Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | January 26, 2026
Property Tax Reform Advances as Budget Work Gains Momentum
As House and Senate budget deliberations accelerate, Kansas lawmakers advanced a full week of committee work on tax policy, audits, elections, and economic development, with property tax reform at the center.
Early in the week, the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation recommended Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616, a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit annual growth in taxable assessed property values beginning in 2027. During deliberations, the committee adopted an amendment clarifying that routine property maintenance — such as painting, roofing, or siding — would not increase a property’s taxable assessed value. Senators considered and rejected changes that would have removed the proposal’s reference to 2022 valuation levels. Members weighed taxpayer relief against valuation practices and potential impacts on local government revenues.
Later in the week, the Joint Committee on Taxation held an informational hearing to examine broader tax policy issues alongside ongoing property tax discussions. Lawmakers heard detailed testimony from the Department of Revenue on administration of the High Performance Incentive Program (HPIP), including long credit carry-forward periods, extensive use of pass-through entities, and reliance on manual tracking systems. Testimony underscored challenges with oversight, data reliability, and administrative capacity as tax incentive programs expand in scale and complexity.
Other committees reinforced a focus on fiscal accountability. The Legislative Post Audit Committee reviewed an analysis of property tax exemptions and warned that incomplete and inconsistent data limit the state’s ability to estimate forgone revenue accurately. The House also examined an audit of free-lunch enrollment and its implications for at-risk student funding and advanced legislation to move certain local elections to even-numbered years.
Separately, the Joint House and Senate Commerce Committees conducted an extended informational hearing to clarify financing structures and transparency requirements related to the proposed Kansas City Chiefs stadium and development project. Members confirmed the proposal does not commit State General Fund dollars.
Taken together, the week’s activity shows a legislature balancing budget priorities, tax policy decisions, and data-driven oversight as the session continues.
More Than Committees: How Legislative Caucuses Are Adding to the Work of Kansas Lawmakers
Across the country, state legislators increasingly rely on specialty legislative caucuses — informal, member-driven groups organized around shared interests, geography, or policy priorities — to exchange ideas and inform legislation.
Kansas reflects this broader trend. While standing committees remain central to vetting and advancing bills, caucuses supplement that work by providing a forum for bipartisan and bicameral dialogue on issues that cut across policy areas or affect specific regions and constituencies. These groups help lawmakers share expertise, identify local ramifications, and build common understanding before legislation moves forward.
During the 2026 legislative session, Kansas has approximately 13 specialty legislative caucuses, in addition to party caucuses in the House and Senate. The following list is not exhaustive but illustrates the range of issues and interests represented:
- Aviation
- KLEAR (Kansas Legislative Education and Research)
- Early Learning
- Johnson County
- Local Government
- Kansas African American Legislative Council
- Rail Caucus
- Shawnee County
- South Central Kansas
- Kansas Truth Caucus
- Veterans
- Wyandotte County
One of the newest examples is the bipartisan Local Government Caucus, formed ahead of the 2026 session. Lawmakers created the caucus after concluding the local impact of state legislation — particularly on cities and counties of different sizes — was not always fully understood.
The caucus brings together roughly 40 legislators with local government experience, as well as those seeking to learn more, and is intended to serve as an educational resource rather than a lobbying entity. Caucus leaders have emphasized the importance of understanding how state mandates, property tax policies, and regulatory decisions affect local services, infrastructure, and community operations across Kansas.
As caucuses continue to expand, they are becoming an important complement to committee work — signaling a legislative environment increasingly focused on shared values, practical insight, and informed policymaking.
