Kansas Bills

signed · Kansas · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 358: Requiring individuals convicted of certain felonies to be held without bond in the county jail until sentencing.

SB 358 would require courts to hold individuals convicted of specific serious felonies without bond in county jail until sentencing. It directly affects people convicted of non-drug felonies ranked severity levels 1-4 or drug felonies ranked severity levels 1-2 under Kansas sentencing guidelines. The key provision automatically revokes any existing bond and mandates jail detention for these individuals, replacing the current system where courts could grant release under certain conditions. This policy change applies only after conviction and before sentencing, not during trial or appeal.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

vetoed · Kansas · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 368: Enacting the health care sharing ministries tax deduction act to provide a subtraction modification for qualified health care sharing expenses paid by a qualified individual and certain qualified health care shares received by a qualified individual.

SB 368 would allow Kansas residents who are members of qualifying health care sharing ministries to deduct their membership expenses (including contributions and administrative fees) from their Kansas state income tax. It also ensures that money received from these ministries for medical expenses isn't treated as taxable income in Kansas. To qualify, residents must be members for at least one month during the tax year, and the deduction only applies to amounts not already deducted on their federal tax return. The bill creates this tax benefit for Kansas residents using these specific nonprofit health-sharing organizations, which operate under federal tax-exempt status and require members to share medical costs voluntarily. The law would take effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

signed · Kansas · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 396: Reorganizing the Clearwater cemetery district in Sedgwick county to remove Ohio township.

SB 396 reorganizes Kansas' Clearwater Cemetery District in Sedgwick County by removing Ohio Township from its boundaries. The bill establishes a new three-member board: the Clearwater mayor, Ninnescah Township trustee, and an at-large member elected every four years starting in 2026. It also allows Ohio Township and the reorganized district to create a cooperative agreement for cemetery maintenance and shared tax funds. The reorganization takes effect January 1, 2026, following board approval.

signed · Kansas · Senate Mar 27, 2026

SB 427: Clarifying that the chairperson and vice chairperson of the senate committee on confirmation oversight shall have access to review tax information from the department of revenue and Kansas bureau of investigation background checks on persons appointed to state offices who are subject to senate confirmation.

SB 427 clarifies that the Senate committee on confirmation oversight chair and vice chair can access tax information from the Department of Revenue and Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) background checks for individuals appointed to state offices requiring Senate confirmation. The bill amends existing laws to explicitly include these committee members as authorized recipients of such information, which is currently shared with specific agencies for employment or licensing decisions. This change directly affects state appointees needing Senate confirmation and streamlines the committee's review process during confirmation hearings. The bill does not create new background checks but formalizes existing access for committee members under current statutory frameworks.

passed · Kansas · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SR 1737: Honoring and thanking Vietnam War Veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Senate Resolution 1737 is a commemorative measure that honors Vietnam War veterans for their service and sacrifice. It acknowledges the nearly 9 million Americans who served during the conflict, including those who died or remain missing in action, and recognizes the challenges many veterans faced upon returning home. The resolution calls on the people of Kansas to observe Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29 to remember the courage and bravery of these service members. This bill does not create new laws or require any funding; it serves solely as an expression of gratitude and remembrance.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Kansas · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SR 1736: Strengthening the sister-state relations between the State of Kansas and Taiwan.

This Senate Resolution expresses Kansas's support for strengthening its sister-state relationship with Taiwan and celebrating 37 years of this partnership. The bill highlights existing academic programs and trade ties, such as a Mandarin language initiative and recent investment delegations, while affirming shared democratic values. It also calls for the signing of a double taxation agreement to boost investment and advocates for Taiwan's inclusion in international organizations focused on health, safety, and climate change. The resolution is a symbolic gesture that does not alter laws or create new legal obligations for the state.

failed · Kansas · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 2527: Prohibiting certain sex offenders from entering onto school property or attending school activities, prohibiting courts from assigning a defendant to work release if the defendant is required to register as a sex offender for certain crimes and prohibiting the secretary of corrections from granting an inmate leave from confinement except for specified purposes if theinmate is required to register as a sex offender for certain crimes or is serving a sentence for certain crimes that require registration as a sex offender.

HB 2527 prohibits courts from assigning defendants to work release programs if they have any prior conviction or court finding for a crime requiring sex offender registration under Kansas law. It also bans the secretary of corrections from granting inmates with such prior convictions leave for work release or educational release programs. This law directly affects individuals with prior sex offense convictions that mandate registration under Kansas' sex offender registry system. The bill amends Kansas statutes 21-6604 and 75-5267 to enforce these restrictions.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Education

passed · Kansas · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 6039: Recognizing and honoring SparkWheel for its outstanding service on Kansas youth and families.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and honors SparkWheel, a Kansas-based nonprofit organization, for its work supporting youth and families. It commends the group's leadership, staff, volunteers, and partners for their efforts in providing mentorship, mental health support, and career guidance through partnerships with schools and businesses. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of appreciation for SparkWheel's contributions to the community.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Kansas · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 6040: Commemorating the life and service of Representative John Resman.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and honors the life and public service of Representative John Resman, who represented Kansas's 121st District. The resolution highlights his extensive background in law enforcement, including service in the U.S. Army, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, before his election to the state legislature. It commemorates his legislative work on committees related to corrections, federal affairs, and public safety, as well as his advocacy for fiscal responsibility and education. The resolution concludes by expressing condolences to his family following his passing in March 2026.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Kansas · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 6041: Recognizing and commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Jayhawk Theatre.

This bill is a commemorative resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Jayhawk Theatre in Topeka, Kansas. It highlights the theater's history as the official State Theater of Kansas and its role as a historic landmark since opening in 1926. The text expresses appreciation for the community efforts involved in preserving the building but does not create new laws or change any policies.

passed · Kansas · House Mar 24, 2026

HR 6038: Recognizing Real Men Real Leaders for its dedication and work in providing Kansas youth with leadership education and opportunities.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes the nonprofit organization Real Men Real Leaders for its work in Kansas. The resolution highlights the group's programs that teach leadership skills to boys and girls through community service, outdoor activities, and visits to the state Capitol. By acknowledging the organization's achievements, the bill serves as a public commendation rather than establishing new laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Education

signed · Kansas · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2711: Modifying and updating procedures for dissolution of cities of the third class.

HB 2711 updates Kansas' process for dissolving cities of the third class. It requires a city council to hold a voter election within 10 days of receiving a petition signed by a majority of qualified voters, asking whether the city should remain or dissolve. Dissolution requires a two-thirds majority vote against the city, after which the territory becomes part of the surrounding township, governed by township laws, with city debts handled through township tax levies. This bill directly affects residents and officials in Kansas cities classified as third class that seek to dissolve their municipal government.

Bill results