HB 2067 establishes a $200,000 grant program funded by the state general fund to provide feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) at no cost to students in qualifying Title I schools. The program targets public schools serving grades 5-12 that receive federal Title I funding, with grants distributed based on the number of female students in those grades. School districts must apply to participate, and funds reimburse schools for purchasing products and dispensers, which must be available in women’s restrooms and through school counselors/nurses. The grant fund is replenished annually with $200,000 starting July 1, 2026.
SB 270 changes the payment schedule for the Kansas Educator Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program. It requires grants covering tuition, fees, books, and materials to be issued twice yearly - specifically when payments are due - instead of the previous schedule. This directly affects education apprentices (future teachers) enrolled in participating schools, ensuring funds align with their billing cycles. The bill does not alter the $2,750 annual grant limit, eligibility, or program structure, only the timing of disbursements. The change aims to better match financial support with actual payment deadlines for apprentices.
SB 202 transfers all current and future teachers in Kansas from the KPERS 3 retirement plan (established in 2015) to the older KPERS 2 plan (established in 2009). It affects all teachers, including those currently enrolled in KPERS 3, with the transfer automatic on January 1, 2026, and new teachers hired on or after July 1, 2025, starting directly in KPERS 2. The bill ensures teachers retain all prior service credit and benefits under the new plan, with no reduction in benefits compared to their previous plan, and employer contributions will offset the administrative costs of the transfer.
HB 2202 requires Kansas postsecondary education institutions training future teachers to equip pre-service educators (those studying to become licensed teachers) in early childhood, elementary, secondary, and special education with specific knowledge about fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD). The bill mandates that these institutions teach trainees to recognize FASD signs and behaviors, understand its impacts on learning and behavior, and learn communication techniques for discussing suspected FASD with parents or guardians. This applies to all state universities, municipal universities, community colleges, and accredited private institutions in Kansas offering teacher preparation programs. The policy directly affects teacher training programs and future educators, aiming to improve support for children with FASD in schools.
HB 2361 abolishes Kansas's existing nursing scholarship program and replaces it with the "Kansas healthcare service scholarship program." The new program expands eligibility to include part-time students and adds allied health and health science programs to the list of qualifying educational paths, beyond the previous nursing-only focus. It transfers funds from the state general fund to support these expanded scholarship opportunities and amends multiple statutes to reflect the program's updated scope and structure. This change directly affects students pursuing healthcare education at eligible Kansas institutions, including community colleges, universities, and accredited programs.
HB 2320 allows children in Kansas's Department for Children and Families (DCF) custody to attend any school district, with two key options: they can enroll in the school district where they are placed or remain in their original school. The bill requires DCF to notify the relevant school district and transfer all school records within two business days of a placement change. If a child stays in their original school, the district must create a transportation plan. This applies to all children under DCF custody who might otherwise face enrollment barriers due to placement shifts.
SB 123 requires the state to reimburse Kansas school districts $0.40 per reduced-price meal served starting in the 2025-2026 school year, replacing a previous 6-cent rate. It directly prohibits local school boards from charging students for these meals, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for eligible families. The bill also bans using state funds for meals labeled as "identifiable imported meats." This policy change affects all Kansas public schools participating in federally approved reduced-price meal programs and shifts funding responsibility from local fees to state general funds.
SB 263 establishes standards for active shooter drills in Kansas public and accredited nonpublic K-12 schools. It requires drills to be trauma-informed, age-appropriate, and inclusive (including accommodations for students with disabilities), while banning drills that mimic real shootings. Schools must notify parents 24 hours in advance with opt-out options, provide alternative safety education for opted-out students, and conduct annual reviews of drill impacts on student and staff well-being. The bill also mandates annual evidence-based violence prevention training for grades 6-12 and prohibits active shooter simulations during school hours without specific parental consent for grades 9-12.
HB 2129 transfers all Kansas teachers from the KPERS 3 retirement plan (2015) to the KPERS 2 plan (2009). It defines "teacher" broadly to include certified school staff and college instructors, requiring all new teachers hired on or after July 1, 2025, to join KPERS 2 immediately. Existing teachers will automatically transfer to KPERS 2 on January 1, 2026, with all prior contributions and service credits preserved, and guaranteed benefits not reduced. The bill ensures no loss of rights or benefits during the transition, with employer contributions offsetting transfer costs. This affects all K-12 and community college teachers under KPERS.
SB 163 prohibits school districts from including clauses in employment contracts that exclude documentation of disciplinary or behavioral corrective actions taken against professional employees. The bill directly affects school districts and their professional employees (such as teachers and certified staff), requiring contracts to explicitly include such records. It amends Kansas law (K.S.A. 72-2218) to ensure these records cannot be omitted from employment agreements, promoting transparency in personnel documentation. The policy change applies specifically to professional employees, not administrative staff covered under separate definitions.