Upcoming Week: January 26–30, 2026
Monday, Jan. 26
Last day for individuals to request member-sponsored bill drafts
- House Financial Institutions Committee
- Hearing on HB 2497: Prohibiting the assessment of a prepayment penalty against any party more than six months after execution of a note evidencing a home loan made primarily for personal, family, or household purposes secured by a real estate mortgage
- Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
- Hearing on SB 300: Prohibiting the Office of the State Bank Commissioner or any other state agency from becoming a receiver for a technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution that becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy
- Hearing on SB 331: Eliminating certain stipulations relating to the payment of negotiable instruments on Saturday afternoons or holidays
- Hearing on HCR 5013: Urging Congress to grant state insurance regulators authority over Medicare Advantage plans
- Joint meeting with Senate Commerce Committee and House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee
- Informational briefing on collegiate athletics by Brett Yormark, commissioner of the Big 12 Conference
- House Education Committee
- Informational hearing on Kansas ACT score trends and insights
- Hearing on HB 2530: Enacting the Career Readiness Education Development Innovation Transferability (CREDIT) Act to require high schools to administer career readiness assessments to students and provide for the transferability of credentials earned through such assessments toward a degree
- House Transportation Committee
- Hearing on HB 2467: Prohibiting courts or the Division of Vehicles from considering convictions or sanctions dated five or more years prior for failure to comply with a traffic citation and eliminating certain notice requirements for the Division of Vehicles related to suspended or restricted driver’s licenses
- House Child Welfare Committee
- Informational briefing on Interstate Compact on Placement of Children (ICPC)
- Joint meeting with Senate Commerce Committee and House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee
- Informational briefing on collegiate athletics
- House Taxation Committee
- Hearing on HB 2430: Enacting the Insurance Savings Account Act; allowing individuals and corporations to establish insurance savings accounts with certain financial institutions; providing eligible expenses, requirements, and restrictions for such accounts; and establishing addition and subtraction modifications under the Kansas Income Tax Act
Tuesday, Jan. 27
- Senate Transportation Committee
- Hearing on SB 324: Prohibiting the use of a mobile telephone while operating a motor vehicle in school or construction zones and providing penalties for violations
- House Federal and State Affairs Committee
- Hearing on HB 2423: Allowing hunters who are federally licensed drone operators to use drones to locate wounded or recently deceased deer
- Hearing on HB 2502: Requiring the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing passes to residents age 65 and older and removing the expiration date for Kansas Kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing licenses
- House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee
- Presentation titled “Evergy — Powering Growth: Keeping Kansas Competitive Through Investment in Energy and Infrastructure,” by Chuck Caisley, executive vice president of utility operations
- House Water Committee
- Informational briefing on Kansas Geological Survey by Jay Kalbas
- Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee
- Informational briefing on property tax exemptions by Sam Dadds, Legislative Division of Post Audit
- House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee
- Hearing on HB 2464: Extending 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
- Commerce Conversations on child care with David Jordan, president of United Methodist Health Ministry Fund
- House Health and Human Services Committee
- Hearing on HB 2366: Expanding the scope of practice of naturopathic doctors, specifying continuing education requirements, increasing required professional liability insurance, and modifying provisions relating to licensure and regulation
- Senate Utilities Committee
- Presentation titled “Evergy — Powering Growth: Keeping Kansas Competitive Through Investment in Energy and Infrastructure,” by Chuck Caisley, executive vice president of utility operations
- House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
- Informational hearing on 2025 Nebraska Safe Battery Collection and Recycling Act
- House Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on HB 2444: Providing that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case; creating special sentencing rules when a felony is committed by certain offenders while on probation, parole, or post-release supervision for a prior felony; and requiring secured minimum bonds for certain defendants unless the court makes specified findings
- Hearing on HB 2479: Authorizing electronic monitoring with victim notification as a condition of release prior to trial for certain offenders charged with domestic violence offenses
- House Taxation Committee
- Hearing on HB 2408: Providing that leased ground owned by a county-recognized community land trust shall be considered in determining reasonable value for property tax purposes
- Hearing on HB 2440: Excluding owners of oil leases from filing exemption requests with the Board of Tax Appeals
- Hearing on HB 2406: Providing tax exemption eligibility for commercial and industrial machinery and equipment currently ineligible due to acquisition or transport into Kansas on or before June 30, 2006
