Kansas Bills | MyRepTracker

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2638: Requiring that a child in custody of the secretary be provided information regarding the child's rights and the secretary maintain confirmation of the child's notification and understanding of such child's rights in child in need of care proceedings.

HB 2638 requires Kansas child welfare agencies to provide children in foster care with clear information about their rights under the existing "Foster Care Bill of Rights," including rights related to safety, education, family visits, and transitions out of care. The bill mandates that agencies document both the provision of this information and the child's written confirmation of understanding. This applies specifically to children under the custody of Kansas' Secretary for Children and Families and aims to ensure children actively comprehend their rights during court proceedings and case management. The requirement is added to existing law through amendments to K.S.A. 38-2201a.

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HCR 5023: Proposing to amend the constitution of the state of Kansas to provide that property tax exemptions be approved by the electors of the state.

This bill proposes to amend the Kansas Constitution to require voter approval for any property tax exemptions. If passed, the change would shift the authority currently held by the state legislature to the electorate, meaning voters would directly decide whether specific groups or properties receive tax breaks. The measure does not create new exemptions itself but establishes a new rule for how future exemptions must be approved. It directly affects Kansas voters, property owners, and local governments by altering the process for determining tax relief.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2661: Enacting the foreign adversaries out of higher education act to prohibit postsecondary educational institutions from accepting gifts, grants and other moneys from foreign adversaries and their affiliates, prohibiting certain foreign adversary affiliates from operating on campuses and providing training and education on such foreign adversaries and their affiliates.

HB 2661 prohibits Kansas postsecondary institutions from accepting gifts, grants, or other funding exceeding $100,000 from designated foreign adversaries (including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Qatar) or their affiliates. It also bans foreign adversary affiliates from operating on campuses and requires institutions to provide training about these entities. Any funds received in violation must be returned to the state, with proceeds deposited into a new "Foreign Adversaries Out of Higher Education Fund." The bill aims to protect academic independence and research security by restricting financial ties with governments identified as national security concerns.

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 453: Enacting the Kansas critical infrastructure protection act to prohibit access to state critical infrastructure by countries of concern and the acquisition of critical software and other technology used in state infrastructure from countries of concern.

SB 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.

Topics ✓ Technology

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 469: Enacting the safe and transparent arrest act to require all law enforcement agencies operating in Kansas to adopt a written policy regarding the use of facial coverings and prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a facial covering that conceals or obscures their facial identity in the performance of their duties except as expressly authorized by law.

SB 469 requires all Kansas law enforcement agencies to adopt and publicly post written policies by July 1, 2026, governing when officers may wear facial coverings that conceal their identity during duty. The law prohibits officers from wearing such coverings during routine activities (except in specific, limited circumstances like authorized undercover work, tactical safety needs, or medical use), and mandates that policies must prioritize transparency and public trust. Violations carry a class A misdemeanor penalty, and officers violating the law lose immunity from civil lawsuits, facing liability for damages (minimum $10,000) if they commit misconduct while concealing their identity. The bill directly affects all Kansas law enforcement officers and agencies, including federal officers operating within the state, and defines "facial covering" to exclude clear shields, medical masks, and safety gear.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2658: Enacting the safe and transparent arrest act to require all law enforcement agencies operating in Kansas to adopt a written policy regarding the use of facial coverings and prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing a facial covering that conceals or obscures their facial identity in the performance of their duties except as expressly authorized by law.

HB 2658, the "Safe and Transparent Arrest Act," requires all Kansas law enforcement agencies to adopt written policies by July 2026 governing when officers may wear facial coverings. The bill prohibits officers from wearing masks or gear that conceal their face during duties, except for specific, limited situations like undercover operations, tactical safety, medical use, or compliance with health regulations. Violations could lead to civil lawsuits seeking at least $10,000 in damages or a misdemeanor charge. The law directly affects Kansas law enforcement agencies and officers, aiming to increase transparency during police interactions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2623: Requiring the secretary of commerce and the secretary of wildlife and parks to jointly conduct a feasibility study regarding a potential state purchase of acorns resort and the designation of such location as a state park or the incorporation of such location into the existing Milford state park in Geary county.

