Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | February 10, 2025
Week 5 – Legislators Sharpening Focus on Economy
Lawmakers are shaping the state’s future through debates on taxes, wages, property appraisals, and government authority. Republicans are pushing for tax cuts and deregulation, while Democrats advocate for higher wages and stronger public programs. As businesses seek economic incentives and lawmakers weigh economic policies, their decisions will have lasting effects on the economy and governance of Kansas.
Dueling Proposals From National Parties
Kansas Republican lawmakers announced on Feb. 3 plans to exempt tips from state income tax, aligning with a federal proposal backed by President Donald Trump. Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) and U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) argued the change would provide financial relief for service workers with minimal impact on state revenue.
Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker) estimated the proposal could cost Kansas between $4 million and $10 million annually. U.S. Sen. Marshall, supporting a federal version with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), said the move is part of a broader effort to extend Trump-era tax cuts.
Two days later, on Feb. 5, Kansas Democrats, led by Governor Laura Kelly, responded with a plan to raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour, up from $7.25, and increase the base wage for tipped workers to $7.50. They argue that higher wages offer more meaningful relief than tax exemptions.
Sen. Masterson dismissed the wage hike as a “big government” policy that could hurt businesses. Economists warn tax-free tips could encourage wage reclassification, complicating revenue forecasts.
This debate underscores Kansas’ ongoing effort to mirror federal economic policies, shaping the state’s fiscal future.
Film Tax Breaks Back
Kansas lawmakers are renewing efforts to attract filmmakers with tax incentives, but the proposal faces hurdles. The House Committee on Taxation reviewed House Bill 2038, which offers production companies up to $10 million annually in tax credits, covering 30% of production and postproduction costs.
With property tax relief as the Legislature’s priority, the bill’s future is uncertain. Committee Chair Representative Adam Smith (R-Weskan) voiced skepticism, as well as Vice Chair Rep. Carl Turner (R-Leawood), who cited studies showing limited economic benefits from similar programs.
Filmmaker Kristen “Kiki” Bush urged action, warning that Kansas is losing creative talent. Justin Rorabough of Wichita State echoed Bush's concerns, noting graduates leave for better opportunities. Without incentives, Bush said, future film projects in Kansas are unlikely.
Costs Questioned on Tax Incentives
On Feb. 4, the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee reviewed a Legislative Post Audit report, raising concerns about the cost and oversight of economic incentives, including the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP) and state housing tax credits.
The audit found HPIP generates $2.91 in economic activity per $1 in foregone tax revenue but returns only 35 cents to the state. Lawmakers questioned the lack of reporting on exempted sales tax and the program’s 16-year carry-forward provision.
Discussion on housing tax credits focused on rising costs, with no cap in place. Chair Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker) noted a House proposal to repeal the affordable housing tax credit, signaling growing legislative scrutiny and potential reforms ahead.
Senate Approves Appraisal Cap, House Goes Own Way
The Kansas Senate approved a constitutional amendment Thursday to cap annual property appraisal increases at 3% for tax purposes, clearing the chamber with a 28-11 vote. Two Democrats backed the measure, while five Republicans opposed it.
Proponents say the cap will rein in rising property taxes, but critics warn it could create inequities in property values and hinder local government revenue. The amendment’s future in the House remains unclear, as lawmakers there have expressed reservations about its long-term effects.
House Republicans are considering an alternative approach that would base appraisal increases on a multi-year average rather than a fixed cap. Supporters of the House plan argue that this method would better account for market fluctuations while maintaining stability for taxpayers.
Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover) acknowledged the House’s interest in addressing rising valuations but questioned whether an averaging formula would provide enough protection for property owners.
The amendment, if approved by the Legislature, would go before voters in November.
Lawmakers Move to Curb Health Powers
The Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee reviewed two bills this week aimed at restricting public health officials’ authority, reigniting debates over personal freedoms, public safety, and business rights.
Senate Bill 19, the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, would bar discrimination against individuals who decline medical interventions and revoke the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) quarantine authority. Supporters, including parents and advocacy groups, argue it protects personal choice. Opponents, including health officials and education leaders, warn it could weaken herd immunity and increase disease outbreaks. The Kansas Chamber of Commerce also opposes the bill, arguing it limits businesses’ ability to enforce workplace safety policies.
Senate Bill 29 seeks to further curb state and local health officials’ authority, preventing them from ordering quarantines and removing schools’ obligation to report infectious diseases. Supporters, frustrated by pandemic-era restrictions, say it reins in government overreach. Melissa Campbell, a frequent advocate of similar measures, criticized KDHE as “full of unelected bureaucrats.” Public health officials counter that limiting their authority could undermine disease prevention and public health safeguards.
Despite strong testimony on both sides, lawmakers took no action on either bill this week.
Calendar of Activity February 10-14
***This is the last week for bills to be heard in House and Senate non-exempt Committees.***
Monday, February 10
- House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee
- Hearing on HB 2291 — Creating the Regulatory Relief Division within the Office of the Attorney General and establishing the General Regulatory Sandbox Program to waive or suspend rules and regulations for program participants.
- Hearing on HB 2304 — Requiring local governments to report certain local economic development incentive program information to the Secretary of Commerce, defining such programs, requiring the Secretary of Commerce to post such information on the economic development incentive program database maintained by the Secretary and requiring certain search result presentation and report formats.
- House Transportation Committee
- Hearing on HB 2222 — Requiring ignition interlock device manufacturers to pay fees to the state for the administration of the ignition interlock program.
- House Agriculture Committee
- Hearing on HB 2172 — Establishing the Water Program Task Force to evaluate the state's water program and funding for such program and requiring a report thereon to the legislature and the governor.
- House Insurance Committee
- Hearing on HB 2246 — Enacting the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act.
- House Taxation Committee
- Hearing on SB 10 — Providing property tax exemptions for certain personal property including watercraft, marine equipment, off-road vehicles, motorized bicycles, and certain trailers.
- Hearing on HB 2208 — Establishing the Endow Kansas Tax Credit Act to provide tax credits for endowment gifts to certain endowment funds held by qualified community foundations.
- Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
- Hearing on SB 121 — Authorizing the Commissioner of Insurance to select and announce the version of certain instructions, calculations, and documents in effect for the upcoming calendar year and cause such announcement to be published in the Kansas Register, allowing certain life insurers to follow health financial reports and adopting certain provisions from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Holding Company System Regulatory Act relating to group capital calculations and liquidity stress testing.
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on SB 54 — Limiting discovery and disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements in certain circumstances and requiring reporting of such agreements to the Judicial Council for study.
- Senate Commerce Committee
- Senate Education Committee
- Hearing on SB 76 — Requiring employees of school districts and postsecondary educational institutions to use the name and pronouns consistent with a student's biological sex and birth certificate and authorizing a cause of action for violations therefore.
Tuesday, February 11
- House Appropriations Committee
- Amending and debating HB 2007 — Making and concerning appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, for state agencies; authorizing certain transfers, capital improvement projects, and fees, imposing certain restrictions and limitations and directing or authorizing certain receipts, disbursements, procedures and acts incidental to the foregoing; amending K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 2-223, 12- 1775a, 12-5256, 65-180, 74-50,107, 74-99b34, 76-775, 76-7,107, 79- 3425i, 79-34,171 and 82a-955 and repealing the existing sections.
- House Federal and State Affairs Committee
- Hearing on HB 2094 — Authorizing the sale of electronic cigarettes in cigarette vending machines.
- House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications
- Hearing on HB 2107 — Providing for claims to recover damages from fire events caused by electric public utilities, specifying recovery for such damages, and requiring the Kansas Corporation Commission to provide training on wildfire risk and mitigation.
- House Veterans and Military Committee
- Hearing on HB 2256 — Directing the governor to create and award the Order of the Sunflower to recognize military spouses' service to their communities.
- House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee
- Presentation — Economic Development Initiatives Fund.
- House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee
- Hearing on HB 2343 — Creating the No-impact Home-based Business Fairness Act, supporting the development and growth of such businesses by limiting the regulatory power of municipalities.
- House Education Committee
- Hearing on HB 2299 — Prohibiting discriminatory practices on the basis of religion at public educational institutions and authorizing the Attorney General to investigate violations and assess civil penalties under the Kansas Act Against Discrimination.
- House Welfare Reform Committee
- Hearing on HB 2240 — Requiring legislative approval of any Medicaid state plan, state plan amendment, demonstration, or waiver that expands coverage or increases cost to the state.
- House Agriculture Committee
- Presentation — The role of railroads in Kansas agriculture.
- Hearing on HB 2095 — Establishing a pump installation contractor license and requiring additional examination, qualification, and record-keeping requirements for licensed pump installation contractors and water well contractors.
- House Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on HB 2348 — Providing that tenure at postsecondary educational institutions shall not be defined, awarded, or recognized as an entitlement, right, or property interest in a faculty member's current, ongoing, or future employment by an institution.
- Hearing on HB 2371 — Amending the Kansas Revised Limited Liability Company Act, the Business Entity Transactions Act and the Business Entity Standard Treatment Act.
- House Elections Committee
- Informational hearing on SB 4 — Requiring the return of advance voting ballots by 7:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
- Senate Agriculture Committee
- Hearing on SB 184 — Amending the Kansas Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Act to modify the penalties for violations of the act, the required deductible rate for corrective actions, the environmental surcharge rate, the solvent fee, and the delinquency penalty related to environmental surcharges and solvent fees.
- Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee
- Hearing on SB 88 — Requiring the state long-term care ombudsman and regional ombudsman to receive training in memory care.
- Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee
- Briefing — TIF district audit, Legislative Division of Post Audit.
- Briefing — Industrial revenue bonds, Legislative Division of Post Audit.
- Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
- Hearing on SB 139 — Updating certain definitions, terms, and conditions relating to the State Banking Code.
- Senate Utilities Committee
- Hearing on SB 167 — Prohibiting electric public utilities from recovering from ratepayers the costs associated with electric vehicle charging stations and requiring electric public utilities to establish electric vehicle charging service rate schedules.
Wednesday, February 12
- House Appropriations Committee
- Amending and debating HB 2007 — Making and concerning appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, for state agencies; authorizing certain transfers, capital improvement projects and fees, imposing certain restrictions and limitations and directing or authorizing certain receipts, disbursements, procedures and acts incidental to the foregoing; amending K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 2-223, 12- 1775a, 12-5256, 65-180, 74-50,107, 74-99b34, 76-775, 76-7,107, 79- 3425i, 79-34,171 and 82a-955 and repealing the existing sections.
- House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee
- Hearing on HB 2235 — Updating provisions of the Technology-enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Act by making the act part of the State Banking Code, adjusting and providing certain definitions, reducing the TEFFI charter application fee, authorizing the issuance of certificates and trust certificates, providing for the supervision of TEFFIs by the State Bank Commissioner and including Kansas nonprofit corporations as qualified charities for the TEFFI income tax credit.
- House Legislative Modernization Committee
- Presentation on — Kansas judiciary update.
- House Local Government Committee
- Hearing on HB 2160 — Enacting the Municipal Employee Whistleblower Act to provide statutory protections for municipal employees who report or disclose unlawful or dangerous conduct.
- House Higher Education Budget Committee
- Hearing on HB 2248 — Establishing the Kansas Nursing Initiative Grant Program and authorizing the state Board of Regents to approve need-based or competitive grants for the expansion of nursing faculty, laboratory supplies, and tools for student success at postsecondary educational institutions.
- House Agriculture Committee
- Hearing on HB 2174 — Enacting the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act to provide financial assistance to lawyers and law students who practice law in rural areas.
- Senate Transportation Committee
- Hearing on SB 98 — Providing for the Route 66 Association of Kansas distinctive license plate.
- Senate Financial Institutions Committee
- Hearing on SB 42 — Providing for the establishment of an online insurance verification system for the verification of evidence of motor vehicle liability insurance.
- Senate Government Efficiency Committee
- Hearing on SB 99 — Requiring the head of each state agency to certify the number of full-time positions paid from the state general fund that have been vacant for more than 180 calendar days and the Secretary of Administration to abolish such positions and lapsing state general fund appropriations for such positions for fiscal year 2026. Topic concerning the Return to Work Act.