Wednesday, Jan. 28
- Senate Public Health Committee
- Hearing on SB 328: Permitting pharmacists to distribute premeasured doses of epinephrine to schools for emergency medication kits
- Senate Transportation Committee
- Hearing on SB 113: Including operating a motor vehicle at 100 mph or more, or 35 mph over the posted speed limit, under reckless driving
- House Appropriations Committee
- Presentation on agricultural updates by Mike Beam, secretary, Kansas Department of Agriculture
- House Financial Institutions and Pensions Committee
- Informational hearing on crypto kiosks
- Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
- Hearing on SB 360: Enacting the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act and regulating pharmacy benefit managers
- House Local Government Committee
- Hearing on HB 2433: Clarifying county authority over water transfers by placing such authority, except for domestic use, with the chief engineer and water transfer hearing panel
- Senate Local Government, Transparency and Ethics Committee
- Hearing on SB 144: Invalidating restrictive covenants limiting solar panel installation and allowing reasonable homeowners association rules
- Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee
- Hearing on SB 314: Prohibiting use of public assets to advocate for or against constitutional amendments and ballot questions
- Senate Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on SB 372: Enacting the App Store Accountability Act regarding minors, age verification, parental consent, and enforcement
- House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee
- Briefing on Kansas Gas Service by Patrick Vogelsberg, government affairs
- Presentation titled “Exploring Energy as an Economic Tool,” by Chuck Caisley, executive vice president of utility operations, Evergy
- Commerce Conversations with Mark Tomb, Kansas Association of REALTORS®, and Dr. Stan Longhofer, director, WSU Center for Real Estate
- House Education Committee / Joint House and Senate Education
- Introduction of Kansas Teacher of the Year
- House Health and Human Services Committee
- Presentation on maternal health report and child care
- Hearing on HB 2506: Establishing the addiction counselor apprentice license and setting fees
- Senate Education Committee
- Presentation on Kansas Teacher of the Year
- House Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on HB 2480: Creating an exception to mandatory reporting for licensed social workers under attorney supervision and preserving attorney-client privilege
Thursday, Jan. 29
Kansas Day
- Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee
- Hearing on HB 2223: Modifying optometry law provisions relating to scope of practice, definitions, and credentialing
- Senate Transportation Committee
- Hearing on SB 367: Authorizing cities to allow golf carts on sidewalks
- House Appropriations Committee
- Hearing on HB 2643: Creating the Rural Health Transformation Fund and program; prescribing duties of the State Finance Council; crediting federal moneys; and making appropriations for FY 2026 and FY 2027
- House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee
- Possible hearing on bills introduced
- Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
- House Health and Human Services Committee
- Presentation on KU Alzheimer’s research
- House Judiciary Committee
- Hearing on HB 2351: Amending the Uniform Arbitration Act of 2000 regarding insurance contracts and persons with disabilities
Bill Introductions
HOUSE BILLS
Appropriations
HB 2513: Certain Claims Against the State. This bill, introduced by the Joint Committee on Special Claims Against the State chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), would make appropriations related to claims brought against the Department of Corrections and the State Historical Society; authorize certain transfers; impose certain restrictions and limitations; and direct or authorize certain disbursements, procedures, and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill).
Banking
HB 2497: Financial Institutions/Loans. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita), would prohibit the assessment of a prepayment penalty against any party more than six months after the execution of a note evidencing a home loan made primarily for personal, family, or household purposes secured by a real estate mortgage. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions. This bill was heard Monday, Jan. 26, at 9 a.m.
HB 2515: Money Transmission. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita), would enact the Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act; provide definitions; establish requirements for virtual currency kiosk operators relating to certain disclosures, transaction receipts, fraud detection and prevention, live customer service, kiosk location reporting, money transmission licensure, and refunds; impose certain limits on virtual currency kiosk transaction amounts and charges; and authorize the attorney general and any law enforcement agency to investigate reports of fraudulent money transmission and report to the state bank commissioner. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 9 a.m.
Education
HB 2468: Federal Tax Credits for Contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations/Tax Credits for Low Income. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita), would elect to participate in the federal tax credit for individual contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and would increase the aggregate tax credit limit. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education and was heard Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 1:30 p.m.
