Education (Student Health)

HB 2067 establishes a $200,000 grant program funded by the state general fund to provide feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) at no cost to students in qualifying Title I schools. The program targets public schools serving grades 5-12 that receive federal Title I funding, with grants distributed based on the number of female students in those grades. School districts must apply to participate, and funds reimburse schools for purchasing products and dispensers, which must be available in women’s restrooms and through school counselors/nurses. The grant fund is replenished annually with $200,000 starting July 1, 2026.

HB 2361 abolishes Kansas's existing nursing scholarship program and replaces it with the "Kansas healthcare service scholarship program." The new program expands eligibility to include part-time students and adds allied health and health science programs to the list of qualifying educational paths, beyond the previous nursing-only focus. It transfers funds from the state general fund to support these expanded scholarship opportunities and amends multiple statutes to reflect the program's updated scope and structure. This change directly affects students pursuing healthcare education at eligible Kansas institutions, including community colleges, universities, and accredited programs.

SB 123 requires the state to reimburse Kansas school districts $0.40 per reduced-price meal served starting in the 2025-2026 school year, replacing a previous 6-cent rate. It directly prohibits local school boards from charging students for these meals, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for eligible families. The bill also bans using state funds for meals labeled as "identifiable imported meats." This policy change affects all Kansas public schools participating in federally approved reduced-price meal programs and shifts funding responsibility from local fees to state general funds.

SB 263 establishes standards for active shooter drills in Kansas public and accredited nonpublic K-12 schools. It requires drills to be trauma-informed, age-appropriate, and inclusive (including accommodations for students with disabilities), while banning drills that mimic real shootings. Schools must notify parents 24 hours in advance with opt-out options, provide alternative safety education for opted-out students, and conduct annual reviews of drill impacts on student and staff well-being. The bill also mandates annual evidence-based violence prevention training for grades 6-12 and prohibits active shooter simulations during school hours without specific parental consent for grades 9-12.

HB 2295 increases state funding for school meal programs in Kansas by raising reimbursements from $0.06 to $0.40 per reduced-price meal served starting in the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects local school districts and students qualifying for reduced-price meals by requiring the state to cover the full cost, prohibiting school boards from charging these students for meals. The bill amends state law to replace the previous reimbursement rate and explicitly bans local fees for reduced-price meals under this program.