Maddy summarySB 453, the Kansas Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, prohibits state agencies from allowing access to critical infrastructure (such as data storage systems and key facilities vital to security, economic stability, or public health) by countries of concern - including China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela - and bans the purchase of critical technology components (like software, routers, and cameras) from those countries or their controlled entities. The law defines "critical infrastructure" as systems essential to state or national security, economic security, or public health, including facilities covered under existing state law. It applies to all state agencies managing such infrastructure and companies providing critical components, restricting both access and acquisitions. The act aims to prevent foreign influence on Kansas's essential systems by limiting technology and access from designated countries.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 454, the "Crush Transnational Repression in Kansas Act," enhances criminal penalties for crimes committed with the intent to harass, intimidate, or coerce Kansas residents through transnational repression by foreign governments or terrorist organizations. It specifically targets actions by agents of designated foreign adversaries (like China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela) aimed at silencing protected speech, forcing people to leave the U.S., or retaliating for First Amendment activities. The bill requires Kansas law enforcement to develop training on recognizing transnational repression tactics (including digital surveillance) and establish multilingual reporting systems for victims. It also mandates that universities include transnational repression protocols in campus policies and provide direct complaint channels. These provisions apply directly to Kansas residents targeted by foreign actors and state agencies implementing the new requirements.
Maddy summarySB 310 establishes a $200 annual limit on cryptocurrency contributions to Kansas candidates per election cycle. It requires all digital currency donations to be processed through U.S.-based payment systems that verify donor identities and report personal details (name, address, occupation) within 24 hours. The bill mandates that cryptocurrency contributions must be converted to U.S. dollars within three business days and deposited into campaign accounts, prohibiting campaigns from holding digital currency as assets. This applies to all candidates and committees receiving digital currency donations under Kansas election law.
Maddy summarySB 302 requires Kansas public and nonpublic K-12 schools to ban student use of personal electronic devices (like phones, tablets, or smartwatches) during instructional time, with exceptions for students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or medical needs approved by a physician. It also prohibits school staff from using social media platforms (such as Instagram or TikTok) to directly message students for official school business, allowing only public, one-way communications on approved platforms. Schools must adopt written policies by 2026 and certify compliance by September 1, 2026, covering enforcement procedures and student device storage requirements. The law applies to all on-campus instructional time but excludes virtual schools.
Maddy summarySB 352 creates a "bitcoin and digital assets reserve fund" in Kansas' state treasury to manage unclaimed digital assets like cryptocurrency. The fund collects free digital asset distributions (airdrops) and staking rewards, with 10% of deposits transferred to the state general fund (though bitcoin itself cannot be deposited). It defines key terms like "digital assets" (including cryptocurrencies and virtual currencies) and "airdrops" to update Kansas' unclaimed property laws for digital assets. This primarily affects how the state government administers forgotten digital assets, not individual users or new regulations for citizens.
Maddy summaryThis legislative bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the United States national debt as a serious threat to national security. It directly affects the U.S. Congress by urging them to establish a regular order for budgeting to address the growing debt. The resolution cites specific data points, such as the current debt level and projections for Social Security and Medicare depletion, to support its findings. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as an official statement of concern from the Kansas legislature.
Maddy summarySB 34 allows the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) board to invest up to 10% of the retirement fund's assets in Bitcoin exchange-traded products (BTC ETFs). This bill amends KPERS investment rules to explicitly permit these digital asset investments while adding requirements like board compliance with standard investment duties and risk management. The change directly affects KPERS, which manages retirement funds for Kansas public employees, by expanding its eligible investment options beyond traditional assets. The bill specifies that such investments must align with KPERS' core objective of preserving the fund to provide retirement benefits, not for economic development or social purposes.
Maddy summarySB 118 imposes term limits on Kansas legislators: members of the House may serve a maximum of six two-year terms, and Senators may serve a maximum of three four-year terms. After reaching these limits, legislators seeking re-election must be nominated via petition under K.S.A. 25-205, rather than appearing automatically on primary ballots. The bill amends election rules to require petition signatures for candidates who have served the maximum terms, with petition forms including a statement acknowledging the term limit. This directly affects current and future legislators aiming for re-election beyond their term limit thresholds.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the right to bear arms in Kansas to explicitly include ammunition, firearm accessories, and components. It classifies this right as a natural and fundamental one that cannot be infringed, requiring any future restrictions to meet the strict scrutiny legal standard. If approved by the legislature and voters, the change would strengthen protections for gun ownership while maintaining existing rules against standing armies in peacetime. The amendment would be placed on a special election ballot for Kansas residents to vote on in August 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Kansas to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and live in their local voting area are eligible to vote. The key provision clarifies residency requirements by allowing exceptions for people who temporarily move away, such as those voting in presidential elections or relocating within the state during an election cycle. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the change would codify these specific voter qualifications into the state constitution.