HB 2472: Postsecondary Education Institutions. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Higher Education Budget chaired by Rep. Adam Turk (R-Shawnee), would enact the Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act, which would prohibit such institutions from certain actions concerning freedom of speech, expression, and association; provide exceptions thereto; provide for monetary damages; and require the submission of a report to the legislature and governor. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Higher Education.
HB 2484: Postsecondary Education/Kansas Promise Scholarship Program. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita), would eliminate the Kansas residency requirement after completing the program; clarify the work requirements after completing the program; and repeal the expiration of the program. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
HB 2488: Postsecondary Education/University of Kansas School of Medicine. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes (R-Wichita) and requested by Rep. Megan Steele (R-Manhattan), would require the University of Kansas School of Medicine to use a letter grading system or other tiered grading system to assess student performance. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
HB 2510: School Districts/Boards of Education. This bill, introduced by the Committee on K-12 Education Budget chaired by Rep. Jason W. Goetz (R-Dodge City), would require each board of education to allocate the amount of membership association dues to individual board members; prohibit payment of such dues if a board member elects not to join such membership association; and authorize payment of such dues if a board member elects to join a membership organization. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education chaired by Rep. Susan Estes.
HB 2523: Higher Education. This bill, introduced by Rep. Steven K. Howe (R-Salina), would authorize affiliation among Kansas universities and colleges; authorize technical colleges and community colleges to affiliate with Kansas universities; and provide procedures for such affiliations. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Higher Education Budget chaired by Rep. Adam Turk (R-Shawnee).
Elections
HB 2490: Elections/Signature Verification Requirements for Advance Voting Ballot Envelopes. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require the Secretary of State to, among other things, monitor all litigation challenging the validity of the signature verification requirements in K.S.A. 25-1124(b), and amendments thereto and require the Secretary of State to publish in the Kansas register a notice of a final order or judgment from any court of competent jurisdiction that invalidates the signature verification requirement of K.S.A. 25-1124(b); upon such publication in the Kansas register, the statutory authorization for advance voting by mail in Kansas would become null and void in its entirety. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2491: State Agencies/Noncitizens Receipt of Public Benefits. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require quarterly reports to the Secretary of State of the names and addresses of noncitizens who receive public-funded benefits. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2492: Municipalities/Vacancies in Municipal Governing Bodies. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require a special election within 60 days of the vacancy of the governing body of a municipality if the vacant position has not been filled. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2493: Elections/Advance Voting Ballots. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require a person transmitting or delivering a ballot on behalf of another voter to include such person's driver's license number in the written statement on the ballot envelope. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 3:30 p.m.
HB 2494: Elections/Candidates Names on Ballots. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would allow a candidate for a nonpartisan office to have such candidate's political party affiliation added on the ballot with such candidate's name. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2503: Elections/Mail Ballot Election Act. This bill, introduced by Reps. Allen Reavis (R-Atchison), Ron Bryce (R-Coffeyville), Shawn Chauncey (R-Junction City), Ron Ellis (R-Meriden), Brett Fairchild (R-St. John), and several other members of the Republican caucus, would repeal the Mail Ballot Election Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
HB 2512: Campaign Finance. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require treasurers for candidates and persons who promote or oppose the adoption of constitutional amendments to report lists of small donors to the public disclosure commission and would provide that such small donor lists not be part of any report required to be made public. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.
Government
HB 2502: Wildlife and Parks/Hunting and Fishing Passes. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita) and requested by Rep. Ken Corbet (R-Topeka), would require the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing passes to residents of this state who are 65 years of age or older; it would increase the maximum age to qualify for Kansas kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing licenses and remove the expiration date for such licenses. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 9 a.m.
HB 2507: Wildlife and Parks/Hunting. This bill, introduced by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would remove the requirement for migratory waterfowl stamps to be validated by a signature across the face of each such stamp and increase the fees for such stamps. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita).
