Sen. Dinah Sykes

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove a specific clause from the Kansas Constitution that currently protects employees from being fired based on whether they join a labor union. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, it would eliminate the state's constitutional "right to work" provision regarding union membership. The bill directly affects workers and employers by changing the legal rules around union membership in the state. It is a procedural measure that sets up a vote for the public to decide whether to keep or remove this existing constitutional protection.

Maddy summarySB 216 establishes Kansas' first statewide paid sick leave law, requiring most private employers to provide earned paid sick time for health and safety needs. Employees accrue sick time at their regular hourly rate (minimum $7.25/hour), with limits based on employer size: larger employers must provide up to 80 hours annually, while smaller businesses offer less. The law prohibits retaliation for using sick leave, bans employer demands for replacement workers, and allows up to 80 hours to carry over annually or be paid out at year-end. It excludes small businesses with under $5,000 annual sales, certain government workers, and employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.

Maddy summarySB 218 would raise Kansas's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with future increases tied to the Midwest Consumer Price Index (cost of living). It applies to most Kansas workers not covered by federal minimum wage law, excluding agricultural workers, domestic workers, and others defined in the bill. Tipped employees would receive at least half the minimum wage plus tips, with employers covering any shortfall if tips don’t meet the full minimum. The current $7.25 hourly rate would remain in effect until the end of 2025.

Maddy summarySB 179 establishes a refundable child tax credit in Kansas for tax years 2025 and beyond. It provides credits ranging from $25 to $600 per qualifying child (under age 6) based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income, with higher income levels receiving smaller credits. The credit reduces tax liability, and any excess is refunded to the taxpayer. It directly affects Kansas resident parents or guardians with children under 6 who meet residency and relationship criteria outlined in the bill.

Maddy summarySB 220 increases penalties for employers who violate child labor laws in Kansas. It raises fines for repeat offenses: $25,000 for a second violation and $50,000 for a third or subsequent violation, in addition to criminal penalties. The bill amends existing law to upgrade repeat violations to felony charges (severity levels 7 and 5) and replaces the previous misdemeanor penalties of up to $100 or 90 days in jail. This directly affects employers who illegally hire minors or violate child labor regulations, with significantly higher financial consequences for repeat offenders.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis 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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commemorates the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. The measure acknowledges previous centennial celebrations and notes that the State of Kansas is already planning related events through its Travel Kansas website. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Senator Bowser, with no new laws or funding created.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution directs members of the Kansas Senate for the 2026 legislative session to occupy the same seats assigned in the previous year, with specific exceptions for six individuals. The bill explicitly names Kloos 2, Hill 3, Schmidt 7, Klemp 11, Holscher 39, and Miller 40 as the senators who will not follow the prior seating arrangement. By maintaining the existing layout for most members while adjusting a few positions, the resolution establishes the physical seating plan for the upcoming session without altering any laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill formally organizes the Kansas Senate for its 2026 legislative session by officially naming its leadership officers. It designates Ty Masterson as president, Tim Shallenburger as vice president, and appoints additional roles such as majority and minority leaders, secretary, and sergeant at arms. The resolution requires the Senate Secretary to notify the House of Representatives of these appointments, pending the House's approval. This procedural measure establishes the internal structure and leadership of the Senate chamber for the upcoming year.