- Senate Local Government, Transparency and Ethics Committee
- Hearing on SB 66 — Requiring certain local governmental officials to disclose substantial interests in the construction and operation of major development projects and to abstain from voting on governmental actions relating to such matters.
- Senate Utilities Committee
- Hearing on SB 170 — Authorizing the Kansas Corporation Commission to make recommendations regarding energy-efficiency standards for buildings.
Thursday, February 13
- House Appropriations Committee
- Amending and debating HB 2007 — Making and concerning appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, for state agencies; authorizing certain transfers, capital improvement projects and fees, imposing certain restrictions and limitations and directing or authorizing certain receipts, disbursements, procedures and acts incidental to the foregoing; amending K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 2-223, 12- 1775a, 12-5256, 65-180, 74-50,107, 74-99b34, 76-775, 76-7,107, 79- 3425i, 79-34,171 and 82a-955 and repealing the existing sections.
- House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee
- Final action on HB 2107 — Providing for claims to recover damages from fire events caused by electric public utilities, specifying recovery for such damages, and requiring the Kansas Corporation Commission to provide training on wildfire risk and mitigation.
- House Federal and State Affairs Committee
- Hearing on SCR 1602 — Encouraging the governor to fully cooperate with federal enforcement of immigration laws.
- House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee
- Hearing on HB 2239 — Requiring every employer to provide each employee with meal periods and rest periods.
- House Health and Human Services Committee
- House Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on HB 2242 — Authorizing the governor to accept requests of concurrent jurisdiction from the federal government in certain circumstances.
- House K-12 Budget Committee
- Hearing on HB 2320 — Authorizing children in the custody of the Secretary of the Department for Children and Families to attend school in any school district, requiring records for such students to be timely transferred between school districts, and requiring a transportation plan if the child remains in the school of origin.
- Senate Local Government, Transparency and Ethics Committee
- Hearing on SB 120 — Enacting the Municipal Employee Whistleblower Act to provide statutory protections for municipal employees who report or disclose unlawful or dangerous conduct.
- Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee
- Final action on SB 105 — Requiring the governor to appoint a person to fill vacancies in the offices of United States Senator, Kansas Treasurer, and Commissioner of Insurance from a list of names approved by the legislature.
Bill Introductions
SENATE BILLS
Agriculture
SB 235: Pesticides. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources chaired by Sen. Virgil Peck (R-Havana), would make it unlawful to sell, offer for sale, use, or distribute seeds coated with a pesticide that contains a neonicotinoid unless otherwise ordered by the governor under certain conditions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Banking, Financial Institutions and Insurance
SB 139: Banks and Trust Companies/State Banking Code. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), would update certain definitions, terms, and conditions therein; would specify that certain hearings be held in accordance with the Kansas Administrative Procedure Act; would update certain internal references; would require immediate notification of changes in board members; would specify that the charter of certain banks is deemed void on the effective date of a merger; and would establish conditions under which it would be lawful to engage in banking without first obtaining authority from the commissioner.
SB 147: Insurance/Automobile Liability Insurance. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), would modify uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage liability limitations for bodily injury or death. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance.
Campaign Finance & Elections
SB 136: Campaign Finance. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park), would limit contributions to $5,000 per year to political committees that are made for the purpose of independent expenditures; and would require accounting, reporting, and auditing of such contributions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee).
SB 177: Elections/Campaign Contribution Limits. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would increase the limits on certain campaign contributions; would provide for automatic increases in such limits based on the consumer price index; and would eliminate such limits on contributions to or by party committee. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
SB 231: Elections/Advance Voting Ballot Applications. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would modify the requirements for soliciting registered voters to submit such applications. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
Environment
SB 176: Indoor Clear Air Act. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would prohibit smoking on the gaming floor of a lottery gaming facility or racetrack gaming facility; and would amend the definition of smoking to include the use of an electronic cigarette and smoking of marijuana. This bill is parallel to HB 2252 and has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
SB 184: Drycleaner Environmental Response Act. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources chaired by Sen. Virgil Peck (R-Havana), would amend the Drycleaner Environmental Response Act to change the penalties for violations thereof; would modify the deductible rate for corrective actions, the environmental surcharge rate, and the solvent fee; and would update the delinquency penalty related to environmental surcharges and solvent fees. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Judiciary
SB 141: Civil Actions/Defamation. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park), would enact the Right to Speak Your Truth Act, which would prohibit defamation claims by a person who is the subject of a reported accusation of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, or sexual harassment under certain circumstances. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood).
SB 160: Attorney General/Duties and Responsibilities. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would grant the Attorney General concurrent authority with any county or district attorney to prosecute crimes related to elementary and secondary education. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood).
SB 203: Notices to Appear/Witnesses. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would authorize a show cause notice to be issued for an unavailable witness or a material witness. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
SB 214: Attorneys at Law/Rural Communities. This bill, requested by the Kansas Supreme Court and sponsored by the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), would enact the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas Act; would provide financial assistance to attorneys and law students who practice law in rural areas of the state; and would establish the Attorney Training Program for Rural Kansas fund. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
SB 221: Judicial Council. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would change the membership of the Judicial Council from four resident lawyers to one resident lawyer from each congressional district. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
SB 222: State Agencies/Statutory Interpretation. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would prohibit deference to the agency’s interpretation by a state court or officer hearing an administrative action. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
SB 240: Fraudulent Insurance Acts. This bill, requested by the Kansas Insurance Department and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would establish procedures for a civil action instituted by the commissioner of insurance and authorizing civil penalties, restitution, and other relief; would provide that expunged criminal records will be disclosed in any application for licensure as an insurance producer or public adjuster if the arrest, conviction, or diversion is for a fraudulent insurance act; and would include automobile assigned claims plans in provisions related to fraudulent insurance acts. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
SB 241: Restraint of Trade/Employment Restrictive Covenants. This bill, requested by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would provide that certain restrictive covenants related to employer and employee relationships are not considered a restraint of trade and shall be enforceable.