HB 2511: Wildlife and Parks/Disposition of Certain Moneys. This bill, introduced by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would permit the use of money received from agricultural production on state-owned property to be used for the management of all state-owned properties. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita).
Judicial
HB 2498: Crimes Punishment and Criminal Procedure/Driving Under the Influence. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would classify crimes related to driving under the influence and driving a commercial vehicle under the influence as person crimes. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2499: Crimes Punishment and Criminal Procedure/Driving Under the Influence. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would direct courts to approve victim impact panel programs for driving under the influence offenses and would require persons convicted of or given diversion agreements for driving under the influence offenses to attend victim impact panels. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2501: Firearms/Civil Liability. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita), would provide immunity from civil liability to federal firearms licensees for returning a firearm to the firearm owner at the termination of a firearm hold agreement. This bill mirrors SB 356 and has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
HB 2519: Kansas Open Records Act/Public Records. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would continue in existence certain exceptions to the requirement of disclosures. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
HB 2521: Kansas Tort Claims Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would expand the Kansas Tort Claims Act to include child placement agencies that contract with the Secretary for Children and Families. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita).
Public Health and Welfare
HB 2508: Children and Minors/Health and Healthcare. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would prohibit healthcare providers from prescribing medication, administering diagnostic tests, or conducting ongoing behavioral health treatments to minors except in certain circumstances. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2509: Health and Healthcare/Healthcare Provider Insurance Availability Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would add advanced practice registered nurse to the definition of healthcare provider. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
HB 2520: Adult Care Homes/Adult Care Home Licensure Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would amend the definition of home plus to increase the cap of residents from 12 to 16. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services.
Public Utilities
HB 2483: Energy/Transform and Reform of Utility Expenditures. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang (R-Wichita), would enact the Transparency and Reform of Utility Expenditures Act, which would require the State Corporation Commission to prepare and submit a report to the legislature regarding the electric transmission projects recommended for construction by a regional transmission organization; require the Commission to provide weekly notice of meetings that were held with stakeholders if such meetings pertained to legislative or regulatory matters that may impact electric rates; require the construction of certain transmission lines that are directed by a regional transmission organization to be subject to competitive bidding; prohibit the Commission and certain electric public utilities from supporting any integrated transmission plan unless such plan provides benefits to the state; authorize sales of energy and energy services pursuant to power purchase agreements and energy storage service agreements; exempt such sales from the Retail Electric Supplier Act and public utility regulation; prohibit municipalities from imposing restrictions on the construction and operation of nuclear energy facilities; prohibit commissioners and staff of the State Corporation Commission from being employed by a public utility within one year following the date that such person ceased to hold such position; require legislative approval prior to the construction of any high-impact electric transmission line; require members appointed to the citizens' utility ratepayer board to be subject to senate confirmation; would limit the membership of the Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) from the same political party to not more than three members; authorize the consumer counsel of CURB to represent the interests of residential and small commercial ratepayers before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and regional transmission organization; prohibit electric public utilities from changing the utility's transmission delivery charge and require any such changes to be made in a general retail rate proceeding; and would require the Commission to provide notice to certain legislative committees of matters that may lead to an increase in electric rates pending before a regional transmission organization.
Real Estate
HB 2504: Housing/Landlords and Tenants. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita), would prohibit cities and counties from restricting a landlord's discretion not to rent residential housing or commercial rental property to a prospective tenant on grounds that the prospective tenant's income source includes housing assistance program funds or consideration of the tenant's credit reports or other income-qualifying information or eviction, criminal or property damage history; would permit a landlord to set the amount of a security deposit or refuse to extend a right of first refusal; and would permit cities or counties to prohibit discrimination by a landlord against a tenant or prospective tenant solely on the basis that the tenant or prospective tenant receives veterans benefits. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita).
