to federal criminal history data.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Kansas · Senate May 12, 2025

S 1715: Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

This bill prohibits payment card networks and covered entities (like payment processors) from requiring or assigning merchant category codes that distinguish firearm retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods stores. It directly affects firearm retailers (those selling guns or ammunition) and payment networks (such as Visa or Mastercard), ensuring their transactions are processed without special classification. Key provisions ban the use of discriminatory codes, establish an enforcement process through the Attorney General with complaint mechanisms, and preempt state or local laws on this issue. The bill does not change gun sales laws but alters how payment systems categorize firearm-related transactions. It explicitly states no private lawsuits can be filed under this law.

Bill Hagerty (R) · 32 co-sponsors

in committee · Kansas · Senate May 12, 2025

S 1716: Vision Lab Choice Act of 2025

This bill, S 1716 (Vision Lab Choice Act of 2025), modifies vision care coverage under health plans by limiting agreements between optometrists and vision plans to two-year terms (with possible two-year extensions) and prohibiting plans from restricting optometrists' choices of labs or suppliers for patient vision care. It directly affects optometrists and health insurance issuers offering limited-scope vision benefits, ensuring they cannot force optometrists to use specific labs or materials. The bill requires annual state enforcement notifications by the Secretary and clarifies that state laws governing vision plans take precedence if they conflict with this law. It does not change overall coverage requirements but focuses on provider choice and contract terms within vision benefit plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Kevin Cramer (R) · 24 co-sponsors

signed · Kansas · Senate May 9, 2025

SJRES 18: A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to "Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau titled Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions and published on December 30, 2024. The rule revises provisions regarding charges for insufficient funds in a customer’s bank account (i.e., overdrafts) at very large financial institutions. Under the rule, these institutions must (1) cap overdraft charges at $5; (2) with justification, cap charges at a higher amount; or (3) handle overdrafts as credit and comply with applicable Truth in Lending Act disclosure requirements.

passed · Kansas · Senate May 9, 2025

SJRES 7: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Addressing the Homework Gap Through the E-Rate Program".

This joint resolution seeks to block a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that aimed to expand internet access for schools through the E-Rate program, specifically addressing the "homework gap" by increasing funding for student connectivity. The rule, published in the Federal Register on August 20, 2024, would have modified how schools and libraries access broadband under the E-Rate program. If passed, the resolution would cancel this rule, preventing it from taking effect under federal disapproval procedures. This is a procedural action targeting a specific FCC regulatory change, not a new policy.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Education ✗ Technology

signed · Kansas · House May 9, 2025

HJRES 42: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program for Appliance Standards: Certification Requirements, Labeling Requirements, and Enforcement Provisions for Certain Consumer Products and Commercial Equipment".

H.J. Res. 42 is a congressional disapproval resolution that voids a Department of Energy (DOE) rule on appliance energy efficiency standards. The resolution specifically targets the DOE's 2024 rule requiring certification, labeling, and enforcement for energy-efficient appliances and commercial equipment. By disapproving this rule under federal law (5 U.S.C. § 801), the resolution prevents the rule from taking effect, meaning appliance manufacturers and retailers would not need to comply with its requirements. This resolution directly affects the implementation of the DOE's energy conservation program for consumer products and commercial equipment.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

signed · Kansas · House May 9, 2025

HJRES 20: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Energy relating to "Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Consumer Gas-fired Instantaneous Water Heaters".

This resolution blocks a Department of Energy rule that would have set new energy efficiency standards for gas-fired instant water heaters. It prevents the rule from taking effect, meaning appliance manufacturers would not have to meet the proposed efficiency requirements. The rule, submitted in December 2024, directly affected manufacturers of these water heaters and consumers purchasing them. Congress approved this disapproval through a joint resolution passed on May 9, 2025.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Gary J. Palmer (R) · 29 co-sponsors

passed · Kansas · Senate May 8, 2025

SRES 210: A resolution honoring and commending the 80th anniversary of the Blinded Veterans Association.

SRES 210 is a ceremonial Senate resolution honoring the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) for its 80th anniversary. It commends BVA’s founding in 1945 by WWII veterans who lost sight and its ongoing advocacy for blind and low-vision veterans, including efforts to improve VA rehabilitation services, guide dog access, and disability benefits. The resolution urges the VA to ensure safe guide dog access at facilities and maintain on-site "Service Dog Champions," but contains no new funding or policy changes. It directly recognizes BVA’s work without altering laws or affecting veterans’ benefits. This is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Senate.

in committee · Kansas · Senate May 8, 2025

S 1706: A bill to require aircraft operating in Class B airspace in the national airspace system to install and operate ADS-B In and ADS-B Out equipment, and for other purposes.

This bill requires all aircraft (including military aircraft) operating in Class B airspace - typically around major airports - to install and activate ADS-B In and ADS-B Out equipment starting upon the bill's enactment. ADS-B Out broadcasts an aircraft's position and speed data to ground systems and other aircraft, while ADS-B In receives similar data for pilots. The bill repeals a prior exemption that allowed military aircraft to skip this requirement under the 2019 Defense Act. It directly affects pilots, airlines, and military operators flying in high-traffic airspace by mandating this technology for improved air traffic surveillance and safety.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Kansas Congressional Bills

Bill results