SB 242: Contingent Fee Contracts for Legal Services/Political Subdivision. This bill, requested by the Office of the Attorney General and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would require an open meeting before a political subdivision may approve a contingent fee contract for legal services; and would require the attorney general to approve such contract before it becomes effective. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Labor and Employment
SB 153: Paid Prenatal Personal Leave Act. This bill, introduced by Sen. Patrick Schmidt (D-Topeka), would establish the Paid Prenatal Personal Leave Act, which would require employers to provide paid prenatal personal leave. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).
SB 166: State Employees/Competitive Careers Act. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield), would remove the postsecondary degree requirements from state employment considerations. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce.
SB 196: Prohibition Against Employment of Unauthorized Aliens by Business Entities and Public Employers. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would prohibit the employment of unauthorized aliens by business entities and public employers; would require the use and registration of the E-Verify Program; and would prohibit the deduction of certain wages and remuneration to unauthorized aliens. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
SB 216: Labor and Employment/Paid Sick Leave. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Ethan Corson (D-Prairie Village) and others, would establish the Kansas Paid Sick Time Act; would require earned paid sick time to be compensated at the same hourly rate and benefits as normally earned; detailing the accrual of earned paid sick time, with different limits based on the size of the employer; would allow carryover of up to 80 hours of unused paid sick time or payment for unused time at year-end; would require employers to provide employees with written notice regarding earned paid sick time; would mandate that earned paid sick time be available for various health-related and safety-related reasons; would prohibit employers from requiring employees to find replacement workers when using paid sick time; would allow employers to require reasonable documentation for earned paid sick time used for three or more consecutive days; would make it unlawful for employers to retaliate against employees exercising rights under the Act; would grant employees the right to bring civil action for violations; would ensure confidentiality of health and safety information; would affirm that the Act does not apply to employees under a collective bargaining agreement until such agreement's expiration; and would affirm that the Act provides minimum requirements and does not preempt greater benefits than provided by this Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).
SB 229: Labor and Employment/Occupational Licensing. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield), would provide for the termination of current and new occupational licensing requirements adopted by an agency or enacted by the legislature after a period of five years unless extended by a joint resolution of the legislature; would require that adoption of new occupational licensing requirements by a state agency be approved by joint resolution of the legislature; would provide for notice to agencies and the legislature of termination dates by the revisor of statutes and the secretary of state; and would specify a procedure for legislative review of occupational licensing requirements by certain committees. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Law Enforcement
SB 178: Law Enforcement Agencies/Enforcement of Immigration Laws. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would require certain law enforcement agencies to apply for and enter into agreements with United States immigration and customs enforcement; and would provide a cause of action and penalties for failure to comply. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
Local Government
SB 144: Real Property. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park), would declare restrictive covenants that limit or prohibit the installation of solar panels on the rooftops of residential property to be void and unenforceable; and would allow homeowner associations to adopt reasonable rules concerning solar panels that do not prohibit rooftop installation. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government, Transparency, and Ethics chaired by Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia).Public Health & Welfare
SB 207: Child Care/Department of Administration, the Children’s Cabinet, and the Department of Health and Environment. This bill, requested for introduction by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado) and sponsored by the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), would establish a pilot program to provide health services to child care providers; would make telehealth consultation services available to eligible child care providers; would provide up to $100 per month in reimbursements for prescription medication costs to child care providers accepted into the Health Services Program; would prohibit cities, counties, or other political subdivisions from regulating licensed child care providers more strictly than state law; would require the Department of Health and Environment to provide a list of licensed child care providers to any city, county or other political subdivision upon request; would provide any licensed in-home or group-home child care providers that receive a lower tier of reimbursement under The Child and Adult Care Food Program to be matched with the top tier of funding that is otherwise made available to other providers under the program; would develop and provide free orientation and training programs and training materials to child care providers and licensees; would allow orientation and training to count as continuing education hours; and would require the department and the Kansas Children's Cabinet to develop a training reimbursement program. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Public Health and Welfare chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora).
SB 212: Health and Healthcare/Prescription Drug Cost. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa), would enact the Prescription Drug Cost and Affordability Review Act; and would establish the Prescription Drugs Pricing Board and Prescription Drug Affordability Stakeholder Council to review the cost of prescription medications and establish upper payment limits for certain prescription drug products. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka).
SB 234: Medical Technology. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would prohibit medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencers or operational software used for genetic analysis that is produced in or by a foreign adversary. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
Public Utilities
SB 167: Electric Public Utilities/Electric Vehicle Charging Services. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado), would prohibit electric public utilities from recovering from ratepayers the costs associated with electric vehicle charging stations; would require electric public utilities that provide electric vehicle charging services to offer such services under a nonregulated private enterprise and on an equitable and nondiscriminatory basis just as such utility offers to private entities providing such services; and would require electric public utilities to establish electric vehicle charging rate schedules for the provision of electric vehicle charging services by private entities. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities.
SB 169: Residential Rentals and Leases/Mobile Home Parks Residential Landlord Tenant Act. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado), would prohibit landlords from limiting a tenant’s access to communication video services. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities.
SB 170: Corporation Commission/Energy Efficiency Standards. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado), would authorize the Corporation Commission to make recommendations regarding energy efficiency standards for residential, commercial, and industrial structures. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities.
SB 171: Department of Health and Environment/Radiation Protection and Control. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado), would authorize the Secretary of Health and Environment to license nuclear fusion systems; would establish such licensure fee; and would authorize the secretary to impose late fees for any expired radiation protection and control license. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities.
SB 173: Energy/Development of Certain Wind and Solar Electric Generation. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would establish requirements for the conveyance of leases and easements relating thereto; and would require a county to approve the development of a commercial wind or solar energy facility before the conveyance of any such lease or easement. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Faff (R-El Dorado).
SB 233: Energy/Commercial Wind and Solar Energy Facilities. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would establish requirements for the decommissioning of such facilities; would require a county to enter into a decommissioning agreement with a facility owner prior to the construction of any such facility; would require the facility owner to provide financial assurance in an amount sufficient to cover the costs of decommissioning; and would require decommissioning costs to be paid by affected landowners under certain circumstances. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado).