Taxation
HB 2470: Economic Development/Kansas Neighborhood Revitalization Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan) and requested by Rep. Kyle Hoffman (R-Coldwater), would provide that certain municipalities with populations of less than 10,000 people may designate the entire municipality within a neighborhood revitalization area. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2474: Property Tax/Public Utilities. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would require the director of property valuation to conduct a review or audit of the appraisal and apportionment of the valuation of the property of any public utility when the total appraised value of property of such public utility in this state decreases more than 5%. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2481: Transient Guest Tax. This bill, introduced by Rep. Allen Reavis (R-Atchison), would remove the two-bedroom requirement to qualify as hotel, motel, or tourist court, requiring collection of tax form all such qualifying rentals. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell).
HB 2496: Property Tax/Public Utilities. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would require the director of property valuation to conduct a review or audit of the appraisal and apportionment of the valuation of the property of any public utility when the total appraised value of property of such public utility in this state decreases more than 5% and a governmental body requests such review or audit. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
HB 2516: County Appraisers/Qualification of Regular and Provisional Appraisers. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan) and requested by Sedgwick County, would provide for the appointment of provisional appraisers to serve as county appraisers. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
Transportation
HB 2522: Traffic Regulations/Lighting Equipment on Vehicle. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Rep. Shannon Francis (R-Liberal), would permit highway construction and maintenance vehicles to be equipped with flashing amber, white, and green lights in road construction zones and flashing blue and white lights under certain conditions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation.
Water
HB 2477: Kansas Department of Agriculture. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Water chaired by Rep. Jim Minnix (R-Scott City), would require the Department of Agriculture to publish a map on the department's official website that shows the location of all applied-for diversions of water and requested changes of more than 300 feet; require any resulting orders to be posted on the department's official website; expand the current individual notice requirement to apply to all landowners who are within half a mile of such applied for diversions or changes; and remove the requirement for such individual notice to be made by the department in conjunction with the applicable groundwater management district. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Water.
HB 2495: Water/Relating to Counties/Crimes Involving Property. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City), would authorize counties to adopt resolutions to regulate activities on or within navigable rivers and would add navigable rivers to the crime of criminal trespass. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government.
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS
HCR 5021: Elections. This House Concurrent Resolution, introduced by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would propose to amend Article 5 of the Kansas Constitution by adding a new section to require voters to present photographic identification at the time of voting. This House Concurrent Resolution has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 29, at 3:30 p.m.
HCR 5022: Congressional Term Limits. This House Concurrent Resolution, introduced by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), would make application to the U. S. Congress for a limited national convention for the exclusive purpose of proposing an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to establish term limits for members of Congress. This house concurrent resolution has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita) and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 9 a.m.
SENATE BILLS
Commerce
SB 372: Consumer Protection/App Store Accountability Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would enact the App Store Accountability Act, which would regulate app store and developer operations with respect to minors; create requirements for age verification and parental consent; provide for enforcement under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act; and create a private cause of action for violations of the act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
SB 375: Consumer Protection/Investments. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would enact the Proxy Advisor Transparency Act; provide legislative findings and definitions; require proxy advisors to make certain disclosures when recommending an action against company management; authorize the attorney general to investigate and take enforcement actions against violators; and establish a private right of action for a declaratory judgment or injunctive relief. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Education
SB 342: School Finance. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would extend the expiration date of the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act from 2027 to 2028. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
SB 343: Postsecondary Education Outcome Programs. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would require the state board of regents to adopt rules and regulations prohibiting state moneys from being allocated or expended for certain low-earning outcome programs and submit an annual report to the legislature and would prohibit political subdivisions from allocating or expending public moneys for low-earning outcome programs. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
SB 349: High School Activities Association/System for Classification of High Schools. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would require the Kansas State High Schol Activities Association to use a multiplier factor to adjust a private school's student attendance for purposes of classification of such school for activities. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
SB 350: School Districts. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would enact the Age-Appropriate School Device Act; establish limitations upon the use of digital devices in certain grade levels; establish safety standards for such devices; authorize parents to opt students out of the use of such devices in certain grade levels; and establish certain exceptions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.
