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HB 2018 Kansas House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Senate Substitute for HB 2018 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Creating the crime of interference with the conduct of a religious assembly, providing criminal penalties therefor and providing for a civil cause of action for damages.

HB 2018 ensures that active military members, their spouses, and dependents cannot be barred from serving as poll workers in Kansas elections solely due to their residency location or whether they are registered voters. The bill explicitly prohibits county election officers and the secretary of state from disqualifying these individuals based on those two factors, while maintaining other existing requirements like age limits. This change directly affects military families and active-duty personnel who wish to serve in election roles, removing a common barrier related to temporary or non-permanent residence. The law applies to all elections and takes effect upon publication in the statute book.
Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Apr 10, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

As Amended by House Committee on Elections → Enrolled · 5 edits
MODERATE
The bill was completely rewritten to shift from regulating poll worker residency to creating a new crime called 'interference with the conduct of a religious assembly.' The new law criminalizes intimidating or obstructing people at places of worship and allows victims to sue for damages or seek civil penalties from the Attorney General.
Scope change
The bill's scope changed entirely from election administration to criminal law and civil remedies for religious freedom violations.
SCOPE

Created a new crime for interfering with religious assemblies, including intimidation by force or obstruction, and property damage at places of worship.

ENFORCEMENT

Established a civil cause of action allowing victims to sue for actual damages, punitive damages, and statutory damages of up to $5,000 per violation.

Authorized the Attorney General to pursue cases on behalf of victims and assess civil penalties ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on the severity of the violation.

ELIGIBILITY

Deleted all provisions regarding poll worker qualifications, specifically removing rules about residency and citizenship requirements for military members and their families.

DEFINITION

Added specific legal definitions for 'interfere with,' 'intimidate,' and 'physical obstruction' in the context of religious worship.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
19
Key actions
12
Committee
5
Mar 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Concurred with amendments in conference; Yea 106, Nay 14, Absent 5
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Motion to accede adopted; Sen. Mike Thompson, Sen. Tory Marie Blew and Sen. Oletha Faust Goudeau appointed as conferees
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Lower · Passed
Nonconcurred with amendments; Conference Committee requested; appointed Rep. Tom Kessler, Rep. Rebecca Schmoe and Rep. Heather Meyer
lower
Mar 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Final Action - Substitute passed; Yea 34, Nay 6
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee of the Whole - Substitute bill be passed
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted recommending substitute bill be passed
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Report recommending substitute bill be passed by Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs
upper
Feb 18, 2025
Committee
Referred to Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs
upper
Feb 17, 2025
Introduced
Received and Introduced
upper
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Emergency Final Action - Passed as amended; Yea 107, Nay 12, Absent 6
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Motion to advance to Emergency Final Action adopted
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee of the Whole - Be passed as amended
lower
Feb 14, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee of the Whole - Committee Report be adopted
lower
Feb 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by House Committee on Elections
lower
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
Referred to House Committee on Elections
lower
Jan 16, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.