Taxation
SB 148: Sales Taxation/Taxation of Services. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would exclude from taxation the service of installing or applying tangible personal property for the reconstruction, restoration, remodeling, renovation, repair, or replacement of a building or facility. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 152: Property Tax/Valuation Appeals. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would establish an appeal process to the Board of County Commissioners for certain residential and commercial real property; and would provide for the purchase of such property by the county under certain conditions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 179: Income Tax/Tax Credits. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa) and Sen. Chase Blasi (R-Wichita), would establish a child tax credit. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker).
SB 190: Property Tax/Real Estate Bid Off by the County for Delinquent Taxes and Special Assessments. This bill, sponsored by Sen. David Haley (D-Kansas City), would provide that payment of special assessments for years other than the year being redeemed is not required for purposes of partial redemption of homesteads. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker).
SB 195: Property Tax. This bill, introduced by Sen. Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa) and others, would establish the Property Tax Task Force that will study the property tax system in Kansas and develop recommendations and suggest improvements to law. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker).
SB 197: STAR Bonds Financing Act. This bill, requested by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield) and sponsored by the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley, would extend the expiration date of the STAR Bonds Financing Act to July 1, 2030. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce.
SB 224: Income Taxation/Credits. This bill, requested by LeadingAge Kansas and sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would provide for the Preceptor Income Tax Incentive Act; would establish a credit for nursing home administrators, registered nurses and registered dietitians that serve as a community-based faculty preceptor in adult care homes and medical care facilities by providing personalized instruction, training and supervision for students. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 225: Property Taxation/Homesteads. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would require counties to purchase homesteads at the appraised values set by the county appraisers upon applications made by the owners under certain conditions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 226: Income Taxation/Deductions. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would allow a Kansas itemized deduction for certain losses from wagering transactions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 227: Economic Development/Tax Credit for Restoration and Preservation of Historic Structures. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield), would provide for different tax credit percentages based on city populations of more than 50,000 or 50,000 or less and the amount of expenditures. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Transportation
SB 230: Driver’s License/Division of Vehicles. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Sen. Mike Peterson (R-Wichita), would permit the division of vehicles to establish or contract with an entity to issue digital proof of driver's licenses and digital proof of identification; would regulate the use thereof; and would provide fees on such digital proof of driver's license and identification cards. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Veterans
SB 200: Purple Heart Awards. This bill, sponsored by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield) and others, would designate Kansas as a Purple Heart state; and would require the governor to declare Aug. 7 each year as Purple Heart Day. This bill has been referred to the Select Committee on Veterans Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee).
Senate Concurrent Resolutions
SCR 1610: Kansas Constitutional Amendment/Right to Bear Arms. This concurrent resolution, sponsored by Sen. J.R. Claeys (R-Salina) and others, would propose to amend Section 4 of the Bill of Rights of the Kansas Constitution to recognize the right to bear arms as a natural and fundamental right; to clarify that such right includes the possession and use of ammunition, firearm accessories, and firearm components; to make restrictions on such right subject to the strict scrutiny standard. This concurrent resolution has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee).
HOUSE BILLS
Agriculture
HB 2254: Financial Accounts Used to Hold and Disburse Milk Producer Funds. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources chaired by Rep. Ken Rahjes (R-Agra), would define milk producer to include any cooperative association that sells or markets milk on behalf of members; would require milk processors to hold payments in trust for milk producers until full payment is received, with funds in escrow considered held in trust; would allow milk producers to require escrow accounts for payments, with specific conditions for deposits and account management; would specify that funds in trust or escrow are the property of the milk producer; exempting milk processors from escrow or trust requirements if certain conditions are not met; would prohibit milk processors from purchasing raw milk without compliance with federal milk marketing orders and agreed provisions; would hold milk processors liable for unpaid raw milk, and would include purchase price, interest, and attorney fees. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and will be heard Wed., Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m.
Banking/Financial Institutions & Pensions.
HB 2235: Financial Institutions/Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita), would make the Technology-Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Act part of the banking code; would define certain terms; would reduce the fiduciary financial institution charter application fee; would provide due dates for reports to the office of the state bank commissioner; would exempt fiduciary financial institutions from certain records retention requirements; would authorize the issuance of certificates and trust certificates; would provide for the supervision of fiduciary financial institutions by the bank commissioner; and would including Kansas nonprofit corporations as qualified charities for purposes of the fiduciary financial institution income tax credit and will be heard Wed., Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2281: Public Moneys. This bill, requested by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita) on behalf of the 2024 Special Committee on Centralized Pooled Collateral and PMIB Modernization and sponsored by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel, would establish the Kanbucks program; would authorize the state treasurer to invest in linked deposits with eligible financial institutions to provide linked deposit loans to eligible borrowers; abolishing the Kansas Agricultural Production Loan Deposit Program, the Kansas Housing Loan Deposit Program, the Extraordinary Utility Costs Loan Deposit Program, the Kansas Economic Recovery Loan Deposit Program, and the City Utility Low-Interest Loan Program; and would provide for the continuation of existing linked deposit loans. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions.
Education
HB 2202: Postsecondary Education/Board of Regents. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on K-12 Education Budget chaired by Rep. Jason W. Goetz (R-Dodge City), would require post-secondary educational institutions to equip certain pre-service teachers with essential knowledge and skills to support children affected by fetal alcohol syndrome disorder. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita).
HB 2141: Education/School Districts. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita), would require policies allowing parents to object to educational materials and activities that are not included in approved curriculum or standards or that impair a parent's beliefs, values, or principles. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
HB 2176: Education/State High School Activities Association. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita), would require the Kansas High School Activities Association to use a multiplier factor to adjust a private school's student attendance for purposes of classification of such school. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
HB 2299: Discrimination/Public Educational Institutions. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita), would prohibit discriminatory practices at public educational institutions; would authorize the attorney general to investigate and assess penalties; and would authorize the Human Rights Commission to refer complaints to the attorney general for investigation and initiation of legal proceedings. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education and will be heard Tues., Feb. 11, at 1:30 p.m.
HB 2303: Online Registry of Educational and Occupational Credentials. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on K-12 Education Budget chaired by Rep. Jason W. Goetz (R-Dodge City), would establish the Longitudinal Data Act; would create the division of longitudinal data in the legislative research department; would authorize the legislative coordinating council to appoint the director of the division; would authorize the director to hire employees thereof; would provide for the development and management of the Kansas longitudinal data system to securely link and analyze education, workforce and related data; would create a publicly accessible online registry of educational and occupational credentials; would restrict release of personally identifiable information; making and concerning appropriations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, for the legislature. This bill has been referred to the Committee on K-12 Education Budget and will be heard Wed., Feb. 12, at 3:30 p.m.
Elections
HB 2190: Legal Public Holiday. This bill, introduced by Rep. Kirk Haskins (D-Topeka) and sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would declare the even-numbered year general election day as a legal public holiday. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2205: Governmental Ethics. This bill, introduced by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson) and sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would prohibit lobbying for or by foreign adversaries; would authorize civil lawsuits by the attorney general; and would provide for civil penalties for violations thereof. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2206: Campaign Finance/Governmental Ethics Commission. This bill, introduced by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson) and sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would rename the commission as the Kansas Public Disclosure Commission; would define certain terms; would require the filing of statements of independent expenditures; and would prohibit agreements requiring contributions in the name of another person. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Thurs., Feb. 6, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2257: Elections/Interstate Compact to Elect President by Popular Vote. This bill, requested by Rep. Barbara Ballard (D-Lawrence) on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Lawrence/Douglas County, would enact the interstate compact on the agreement among the states to elect the president by national popular vote. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth).
HB 2258: Election Commissioners. This bill, requested by Rep. Barbara Ballard (D-Lawrence) on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Lawrence/Douglas County, would terminate the Secretary of State's authority to appoint election commissioners; and would transfer the jurisdiction, powers, and duties for conducting elections in those counties with an election commissioner to the county clerk for such county. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth).
HB 2269: Elections/Advance Voting Sites. This bill, requested by Rep. Kirk Haskins (D-Topeka) and sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require the four largest counties to have at least three advance voting sites; and would provide for in-person early voting. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
Judiciary
HB 2187: Eminent Domain. This bill, introduced and sponsored by Rep. Brett Fairchild (R-St. John) and others, would eliminate the power of the legislature to take private property for economic development; would narrow the definition of public use; would require a good faith offer of compensation to a property owner prior to filing an eminent domain action; would provide that if the good faith offer is greater than the appraiser's award, the greater amount may be subject to appeal only by the property owner. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita).
HB 2241: Civil Procedure/Habeas Corpus. This bill, requested by the attorney general and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would prohibit second and successive motions attacking a criminal sentence in certain circumstances; would prohibit claims of ineffective counsel; providing appeals to the Supreme Court as a matter of right in claims filed by inmates sentenced to death. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2242: Federal Jurisdiction/Federal Property. This bill, requested by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth) and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would authorize the governor to accept requests from the federal government to establish concurrent jurisdiction over land owned by the United States for military purposes within the boundaries of the state. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2272: Crimes, Punishment and Criminal Procedure. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Schreiber (R-Emporia) and others, would provide that no person shall be sentenced to death for crimes committed after July 1, 2025; would create the crime of aggravated murder; would require a sentence of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole therefore; and would clarify laws related to sentences of imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita).
HB 2300: Kansas Consumer Protection Act. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would establish limitations for solicitation of consumer transactions by suppliers based on residence and capacity; would define consumer and supplier to include land transactions for wind or solar energy projects; and permit a consumer to revoke a lease or contract for wind or solar energy projects. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2309: Modernization of Notarization and the County Register of Deeds Process Regarding Real Estate Documents/Mitigating Real Estate Document Related Fraud. This bill, requested by the Register of Deeds of Leavenworth County and sponsored by the Committee on Legislative Modernization chaired by Rep. Patrick Penn (R-Wichita), would provide for the development, implementation, and administration of a two-tiered authentication system for notarization of real estate documents; would require use of a 3D liveness biometric antifraud system by all notaries public by Dec. 31, 2026; and would allow any register of deeds to delay recording of real estate documents in the event of suspected fraud for purpose of investigating the validity of such document. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (D-Wichita).
Labor & Employment/Economic Development
HB 2092: Labor and Employment/Professional Employer Organizations. This bill, requested for introduction by Clay Barker on behalf of the Secretary of State and sponsored by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell), would provide that registrations of professional employer organizations with the Secretary of State shall expire on Oct. 15 following issuance; would provide an exception therefrom for registrations issued on or after Jan. 1, 2025, that shall expire on Oct. 15, 2026; would make the time for filing annual audits by such organizations coincide with the time of renewing of registrations; would limit the means of providing surety by a professional employer organization with insufficient working capital to the provision of a bond and eliminating the market value measure of the sufficiency of such bond. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development and was heard Tues., Jan. 28, at 1:30 p.m.
HB 2151: Minimum Wage Increase. This bill, introduced and sponsored by Rep. Brandon Woodward (D-Lenexa) and others, would increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell).
HB 2204: International Organizations. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Schmoe (R-Ottawa), would declare that the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum would have no power to enforce any policy or regulation within Kansas or and political subdivision thereof. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita).
HB 2239: Labor & Employment. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwell), would require every employer to provide each employee with meal periods and rest periods; would define undue hardship as a significant difficulty or expense for the employer; would allow exemptions for meal periods under certain conditions, such as industry practice or unforeseeable circumstances; would prohibit the combination of rest and meal periods; would allow employees to waive meal periods under specific conditions, including written consent and the ability to revoke the waiver; would prohibit employer coercion in waiving meal periods; and would impose penalties for violations, including fines up to $2,000. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.
HB 2290: Real Property/Lands and Military Installations. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwater), would prohibit foreign principals from countries of concern from acquiring any interest in certain real property in this state; would authorize the Fusion Center Oversight Board to adopt rules and regulations to add or remove federally designated foreign terrorist organizations from the definition of country of concern; and would prohibit foreign principals from countries of concern from receiving any Economic Development Program benefits. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker).
HB 2304: Economic Development/Governmental Transparency. This bill, requested by Rep. Kristey Williams (R-Augusta) and sponsored by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwell), would require local governments to report certain local Economic Development Incentive Program information to the Secretary of Commerce; would define such programs; would require the Secretary of Commerce to post such information on the Economic Development Incentive Program database maintained by the Secretary; and would require certain search result presentation formats, a comprehensive report, and a summary report. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development.
