HB 2186 requires Kansas school districts to adopt policies banning student use of personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during all school hours, including class time and passing periods, with limited exceptions for students with IEPs/504 plans, teacher-approved educational use, or health/emergency needs. It also mandates policies prohibiting students from accessing social media platforms on school-issued computers or devices. The bill directly affects all public school students and requires school boards to establish clear disciplinary consequences for violations. Key mechanisms include defining "privately owned devices" and "social media platforms" to ensure consistent implementation. The law takes effect upon publication in the statute book.
SB 76, the "Given Name Act," requires school district and postsecondary institution employees in Kansas to use a student's name and pronouns matching their biological sex and birth certificate, unless the student's parent provides written permission. It directly affects minor students (under 18) and protects employees who decline to use preferred names/pronouns without parental consent. The bill authorizes students or affected individuals to sue for violations, seeking injunctive relief, damages, or attorney fees. It does not apply to students over 18 or override parental rights regarding their child's name.
SB 164 prohibits Kansas public schools and colleges (including K-12 districts, community colleges, and state universities like Washburn) from discriminating based on religion or tolerating antisemitism. It allows individuals harmed by violations to file complaints with the attorney general, who can investigate using subpoenas and testimony, and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation. The bill explicitly excludes religious studies coursework from the prohibition and defines antisemitism using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s 2016 definition. Violations must be proven by a preponderance of evidence, with penalties deposited into the state general fund.
SB 2 validates the May 21, 2024 election results in Greeley County where voters approved a $4.6 million bond for school improvements. The bill specifically authorizes USD 200 school district to issue general obligation bonds for constructing, renovating, and equipping school facilities, including safety upgrades, playgrounds, gym additions, and ADA-compliant renovations. It confirms the election's validity for funding these projects, with bonds limited to $4.6 million to cover construction, equipment, and bond interest costs. This directly affects Greeley County's school district and its ability to proceed with the approved facility projects.
HB 2142 requires Kansas school districts to adopt an independent review process for bullying complaints in their anti-bullying policies. It directly affects students, parents, and staff who report bullying and believe a school administrator's handling was incorrect, unsatisfactory, or inadequate. The bill establishes that individuals can request a written independent review if they disagree with an initial investigation's findings or response. This review must be conducted by a neutral person, involving interviews and a review of written materials, and requires school staff to cooperate. The bill amends Kansas law to mandate this process as part of school districts' bullying prevention policies.
SB 49 requires Kansas school districts to conduct annual needs assessments for each school building, involving input from board members, teachers, school site councils, and administrators. These assessments must be published online and used by school boards when approving budgets to improve student academic performance. The bill also mandates that board members receive state assessment data showing student scores and document how budget allocations address barriers to students achieving proficiency goals. School budgets must explicitly identify how funds are allocated to meet these goals, with all related documents made publicly available online. This bill directly affects school board decision-making processes and budget transparency in Kansas public schools.
SB 78 requires all Kansas postsecondary educational institutions (including state schools, private colleges, community colleges, and independent non-profits) to regularly review and update their accreditation policies by December 31, 2025. It prohibits accrediting agencies from forcing institutions to violate Kansas state law, and allows institutions to sue such agencies for violations. The bill ensures institutions can pursue accreditation through recognized agencies without compromising state law compliance. It also mandates that institutions notify the legislature within 30 days if an accrediting agency violates this provision. This law directly affects how Kansas colleges and universities engage with external accreditation bodies.
HB 2102 allows military students to enroll in Kansas public schools before physically moving to the state. It directly affects military children whose parents or guardians will be stationed at a Kansas military base during the school year, requiring proof of the assignment. The bill amends Kansas law (72-3128) to permit advance enrollment for these students, treating them as residents for enrollment purposes. This removes barriers for military families during relocations by enabling schools to accept applications based on parental assignment, not physical residency. The bill replaces existing language in K.S.A. 72-3128 with these new enrollment provisions.
HB 2185 expands the Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance Act to allow current National Guard members to transfer unused tuition benefits to their dependents. It also broadens the EMERGE program to cover doctoral and professional degrees, not just master's degrees. The bill directly affects Kansas National Guard members and their dependents by increasing educational support options at Kansas educational institutions. Key mechanisms include amending eligibility rules to include dependents in the program and revising degree coverage under the EMERGE initiative. These changes aim to enhance educational opportunities for military families and support national guard readiness.
SB 114 allows students enrolled in nonpublic schools or virtual schools to participate in public school activities like sports, clubs, and events such as pep rallies or award ceremonies, provided they meet standard requirements (e.g., residency, fees, and academic eligibility). It explicitly prohibits school districts and the Kansas State High School Activities Association from denying participation based on whether a student attends a public, nonpublic, or virtual school. The bill amends existing law to include these students under the same eligibility rules as public school students, ensuring equal access to ancillary activities without requiring them to enroll in additional courses at the public school. This change directly affects nonpublic and virtual school students seeking to join public school programs.