HB 2623 requires Kansas' Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of Wildlife and Parks to jointly study whether the state should purchase Acorns Resort (near Milford Lake in Geary County) and convert it into a state park or add it to the existing Milford State Park. The study must assess tourism impact, infrastructure, and other factors, with a report due to the legislature and governor by the 2027 legislative session. This bill does not fund the purchase but establishes a process for evaluating the proposal. It directly affects Geary County tourism planning and future park management decisions.

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 479: Authorizing comprehensive wellness programs for the Kansas highway patrol and Kansas bureau of investigation, permitting law enforcement personnel of other state agencies to participate in such programs and making annual transfers from the state highway fund and the state general fund for the purpose of financing the implementation of such programs.

SB 479 authorizes the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Bureau of Investigation to create wellness programs for their officers and employees, focusing on mental health, physical fitness, relationships, and financial stability. It also allows certified law enforcement personnel from other state agencies to join these programs. The bill requires annual funding transfers: $350,000 from the state highway fund to the Highway Patrol and $150,000 from the state general fund to the KBI, starting July 1, 2026. These funds will directly support implementing the wellness initiatives for affected law enforcement personnel.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2611: Providing limitations and restrictions on releasing a person charged with a crime upon the person's own recognizance.

HB 2611 amends Kansas law to add stricter conditions for releasing people charged with crimes before trial, directly affecting individuals facing criminal charges in Kansas courts. The bill requires magistrates to impose a mandatory 72-hour no-contact rule with alleged victims for felony or misdemeanor cases, and limits "release on own recognizance" (without bail) to defendants with no prior felonies, no history of missing court appearances, and no pending probation violations. It also restricts cash bond options, allowing only 10% of the bond amount for certain low-level misdemeanor or drug cases meeting specific criteria, and prohibits administrative fees for pretrial supervision. These changes aim to balance public safety with pretrial release while clarifying magistrate discretion.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HR 6024: Urging the Kansas Turnpike Authority to waive tolls for vehicles displaying Kansas special license plates related to injury, loss of life or valor in active military service

This House Resolution urges the Kansas Turnpike Authority to waive tolls for personal vehicles displaying special license plates that recognize military service, injury, or valor. The bill specifically targets drivers holding plates for disabled veterans, prisoners of war, Purple Hearts, Medal of Honor recipients, and other qualifying military honors. It proposes that the Turnpike Authority modify its existing cashless tolling system to automatically exempt these vehicles from fees. The resolution cites similar toll exemption laws in Oklahoma, California, and Texas as examples of other states providing such benefits to veterans.

Topics ✓ Veterans

died · Kansas · House Apr 10, 2026

HB 2632: Increasing the household income and appraised value thresholds for eligibility of seniors and disabled veterans.

HB 2632 raises eligibility thresholds for Kansas seniors (65+) and disabled veterans to qualify for property tax refunds. It increases the household income limit from $50,000 to $75,000 and the homestead appraised value limit from $350,000 to $500,000 for tax years starting in 2026. The bill also adds an automatic cost-of-living adjustment to the income threshold each year. This change directly affects more Kansas residents aged 65+ or disabled veterans who previously earned too much or owned homes exceeding the old value limits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

died · Kansas · Senate Apr 10, 2026

SB 442: Increasing the criminal penalties for exposing another to a communicable disease and modifying the elements of such crime to include otherwise lawful or unlawful sexual intercourse or sodomy.

SB 442 amends Kansas law to expand the criminal offense of exposing others to a life-threatening communicable disease. It specifically makes it illegal to engage in sexual intercourse or sodomy (with intent to expose), sell/donate blood or body fluids, or share needles with the intent to transmit such a disease - regardless of whether the sexual act is lawful or unlawful. Violating this law is now a severity level 7 felony, increasing penalties from the previous classification. The bill directly affects individuals who knowingly expose others through these specific actions, aiming to strengthen legal protections against disease transmission.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice