Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | January 20, 2026
Legislative Session Opens with Judiciary, Education, and Tax Issues in Focus
The 2026 Kansas legislative session opened with early attention on the courts, education policy, and tax issues, as lawmakers moved quickly into substantive work during the first week.
New Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen and Gov. Laura Kelly both addressed joint sessions of the Kansas Legislature this week, delivering the State of the Judiciary and the State of the State, respectively, along with the governor presenting her final budget proposal.
Committees also moved quickly into policy hearings. The Senate Education Committee heard extensive testimony on SB 302, which would require school districts to restrict student use of personal electronic communication devices during instructional time and limit employee-student communication through social media. Supporters cited classroom focus and student well-being, while opponents raised concerns related to local control and implementation.
On the House floor, debate on a bill addressing the authority of international organizations in Kansas shifted toward federal immigration enforcement following an attempted amendment related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The amendment was ruled not germane, but the exchange highlighted early partisan divisions during floor debate.
Property tax policy also emerged early, as lawmakers considered SCR 1616, a proposed constitutional amendment that would cap annual increases in residential assessed value. Testimony reflected disagreement over whether the proposal would provide meaningful property tax relief or shift tax burdens to other property classes.
With hearings and floor debates already underway, the opening week signaled an active legislative calendar ahead.
Additional coverage on the governor’s speech, budget, and State of the Judiciary follows below.
Early Session Addresses Frame Key Policy Debates for Kansas
The Kansas Legislature opened the 2026 session with two joint meetings of the House and Senate, setting the framework for debate over the state’s priorities.
Gov. Kelly delivered her eighth and final State of the State, highlighting bipartisan economic development efforts and more than $30 billion in private investments across Kansas.
She also outlined her fiscal year 2027 budget proposal, a $10.8-billion plan built on projected 1.7% revenue growth. The proposal continues full funding of K-12 education for the eighth consecutive year, includes $50.6 million in additional special education aid, and eliminates co-pays for reduced-price school meals for more than 34,000 students. The budget further prioritizes expanded mental health services, development of a 10-year statewide water strategy, and a 2.5% pay adjustment for qualifying state employees.
Governor's FY 2027 Budget Overview
House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) delivered the Republican response, emphasizing continued tax relief, including the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries, reduced income tax rates, and the repeal of state-level property taxes. He said further property tax reductions would remain a key focus, along with fiscal discipline and efficiency in government.
Kansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Eric Rosen also delivered his first State of the Judiciary, urging lawmakers to invest $1.5 million to stabilize specialty courts and warning that some Kansas counties now have no practicing attorneys. He also encouraged action on SB 214 to strengthen the rural legal workforce and preserve access to justice statewide.
Together, these addresses frame the policy debates that will shape the session ahead.
Upcoming Week: January 20–23, 2026
Tuesday, Jan. 20
- Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee
- Briefing on Attorney General Office of Inspector General
- Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee
- Informational briefing on tax credits awarded and used through the High Performance Incentive Program and Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit
- Informational briefing on select cities’ use of transient guest tax revenues
- House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee
- Presentation on Southwest Power Pool by Lanny Nickell, CEO
- Joint Meeting: House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee and Senate Commerce Committee
- Discussion on homeownership issues
- Briefing on Kansas Housing Partners
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Senate Education Committee
- Briefing on Kansas Blueprint for Literacy by Dr. Cynthia Lane, Director of Blueprint for Literacy
- Senate Utilities Committee
- Presentation on Southwest Power Pool by Lanny Nickell, CEO
- House Judiciary Committee
- House Elections Committee
- Hearing on HB 2452: Changing the timing of city, school, community college, and certain other municipal elections to fall in even-numbered years and requiring the term of office of municipal elected officials to be either two years or four years
Wednesday, Jan. 21
- House Appropriations Committee
- Briefing on Midwest Higher Education Compact by Susan Heegaard, President
- Joint Meeting: House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee and Senate Commerce Committee
- Exploration of Kansas City Chiefs term sheet
- House Transportation Committee
- Presentation on Department of Energy High Burnup Research Cask Shipment
- House Agriculture Committee
- Informational hearing on pesticide labeling
Thursday, Jan. 22
- House Appropriations Committee
- Hearing on HB 2427: Establishing the position of fiscal integrity auditor
- House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee
- Virtual presentation on DOE “Spent Fuel Shipment Campaign,” including discussion of HB 2435
- Council of State Governments Engagement Work Group
- Senate Government Efficiency Committee
- Briefing on Kansas Universal Service Fund
- Senate Local Government, Transparency and Ethics Committee
- Legislative Post Audit staff presentation on counties’ costs and obligations to meet state requirements
- Review of select cities’ use of transient guest tax revenues
- House Water Committee
- Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee
- Hearing on SB 310: Regulating the acceptance of cryptocurrency as a form of campaign contribution
- House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee
- Presentation on Network Kansas
- Senate Commerce Committee
- Informational briefing on SB 30: Requiring legislative approval of new occupational licensing requirements and material changes to existing licenses
- House Education Committee
- Hearing on HB 2420: Requiring school districts to obtain parental consent before providing certain school-based mental health services
- Senate Education Committee
- Hearing on SB 339: Requiring school districts to provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess time for students in kindergarten through fifth grade
- House Transportation Committee
- Hearing on HB 2416: Creating the Kansas Motorsport Venue Protection Act
- Joint Meeting: House Taxation Committee and Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee
- Informational briefing on renewable taxation in other states
- Informational briefing on the High Performance Incentive Program
- House Elections Committee
- Hearing on HB 2451: Prohibiting the use of public assets by government officers and employees to advocate for or against proposed amendments to the Kansas Constitution and ballot questions
Bill Introductions
HOUSE BILLS
Appropriations
HB 2427: Fiscal Integrity. This pre-filed bill, introduced by Rep. Kristey Williams (R-Augusta), would establish the position of fiscal integrity auditor to be appointed by the Legislative Coordinating Council and provides for the duties of the fiscal integrity auditor, including access to the state fiscal technology systems and software requiring certain reports and recommendations to be submitted to certain legislative committees. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill) and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m.
HB 2434: Supplemental Appropriations/Lapsed Expenditures for Current Budgets. This pre-filed bill, introduced by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), makes and concerns appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, for state agencies; authorizes certain transfers, capital improvement projects, assessments, and fees; imposes certain restrictions and limitations; and directs or authorizes certain disbursements, procedures, and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill is the result of the work by the legislature to develop the initial legislative budget recommendations from the fall. This bill is parallel to SB 315 and has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster.
HB 2455: New and Proposed Appropriations/Future Budgets. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), and requested by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster on behalf of the Office of the Governor, makes and concerns appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2029, for state agencies; authorizes certain transfers, capital improvement projects, and fees, imposes certain restrictions and limitations; and directs or authorizes certain receipts, disbursements, procedures, and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill is the result of the work by the legislature to develop the initial legislative budget recommendations from the fall. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations.
Elections
HB 2437: Voter Registration. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth) and requested by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson), would authorize the use of additional resources for verifying voter registration records; would remove individuals disqualified for voting from voter registration records; and would provide an open records exemption for certain information related to voter registration. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and was heard Thursday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2438: Voter Registration. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), and requested by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson), would impose restrictions on websites that can accept and transmit voter registration applications. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and was heard Thursday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2448: Driver’s Licenses. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), and requested by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson), would require citizenship status to be listed on driver’s licenses. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2451: Use of Public Assets for Campaign Finance. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), and requested by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson), would prohibit the use of public assets to advocate for or against state constitutional amendments and any other ballot question submitted to qualified electors. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 22, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2452: Timing of Elections. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), and requested by Rep. Paul Waggoner (R-Hutchinson), would change the timing of municipality elections for cities, school districts, community colleges, and certain other municipalities to fall in even-numbered years and would require terms of office to be either two years or four years. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 3:30 p.m.