HB 2308: Economic Development/Aviation and Innovative Manufacturing. This bill, requested by the Department of Commerce and sponsored by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwell), would enact the Aviation and Innovative Manufacturing in Kansas Act; would provide for a refundable income, privilege, and premium tax credit for a portion of such capital investment; for projects in specified industries or for headquarters with specified job requirements of at least 250 new employees and specified capital investment requirement; would provide for retention of certain payroll withholding taxes; sales tax exemption for project construction and machinery and equipment; Kansas first award for procurement made from Kansas companies; would establish the Aviation and Innovative Manufacturing in Kansas Act Kansas First Fund and would provide for appropriations for such fund; and would establish the Aviation and Innovative Manufacturing in Kansas Act New Employee Training and Education Fund. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill).
Legislature
HB 2313: State-Issued Devices and Networks/Artificial Intelligence Platforms. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita), would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence platforms of concern on state-issued devices and networks. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Legislative Modernization chaired by Rep. Patrick Penn (R-Wichita).
Local Government
HB 2191: Legal Publications. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City), would authorize the use of internet websites for publication of legal notices. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government.
HB 2099: Private Rental Housing/Code Inspections. This bill, requested for introduction by the City of Topeka and sponsored by the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Wichita), would require landlords of government-subsidized housing to submit to code inspection by cities or counties. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government and will be heard Wed., Feb. 5, at 9:00 a.m.
HB 2160: Cities/Kansas Municipal Employee Whistleblower Act. This bill, requested by Rep. Carrie Barth (R-Baldwin City) and sponsored by the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep Emil Bergquist (R-Wichita), would enact the Kansas Municipal Employee Whistleblower Act, which would establish legal protections for certain municipal employees who report or disclose unlawful or dangerous conduct. This bill is parallel to SB 120 and has been referred to the Committee on Local Government.
HB 2264: Local Government/Wages. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Pam Curtis (D-Kansas City), would restore local government control over wages, compensation, and benefits for construction projects. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City).
HB 2282: Real Property/Covenants, Conditions or Restrictions. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita), would provide that certain covenants, conditions, or restrictions on property owned by a state educational institution that restrict the use of real property to be only for single-family residence purposes or from being used for any purpose other than a single-family residence and contain discriminatory provisions to restrict ownership or tenancy by race are void. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City).
Public Health and Welfare
HB 2144: Supported Decision-Making Act. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Bill Rhiley (R-Wellington), would enact the Supported Decision-Marking Agreements Act that would authorize an adult to enter a supported decision-making agreement whereby the adult will receive decision-making assistance with their affairs from other adults in relation to making, communicating, and obtaining information (including protected health information) related to decisions of the principal as defined in the agreement; the Act would impose upon the supporters a fiduciary duty with respect to the agreement, and third parties may rely on decisions communicated by the supporters. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R- Wichita).
HB 2159: Law Enforcement/Emergency Opioid Antagonist. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth) and others, would create the Emergency Opioid Antagonists Assistance Grant Fund to assist law enforcement agencies with purchasing emergency opioid antagonists; and would maintain immunity for law enforcement agencies and officers for damages resulting from administering an emergency opioid antagonist; and would remove law enforcement agencies and officers from the state board of pharmacy's statewide opioid antagonist protocol. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado).
HB 2184: Health and Healthcare/Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services. This bill, requested by LeadingAge Kansas and sponsored by the Committee on Social Services Budget chaired by Rep. David Buehler (R-Lansing), would provide for the regulation of supplemental nursing services and healthcare worker platforms thereby; and would create the Supplemental Nursing Services Agency and Healthcare Worker Platforms Regulation Fund. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Social Services Budget.
HB 2219: Healing Arts/Physicians Assistants. This bill, requested by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would enact the Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, which would standardize licensure, reciprocity, discipline, and credentialing of physician assistants in participating states; would authorize the creation of a multijurisdictional compact commission that would administer the state compact, levy administrative fees against participating states, charge physician assistants for reciprocal licensing, maintain a data system of licensed physician assistants; and would require participating states to contribute to said data systems; would require that rules imposed by the Compact Commission would be required be recognized in a participating state to the degree a rule did not conflict with the state’s law. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2246: Health and Healthcare/Hospitals. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), would require that hospitals provide online pricing information for certain items and services; would enact the Consumer Protection Related to Hospital Price Transparency Act; would refer noncompliant hospitals to the United States Department of Health and Human Services for enforcement purposes; and would provide for civil actions against noncompliant hospitals. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance.
HB 2249: Rural Emergency Hospitals. This bill, requested by the Kansas Hospital Association and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would require the Secretary for Aging and Disability Services to grant waivers to certain rural emergency hospitals to provide skilled nursing facility care. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2250: Health and Healthcare/Hospital Providers. This bill, requested by the Kansas Hospital Association and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would increase the annual assessment on services rate on inpatient and outpatient revenue; and would expand exemptions for such an assessment. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2251: Health and Healthcare/Health Professions and Services. This bill, requested by Rep. David Buehler (R-Lansing) and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would require the state Board of Healing Arts to grant provisional licensure to certain international physicians with offers of employment at healthcare providers that operate in Kansas. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2252: Indoor Clear Air Act. This bill, requested by Rep. David Buehler (R-Lansing) and Rep. Nikki McDonald (D-Olathe) on behalf of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would prohibit smoking on the gaming floor of a lottery gaming facility or racetrack gaming facility; and would amend the definition of smoking to include the use of an electronic cigarette and smoking of marijuana. This bill is parallel to SB 176 and has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2266: Health and Healthcare/Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. This bill, requested by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would enact the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Compact to provide interstate practice privileges. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services and will be heard Thurs., Feb. 13, at 1:30 p.m.
HB 2285: Public Health/Residential Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. This bill, requested by Rep. Ford Carr (D-Wichita) and sponsored by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would amend the definition of lead-based paint to include paint that contains lead equal to or in excess of 0.009% by weight, or in excess of that specified in federal law, whichever is less. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Public Utilities
HB 2225: Residential Rentals and Leases. This bill, requested by Ideatek and sponsored by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang (R-Wichita), would prohibit landlords from limiting a tenant's access to communications and video services. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications and will be heard Tues., Feb. 11, at 9:00 a.m.
