Kansas Bills

signed · Kansas · House Mar 13, 2026

HB 2223: Modifying certain provisions of the optometry law relating to scope of practice, definitions and credentialing requirements.

HB 2223 modifies Kansas optometry law to expand what optometrists can legally do. It specifically allows optometrists to prescribe and dispense oral medications (not just topical drugs) for treating eye conditions like adult open-angle glaucoma, and adds new procedures to their scope of practice such as laser capsulotomy and certain eyelid treatments. The bill clarifies that optometrists cannot perform surgery or use general anesthesia, but they may provide pre- and post-operative care for surgeries like cataract removal. This directly affects licensed optometrists in Kansas by changing their legal authority to diagnose, treat, and manage eye health conditions under updated standards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

signed · Kansas · House Mar 13, 2026

HB 2274: Designating Kansas as a purple heart state and permitting homeless veterans to use alternative forms of proof of identity and residency when applying for nondriver identification cards.

HB 2274 removes the requirement that military servicemembers must be "active" to obtain occupational licenses in Kansas. It directly affects military servicemembers and their spouses who relocate due to military assignments. The bill requires licensing bodies to issue licenses within 15 days (instead of 45) for these applicants upon submitting a complete application, and waives fees for military spouses' applications. This change streamlines licensing for military families moving to Kansas, eliminating a barrier caused by deployment or active duty status.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Kansas · House Mar 12, 2026

HR 6035: Commending Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and acknowledging the patriotic commitment of all Kansas employers who support their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally commends Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and acknowledges the patriotic commitment of Kansas employers who support their National Guard and Reserve members. It recognizes the partnership between these groups, noting how employer policies like flexible leave and job protection help service members balance their civilian careers with military duties. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Topics ✓ Veterans

signed · Kansas · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 348: Exempting any electric public utility that is a not-for-profit wholly owned subsidiary of an electric cooperative public utility from the jurisdiction of the state corporation commission.

SB 348 exempts nonprofit electric utilities owned by Kansas electric cooperatives from oversight by the Kansas State Corporation Commission (SCC), while establishing key safeguards. The bill allows customers to petition the SCC to investigate rates if 5% of customers (or 3% from one rate class) request it, and the SCC can adjust rates found unjust or discriminatory. It requires these utilities to provide 10-day notice of rate meetings to all customers, maintain public rate schedules, and seek SCC approval for dividend payments or equity transfers. The exemption does not apply to transmission, territory disputes, or renewable energy standards, which remain under SCC jurisdiction.

signed · Kansas · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 335: Requiring public construction contracts to include a mutual waiver of consequential damages.

SB 335 requires all public construction contracts in Kansas to include a mutual waiver of consequential damages between the government entity and the contractor. This means both parties agree in advance not to claim certain indirect financial losses, such as lost rental income, profits, or management costs, if a dispute arises. The waiver must follow a specific form outlined in the bill, though it allows for limited additional items to be waived. However, the bill does not affect claims for direct damages from delays or liquidated damages already specified in contracts. This change applies to all new public construction contracts entered after the law takes effect.

passed both · Kansas · House Mar 11, 2026

HCR 5022: Making application to the congress of the United States to call a convention of the states to establish term limits for members of congress.

This Kansas legislative resolution requests the U.S. Congress to convene a national convention dedicated solely to proposing a constitutional amendment that would limit the number of terms members of Congress can serve. The bill is based on the belief that term limits would reduce the influence of special interests and restore public trust in the government by preventing long-serving officials from accumulating excessive power. If Congress acts on this request, the proposed amendment would still require ratification by at least 38 states before becoming law. Additionally, the resolution specifies that Kansas delegates to such a convention must be elected from state and local offices or congressional districts, while excluding anyone who currently or has previously held federal office.

passed · Kansas · House Mar 10, 2026

HR 6033: Approving the gaming compact with the Wyandotte Nation.

This bill approves a gaming agreement between the Wyandotte Nation and the State of Kansas. The resolution formally accepts the compact submitted by the Governor on February 17, 2026, to the Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations. By passing this measure, the House authorizes the terms of the partnership that governs gaming operations between the tribe and the state.

passed both · Kansas · House Mar 6, 2026

HCR 5033: Ratifying and providing for the continuation of the state of disaster emergency declaration issued on February 24, 2026, for certain counties.

This bill officially approves and extends a state of disaster emergency declared by Governor Laura Kelly on February 24, 2026, due to wildfires. It applies to over 60 specific counties across Kansas and keeps the emergency status active until March 25, 2026. The measure allows local governments in these areas to continue using special powers and resources authorized for disaster relief during this extended period.

passed · Kansas · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SR 1727: Congratulating the 2026 Kansas Master Teachers.

Senate Resolution 1727 is a ceremonial measure that congratulates seven Kansas educators selected as the 2026 Kansas Master Teachers. The resolution formally recognizes these individuals for their long service and exemplary performance in the classroom. It does not create new laws or change any policies, but rather serves to honor the specific teachers named in the bill.

Topics ✓ Education

passed both · Kansas · Senate Feb 26, 2026

SCR 1622: Providing for the adjournment of the senate and the house of representatives for a period of time during the 2026 regular session of the legislature.

This bill sets the schedule for the 2026 Kansas legislative session, requiring the Senate and House to pause operations from February 19 to February 24. During this break, key staff members will remain on duty to handle urgent messages from the governor and other necessary business, while Sunday is excluded from the pause. The legislation also stops lawmakers from receiving daily pay or meal allowances for days when both chambers are closed for more than two days, though exceptions allow for travel and living expenses if legislators attend authorized meetings or conference committee sessions.

passed · Kansas · House Feb 25, 2026

HR 6031: Commemorating the life and career of Representative Billie Ray McCreary.

This bill is a House resolution that formally recognizes and honors the life and career of Representative Billie Ray McCreary, who recently passed away. It highlights his military service, his work as a grocery store owner, and his legislative achievements in the Kansas House, including his focus on fiscal responsibility and support for veterans. The resolution serves as an official tribute to his contributions to his community and the state of Kansas.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Kansas · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 2736: Requiring hospitals to screen all patients for eligibility for such hospital's financial assistance program or charity care policy.

HB 2736 requires Kansas non-disproportionate share hospitals to screen every patient for eligibility for the hospital's financial assistance or charity care program *before* sending a billing statement. Hospitals must apply any qualifying discounts upfront and include clear notices on bills about financial assistance options, contact details, and policy links. Patients who are incorrectly denied care can request reconsideration, and hospitals must refund overcharged amounts plus associated costs if they wrongly denied eligibility. The bill aims to prevent hospitals from pursuing debt collection on patients who qualify for free or reduced-cost care, directly affecting patients seeking medical services and hospitals managing billing.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results