Government
HB 2433: Authority to Regulate Water Use. This pre-filed bill, introduced by Rep. Barb Wasinger (R-Hays), concerns the regulation of water use, clarifies the extent of county authority over the transfer or appropriation of water, and confirms that such authority is placed with the chief engineer and the water transfer panel. This bill was referred to the Committee on Water chaired by Rep. Jim Minnix (R-Scott City) and transferred to the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City).
HB 2460: Kansas Open Records Act/Permissible Exceptions to Disclosure. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), and requested by Rep. Robyn R. Essex (R-Olathe), would provide an exception to the Kansas Open Records Act that authorizes members of the legislature to have their identifying information restricted from public access on public websites that identify home addresses or home ownership. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 3:30 p.m.
Insurance
HB 2461: Public Adjusters. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), and requested by Marlee Carpenter on behalf of Kansas Association of Property and Casualty Insurance Companies, would prohibit public adjusters from negotiating for or effectuating the settlement of any insurance claim relating to residential and personal lines of insurance. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance.
Judicial
HB 2465: Freedom of Expression/Discrimination. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell), and requested by Rep. Steve Brunk (R-Wichita), enacts the Professionals' Freedom of Expression Act; provides protection for professionals and businesses against adverse action as a result of an expression of beliefs by such professional or business that is unrelated to such profession or business; and would include such protections within the Real Estate Brokers' and Salespersons' License Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.
Public Health and Welfare
HB 2436: Rendering Medical Assistance. This bill, introduced by multiple bi-partisan members of the House, would allow for the use of expired opioid antagonists to treat an opioid overdose. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado).
HB 2439: Public Health and Environment/Geoengineering. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita), and requested by Rep. John Resman (R-De Soto), would enact the Kansas Geoengineering and Weather Modification Prohibition Act; prohibit geoengineering and weather modification activities; provide criminal penalties for certain violations of the act; assign enforcement authority to the Department of Health and Environment; authorize the Secretary to adopt rules and regulations as necessary; require operators of public-use airports to report any violations to the Department of Transportation on a monthly basis; require the Department of Transportation to send such reports to the Secretary of Health and Environment and the applicable state law enforcement agency; authorize the Secretary of Transportation to adopt rules and regulations as necessary; and repeal the Kansas Weather Modification Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
HB 2463: Rural Health. This bill, introduced by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill), would create the Rural Health Transformation Fund; prescribe powers and duties of the State Finance Council concerning such fund and the Rural Health Transformation Program; credit all federal moneys for the Rural Health Transformation Program to such fund; make and concern appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, for the State Finance Council and other state agencies; authorize certain transfers; impose certain restrictions and limitations; and direct or authorize certain receipts, disbursements, procedures, and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy L. Waymaster.
Public Utilities
HB 2435: Natural Gas. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang (R-Wichita), and requested by Patrick Vogelsberg on behalf of Kansas Gas Services, enacts the Natural Gas Infrastructure Availability Act, which would authorize natural gas public utilities to defer to a regulatory asset all depreciation expense and carrying cost for any new plant, facilities, or equipment that such utility has put into service and establish an interim rate adjustment mechanism and authorizing recovery of such regulatory asset through such mechanism. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications.
Real Estate
HB 2454: Residential Landlord Tenant Act. This bill, introduced by Representatives Cyndi Howerton (R-Wichita), Leah Howell (R-Derby), and Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell), would require landlords to accept full or partial payment amounts and to consider certain income of a tenant or prospective tenant when demonstrating income as a condition of qualifying for housing, providing that violations of such requirements shall be deemed to be a deceptive or unconscionable act or practice under the provisions of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act and subject to the remedies and enforcement provisions of such act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita).
Taxation
HB 2414: Taxation/EV Vehicles. This pre-filed bill, introduced by Rep. Bill Rhiley (R-Wellington), would establish the EV Energy Equity Road Repair Tax Act and would provide for a road repair tax on the distribution of electricity from public charging stations. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation chaired by Rep. Shannon Francis (R-Liberal).