HB 2226: Public Utilities/Construction and Ownership of Electric Transmission Lines. This bill, requested by ITC Great Plains and sponsored by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang (R-Wichita), would provide incumbent electric transmission owners a right of first refusal to construct, upgrade, own, and maintain electric transmission lines that are approved for construction by the Regional Transmission Organization; would require incumbent electric transmission owners having such right of first refusal to conduct a competitive bid process for the construction of any electric transmission line with a need date of four years or more; and would authorize any other electric transmission entity to construct, upgrade, own and maintain any such electric transmission line when the incumbent electric transmission owner does not exercise such right. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications.
Taxation
HB 2189: Income Taxation/Adjusted Gross Income. This bill, requested by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan) on behalf of Rep. Allen Reavis (R-Atchison) sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith, would provide for a subtraction modification for sales or taking of property subject to eminent domain. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2208: Income Taxation/Privilege Tax. This bill, requested by the Kansas Association of Community Foundations and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Smith (R-Weskan), would enact the Kansas Tax Credit Act, which would establish a tax credit for endowment gifts to certain endowment funds held by qualified community foundations. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2211: Economic Development/Star Bonds. This bill, requested by the City of Derby and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide funding to replace lost food sales tax revenue for STAR bond districts established prior to Dec. 31, 2022, would modify the tax increment definition for such districts; and would establish the STAR bonds food sales tax revenue replacement fund. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2231: Income Taxation/Personal Exemptions. This bill, requested by the Department of Revenue and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide an additional personal exemption for head of household tax filers. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation and will be heard Mon., Feb. 10, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2232: Income Taxation/Credits. This bill, requested by Kansans for Life and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would establish a child tax credit. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2233: Property & Income Taxation. This bill, requested by Rep. Kevin Schwertfeger (R-Turon) and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would disqualify property from the carbon dioxide capture and sequestration property tax exemption if used to inject animal manure into the ground; and would disqualify from the carbon dioxide capture and sequestration property accelerated depreciation deduction if machinery and equipment are used to inject animal manure into the ground. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2276: Income Taxation/Credits. This bill, requested by CATALYST and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide an income tax credit for an eligible small business that purchases qualified local news organizations' advertising. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2277: Sales and Compensating Use Tax/Food, Food Ingredients and Prepared Food. This bill, introduced by Rep. Sawyer Clayton (D-Overland Park), would reduce the rate of tax imposed for prepared food; increasing the percentage credited to the state highway fund from revenue collected. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan).
HB 2278: Property Taxation/Exemptions. This bill, sponsored Rep. Brandon Woodard (D-Lenexa) and others, would increase the extent of exemption from the statewide school levy for residential property. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan).
HB 2318: Income Taxation. This bill, requested by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide that future tax rate decreases be contingent on exceeding revenue estimates. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
Transportation
HB 2222: Transportation/Ignition Interlock Devices. This bill, requested by the Kansas Highway Patrol and sponsored by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Rep. Shannon Francis (R-Liberal), would require manufacturers of ignition interlock devices to pay fees to the highway patrol for the administration of the ignition interlock program; and would create the IID Program Fund. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
HB 2289: Motor Vehicles/License Plates. This bill, requested by the Department of Revenue and sponsored by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Rep. Shannon Francis (R-Liberal), would allow an applicant for a personalized license plate to be issued one such license plate rather than two; would eliminate the requirement that applications for personalized license plates be made within 60 days from vehicle registration renewals; would discontinue the option for a person to display a personalized license plate on the front of a vehicle; and modify current requirements for the design and issuance of license plate registration decals. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
HB 2319: Driver’s License. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Rep. Shannon Francis (R-Liberal), would permit the division of vehicles to establish or contract with an entity to issue digital proof of driver's licenses and digital proof of identification; would regulate the use thereof; and would provide fees on such digital proof of driver's license and identification cards. This bill is parallel to SB 230. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Bill Tracking History
A history of the bills we are tracking as of Feb. 9, 2024, can be found here.
Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the government affairs & public policy law practice group of Foulston Siefkin LLP. It is designed to inform business executives, human resources and government relations professionals, and general counsel about current developments occurring in current Kansas legislation. Published regularly during the Kansas legislative session and periodically when the legislature is not in session, it focuses on issues involving healthcare, insurance, public finance, taxation, financial institutions, business & economic development, energy, real estate & construction, environmental, agribusiness, and employment. Bill summaries are by necessity brief, however, for additional information on any issue before the Kansas Legislature, contact Foulston Siefkin’s government affairs & public policy law practice group leader, C. Edward Watson, II, at 316.291.9589 or cewatson@foulston.com. Learn more about the authors below:
C. Edward Watson, II
Editor and Government Affairs & Public Policy Law Team Leader
316.291.9589
cewatson@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Eddie represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local government bodies. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional government affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.
Susan (Sue) Peterson, PhD
Contributing Author and Government Affairs Consultant
785.341.6717
speterson@foulston.com | View bio
Sue, a government affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s government affairs & public policy practice group, is a strategic advocate, advisor, and connection to the Kansas Legislature, government agencies, and elected officials. She has built a robust and well-established network of state and federal lawmakers, corporate/academic leaders, and policymakers nationwide. She earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Kansas State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from KSU. Before joining Foulston, Sue served as Kansas State University’s chief government relations officer for 34 years; her experience also includes staff positions in Kansas’ executive and legislative branches.
Eric L. Sexton, PhD
Contributing Author and Government Affairs Consultant
316.371.7553
esexton@foulston.com | View bio
Eric, a government affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s government affairs & public policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and government relations services. As Wichita State University’s governmental relations leader for 18 years, Eric developed lasting relationships at the local, state, and federal government level around Kansas. Eric holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Public Administration from Wichita State University, complementing his undergraduate business degree from Wichita State.
This update has been prepared by Foulston Siefkin LLP for informational purposes only. It is not a legal opinion; it does not provide legal advice for any purpose; and it neither creates nor constitutes evidence of an attorney-client relationship.