This House Resolution condemns the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its affiliated agencies, asserting state sovereignty against federal overreach. It calls for transparency and accountability, honoring those who have died due to ICE enforcement actions or custody. The resolution highlights concerns about violent, militarized tactics, warrantless entries, and systemic deficiencies in training and oversight that have led to injuries and deaths. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of disapproval and a demand for reform.
This bill proposes adding a new section to the Kansas Constitution to establish a legal right for adults to possess and use cannabis. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, it would grant adults the ability to hold and consume cannabis while allowing the government to enforce reasonable laws that protect public health, safety, and general welfare. The measure would be placed on the ballot for a public vote in November 2026, where a "yes" vote would enshrine this right in the state constitution.
This Senate concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Congress to double fines for breaking federal immigration laws and asks Immigration and Customs Enforcement to more aggressively prosecute companies that hire undocumented workers. The bill directly addresses employers who hire unauthorized immigrants and federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, citing concerns that current penalties are too weak to deter hiring practices that allegedly harm American workers. Because this is a non-binding resolution rather than a law, it expresses the Kansas Senate's formal recommendation to federal officials without creating new legal obligations or changing existing statutes. The document highlights past statistics showing that ICE has rarely used criminal prosecution against employers compared to its focus on individuals entering the country illegally.
This concurrent resolution urges the Governor of Kansas to fully cooperate with the Trump administration on enforcing federal immigration laws. The bill specifically encourages the state to assist in border security efforts, including the potential deployment of the Kansas National Guard, and supports the deportation of undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. It frames this cooperation as a bipartisan necessity to protect public safety and resources while also affirming support for a legal immigration system. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies to the Governor, federal officials, and members of Congress to promote collaboration on these issues.
This bill proposes adding a new section to the Kansas Constitution that would guarantee the public's right to possess and use cannabis for medical purposes. The amendment includes a clause allowing reasonable laws and regulations to protect public health, safety, and general welfare. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters in the 2026 general election, it would legally enshrine medical cannabis rights at the state level.
This bill prohibits drivers from using mobile phones without hands-free devices while operating vehicles in school zones or construction zones where workers are present. It applies to all drivers except law enforcement and emergency personnel, those safely stopped, or those using hands-free equipment. The law includes exceptions for reporting crimes, preventing injuries, summoning emergency help, and certain professional communications. Violations will result in warning citations that expire on July 1, 2027, and police cannot confiscate phones without consent except under specific legal conditions.
This Kansas bill clarifies which individuals must undergo criminal history record checks and specifies that the Department for Aging and Disability Services will receive the results of these checks. It authorizes the department to require fingerprinting and background checks for anyone applying for or employed in positions involving direct access to vulnerable adults or children. The bill establishes strict employment prohibitions for individuals convicted of serious offenses such as murder, sexual crimes against children, elder mistreatment, and various fraud or drug-related felonies, with some restrictions lasting indefinitely and others applying within six years of completing a sentence. Applicants or employees must pay a reasonable fee for each criminal history record check, and the department may grant waivers for employment in specific cases.
HB 2681 creates a dedicated fund within the Kansas Department of Corrections to support mental health and wellness programs for corrections officers and staff. It transfers $500,000 from the state general fund starting July 1, 2026, with additional annual funding possible through future appropriations. The fund covers peer support training, crisis intervention services, suicide prevention resources, and related operational costs, directly benefiting corrections employees. Annual reports on fund usage and program effectiveness must be submitted to the governor and legislature.
HB 2697 makes it a crime to possess, with intent to steal, computer programs, software, or devices designed to operate vehicle locks without keys, copy vehicle information, or interfere with vehicle functions. This directly affects individuals attempting to steal vehicles using digital tools, while exempting legitimate professionals like dealers, locksmiths, law enforcement, and auto repair businesses. The bill expands existing law - which previously targeted physical theft-detection shielding devices - to cover digital methods used in modern car theft. It does not change penalties for other theft-related offenses but specifically targets the digital tools enabling keyless vehicle theft.
This bill amends Kansas law to allow municipal court services agencies to issue identification certificates to individuals under their probation supervision. These certificates can now be used as valid proof of identity when replacing a lost or damaged driver's license. Previously, only certificates from the Department of Corrections were accepted for this purpose. The change directly affects people on probation in Kansas who need to renew or replace their driver's licenses.