HB 2440: Property Tax/Exemptions. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Adam Smith on behalf of the Kansas County Appraiser Association Oil and Gas Committee, would exclude owners of oil leases from having to file requests for exemption with the Board of Tax Appeals. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2441: Income Tax/Credits. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita) on behalf of CATALYST, would add compressed natural gas or liquefied natural gas to alternative fuels that are eligible for the income tax credit for alternative-fueled motor vehicle property expenditures. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2442: Income Tax. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, would provide for the apportionment of business income by a manufacturer of alcoholic liquor by the single sales factor. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita).
HB 2443: Property Tax/Public Utilities. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita) on behalf of CATALYST, would provide that certain natural gas storage facilities shall not be classified as public utilities. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2445: Income Tax/Adjusted Gross Income. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Ron Bryce (R-Coffeyville), would enact the Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Deduction Act and would provide a subtraction modification for qualified health care sharing expenses paid by a qualified individual and certain qualified health care shares received by a qualified individual. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2456: Sales Tax/Countywide and City Retailers’ Sales Taxes. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita), would authorize cities and counties to levy zero percent sales and use tax on sales of food ingredients. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2457: Property Tax/Residential Property; Homestead Taxes; Commercial Property. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Ron Bryce (R-Coffeyville), on behalf of Representatives Dale Helwig (R-Columbus) and Webster T. Roth (R-Winfield), would restrict homestead taxes to not more than the established base year amount of property taxes owed for individuals 65 years of age and older and would eliminate the property tax exemption for certain properties used for health care when in competition with comparable uses by non-exempt properties. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2458: Local Government/Taxing Jurisdictions. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), and requested by Rep. Ken Corbet (R-Topeka), would require approval of property tax levies and bond issuances by elected bodies or electors. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2464: Income Tax/Credits. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell), and requested by Jason Watkins on behalf of the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce, would extend the number of years that new credits may be issued or earned for contributions to graduates of aerospace and aviation-related educational programs and employers of program graduates. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.
HB 2466: Economic Development/Income Tax Credit Incentives. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell), and requested by Rachel Willis on behalf of the Department of Commerce, would extend the sunset for the angel investor tax credit to 2031. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development.
Transportation
HB 2459: Traffic Regulations/Electric-Assisted Scooters and Electric-Assisted Bicycles. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Rep. Shannon Francis (R-Liberal), would require any person who is 17 years of age and under to wear a helmet while operating an electric-assisted scooter or electric-assisted bicycle; modify the definition of electric-assisted scooter to include certain specifications and maximum operating speeds; prohibit any person who is 13 years of age and under from operating an electric-assisted scooter; and establish a maximum speed limit of 15 mph when operating an electric-assisted scooter. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Water
HB 2462: Reuse of Treated Wastewater. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Water chaired by Rep. Jim Minnix (R-Scott City), and requested by Rep. Sandy Pickert (R-Wichita), would require the Secretary of Health and Environment to adopt rules and regulations by July 1, 2028, allowing for the direct and indirect potable reuse of treated wastewater. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Water and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m.
SENATE BILLS
Appropriations
SB 315: Supplemental Appropriations/Lapsed Expenditures for Current Budgets. This bill, introduced by Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), makes and concerns appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, and June 30, 2028, for state agencies; authorizes certain transfers, capital improvement projects, and assessments and fees; authorizes certain transfers; imposes certain restrictions and limitations; and directs or authorizes certain disbursements, procedures, and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill is the result of the work by the legislature to develop the initial legislative budget recommendations from the fall. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Rick Billinger.
SB 337: Proposed New Appropriations/Future Budgets. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), makes and concerns appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, June 30, 2027, June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2029, for state agencies; authorizes certain transfers, capital improvement projects, and fees; imposes certain restrictions and limitations; and directs or authorizes certain receipts, disbursements, procedures, and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill is the result of the work by the legislature to develop the initial legislative budget recommendations from the fall. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.
Banking
SB 316: Bank Commissioner/Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), authorizes the state bank commissioner to establish a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of Kansas to provide charitable consumer financial education initiatives in Kansas. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance.
SB 331: Negotiable Instruments. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), repeals KSA 52-717, which prohibits any law that would prevent banks from paying checks, drafts, or other bills of exchange on Saturday afternoon or upon any other legal holiday. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance.