Insurance
SB 360: Insurance/Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka), would enact the Kansas Consumer Prescription Protection and Accountability Act; provide for the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers; require the registration of auditing entities; and establish procedures and requirements for the conduct of pharmacy audits and pharmacy benefits manager reporting and examinations. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 9:30 a.m.
Judicial
SB 356: Firearms/Civil Liability. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would provide for immunity from civil liability to federal firearm licensees for returning a firearm to the firearm owner at the termination of a firearm hold agreement. This bill mirrors HB 2501 and has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.
SB 359: Retirement and Pensions/Retirement System for Judges. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would increase the mandatory retirement age for certain judges and would require more years of service prior to receiving a member contribution reduction. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Public Health and Welfare
SB 363: Public Assistance. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Government Efficiency chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita), would require the Secretary for Children and Families and the Secretary of Health and Environment to enter into data-matching agreements with state agencies to verify eligibility for food and medical assistance; direct the Department of Health and Environment to submit certain data to the centers for Medicare and Medicaid services; prohibit certain public assistance program waivers or exemptions without legislative approval; prohibit self-attestation for purposes of determining eligibility for public assistance programs; require redeterminations of eligibility for medical assistance on a quarterly basis; limit retroactive enrollment in the medical assistance program; require immediate termination of eligibility for medical assistance upon confirmation of death of the enrollee; increase the age limit for able-bodied adults without certain dependents; and prohibit certain exemptions from work requirements under the food assistance program. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Government Efficiency.
Public Utilities
SB 348: State Corporation Commission/Commission Jurisdiction Over Electric Public Utilities. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado), would exempt any electric public utility that is a not-for-profit wholly owned subsidiary of an electric cooperative public utility from the jurisdiction of the commission; establish certain exceptions; authorize the customers of such subsidiary utility to petition the commission to investigate the rates of such utility; authorize the commission to order new rates if the commission finds that such rates are found to be unjust, unreasonable, unjustly discriminatory, or unduly preferential; and require the customers of such subsidiary utility to receive notice of and be provided access to meetings concerning electric rates. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities and was heard Thursday, Jan. 22, at 1:30 p.m.
SB 373: Public Utilities/Installation of Equipment on Utility Poles or Other Structures. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would create a maximum length of time for agreements authorizing law enforcement to install certain equipment on utility poles or other structures with exceptions and would provide that evidence collected by such equipment is not admissible in legal proceedings under certain circumstances. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.
Real Estate
SB 369: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act/Tenant Disclosures. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield), would require certain disclosures be made to prospective tenants and would provide restrictions on fees for late payment of rent. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce.
SB 370: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act/Termination of Rental Agreements. This bill, introduced by Sen. Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa), would modify how a rental agreement terminates in case of material noncompliance by the landlord with a rental agreement. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).
SB 371: Residential Landlord and Tenant Act/Sale of Dwelling Units. This bill, introduced by Sen. Dinah Sykes (D-Lenexa), would require landlords to offer to sell certain dwelling units to tenants prior to offering such units for sale to the public. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).
Taxation
SB 365: Property Tax/County Appraisers. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would provide for the election of county appraisers and would discontinue the authority to form appraisal districts with district appraisers. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
SB 368: Income Tax/Adjusted Gross Income. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), 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 Assessment and Taxation.
Transportation
SB 357: Passenger Rail Service Program. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Sen. Mike Petersen (R-Wichita), would establish the intercity passenger rail service program and make transfers annually to the passenger rail service revolving fund. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland).
SB 367: Motor Vehicles. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Sen. Mike Petersen (R-Wichita), would provide cities the authority to allow the driving of golf carts upon sidewalks. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 29, at 8:30 a.m.
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTIONS
SCR 1618: Constitution/Reapportionment. This concurrent resolution, introduced by Sen. Cindy Holscher (D-Overland Park), would amend Article 10 of the Kansas Constitution to establish requirements for reapportioning congressional, state senatorial, state representative, and board of education districts and would prohibit reapportionment thereof except when required by the Kansas Constitution or when ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee).
Bill Tracking History
A history of the bills we are tracking as of January 26, 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.