SB 324 prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile telephones while operating a vehicle in school zones (during enforced reduced speed limits) or construction zones (with workers present). Exceptions include hands-free use, emergency calls, reporting illegal activity, or when the vehicle is safely stationary. Violations will initially result only in warning citations until July 1, 2027, rather than fines. The law defines "hands-free device" and excludes certain devices like emergency communication systems or commercial radios from the prohibition.
HB 2423 allows hunters who hold a federal drone operator license (FAA Part 107) to use drones to locate wounded or recently deceased deer during legal hunting seasons. To qualify, hunters must have struck the deer with a legal hunting method, possess a valid hunting license, and obtain landowner permission before launching or landing drones on private property. The bill prohibits using drones to harass wildlife or pursue wildlife that was harassed by drones, and explicitly excludes drone-assisted recovery from the legal definition of "take" under Kansas wildlife law. This policy change directly affects licensed hunter-drone operators while maintaining landowner rights and wildlife protection standards.
HB 2496 requires Kansas' director of property valuation to review or audit a public utility's property value assessment when the utility's total appraised value in the state drops more than 5% compared to the previous tax year. This review must occur only if requested by a local government (like a county or city) that levies property taxes on the utility's assets. The bill specifically targets public utilities subject to property taxation, ensuring their valuation is re-examined during significant declines to maintain accurate tax bases. It modifies existing law to establish this trigger and process, focusing on transparency in property tax assessments.
SB 363 requires Kansas health and children's agencies to verify eligibility for food and medical assistance using mandatory data-sharing agreements with state agencies (e.g., vital records for death confirmation, labor data for employment changes). It prohibits self-attestation for eligibility, mandates quarterly medical assistance eligibility reviews, and requires immediate termination upon death confirmation. The bill also increases the age limit for able-bodied adults without dependents in medical assistance, restricts work requirement exemptions, and limits retroactive enrollment. These changes directly affect Kansas residents applying for or receiving food or medical assistance programs administered by the state.
HB 2461 prohibits public adjusters from negotiating or settling insurance claims for residential property and personal lines of insurance (such as homeowners' or renters' policies). This directly affects public adjusters who currently handle residential claims, restricting their scope of practice under Kansas law. The bill amends licensing statutes to explicitly ban public adjusters from working on these claims, while exempting attorneys, health care providers, and others handling specific claim types. It updates existing regulations to clarify that public adjusters may only assist with commercial insurance claims, not residential ones. The law takes effect upon publication in the Kansas Statutes Annotated.
SB 338 clarifies that home schools are included within Kansas's definition of "private elementary or secondary school" for legal purposes. It defines a "home school" as a nonaccredited setting where a parent or guardian directs their child's education, aligning it with existing private school regulations. This change affects home school families by bringing them under the same legal framework as other private schools regarding pupil records and school oversight, without altering how home schooling is conducted.
HB 2525 prohibits Kansas county election offices from using remote ballot boxes to collect advance voting ballots. The bill defines "remote ballot box" as any ballot container not located at the county election office (e.g., off-site drop-off locations), requiring all advance ballots to be returned only through in-office ballot boxes. This directly affects county election offices and voters who use physical drop-off locations for advance ballots. Introduced on January 22, 2026, the bill is pending in the Elections Committee and would take effect upon publication in state statutes.
HB 2429 would allow Kansas residents to purchase ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine tablets without a prescription. The bill removes the requirement for a doctor's order or pharmacist consultation for these specific medications. It directly affects the public by changing how these drugs are accessed in Kansas pharmacies. The law would take effect upon publication in state statutes, making these medications available over-the-counter for general sale.
SB 306 requires courts in Kansas to order individuals convicted of or given diversion agreements for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses to attend victim impact panel programs. These programs, developed and conducted by court-approved nonprofit organizations, must be attended in person unless a court determines in-person attendance is impractical, in which case an online option may be permitted. The bill permits panels to charge a fee of up to $100 per participant. This requirement applies to violations of DUI statutes (K.S.A. 8-2,144 and 8-1567) starting January 1, 2027, and affects all eligible DUI offenders sentenced after that date.
SB 370 modifies Kansas' Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to change how rental agreements end when landlords fail to meet lease terms or health/safety requirements. It gives tenants 30 days' written notice to terminate a lease for serious landlord breaches (like unsafe conditions), but requires landlords 14 days to fix the issue before termination takes effect. If the same problem recurs after the 14-day window, tenants can terminate without further notice. The bill also clarifies that tenants cannot terminate for issues they caused and mandates landlords to return eligible security deposits after lease termination. This directly affects renters and landlords in Kansas rental housing.
HB 2418 prohibits the Kansas state bank commissioner and any other state agency from taking over management of technology-enabled fiduciary financial institutions that become insolvent or file for bankruptcy. The bill amends Kansas' Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act to explicitly bar state agencies from acting as receivers in these cases. This directly affects institutions that manage alternative investments (like private equity or real estate) through technology-enabled fiduciary trusts. The law shifts resolution authority away from state agencies, ensuring these institutions' insolvency is handled without state intervention.
HB 2514 designates the first Tuesday in May each year as "Precinct Committee Person Awareness Day" to recognize the role of precinct committee persons in local politics. The bill honors individuals who organize grassroots efforts, engage voters, and serve as a key link between political parties and communities. It encourages state agencies, local governments, schools, and civic groups to observe the day with activities promoting public understanding of this volunteer role. This is a symbolic designation with no new requirements or policy changes, solely intended to raise awareness about precinct committee persons' contributions to democracy.