Commerce
SB 335: Public Construction Contracts. This bill, introduced by Sen. Tim Shallenburger (R-Baxter Springs), would amend the Kansas Fairness in Public Construction Contract Act to require such contracts to include a mutual waiver of consequential damages. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).
Education
SB 339: School Districts. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would require school districts to provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess time for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and would require that such time be designated as part of the school term. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
Governmental Ethics
SB 308: Legislature/Lobbying. This pre-filed bill, introduced by Sen. Ethan Corson (D-Fairway), relates to state governmental ethics law and would prohibit members of the legislature from lobbying for a period of four years after leaving office. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics chaired by Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia).
Insurance
SB 330: Insurance. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), enacts the Transparency in Prior Authorization Act, which will impose certain requirements and limitations on the use of prior authorization in the delivery of healthcare services. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance.
Judicial
SB 299: Kansas Supreme Court. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), relates to the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Commission and would require certain records of the Commission to be released under the Kansas Open Records Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
SB 323: Civil Procedure/Wage Garnishment. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would modify the definition of earnings to include paid compensation for wage garnishment exemption purposes. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Public Health and Welfare
SB 328: Regulation of Pharmacists. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Public Health and Welfare chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R-Eudora), would permit a pharmacist to distribute epinephrine delivery systems to a school for emergency medication kits and would amend definitions related to medication in schools to allow for use of epinephrine delivery systems. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Public Health and Welfare.
Taxation
SB 311: Income Taxation. This bill, introduced by Sen. Ethan Corson (D-Fairway), relates to Kansas adjusted gross income and eliminates state income tax on certain qualified overtime compensation by providing a subtraction modification for such compensation. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker).
SB 319: Property Tax/Residential and Commercial and Industrial Real Property. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would provide for a rebate when qualifying property sells in a qualifying sale for a fair market value sale price that is less than 97% of the county’s appraised value. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 320: Property Tax/Exemptions. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would expand exemption eligibility to include commercial and industrial machinery and equipment that was acquired or transported into this state on or before June 30, 2006. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 329: Property Tax/Valuation Appeals. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would require the county appraiser to submit a single property appraisal report at the hearing before the regular division of the State Board of Tax Appeals. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 332: Property Tax/Real Estate Sales Validation Questionnaire. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would exclude buyer's premiums from the sale price of property purchased at auction for purposes of the real estate sales validation questionnaire and property valuation. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
Transportation
SB 324: Traffic Regulations/Mobile Phones. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Sen. Mike Petersen (R-Wichita), would prohibit the use of a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone or a road construction zone. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
SB 326: Crimes, Punishment and Criminal Procedure/Driving Under the Influence Test Failures. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Sen. Mike Petersen (R-Wichita), would provide that the failure of an alcohol or drug test can be certified when the law enforcement officer administering such test had reasonable grounds to believe a person was attempting to operate a vehicle. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Water
SB 317: Water/Water Technical Assistance Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources chaired by Sen. Virgil Peck (R-Havana), would establish additional criteria for the operation of such funds; would require municipalities to demonstrate a current 25-year water supply in applications related to water distribution, unless application is for new water supply source that would extend the current supply beyond 25 years; would prohibit grants for issues related to water rights impaired by another water right; would prioritize applications based on public health, resource management, population trends, funding sources, regional cooperation, and weather resiliency; and would require applications to be submitted annually by Sept. 15, with grants subject to revocation and repayment under certain circumstances. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
SB 333: Public Water Systems. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would prohibit the use of fluoride additives in public water systems. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS
SCR 1616: Constitution/Property Taxation. This pre-filed concurrent resolution, introduced by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would amend Section 1, Article 11 of the Kansas Constitution to limit assessed value increases for real property classified in any subclass and personal property classified as mobile homes used for residential purposes. This concurrent resolution has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker) and was heard Tuesday, Jan. 13, and Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 9:30 a.m.
Bill Tracking History
A history of the bills we are tracking as of January 19, 2026, 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.