Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | March 17, 2025
Final Sprint to Adjournment
The Kansas Legislature enters its final weeks with major policy decisions pending and a condensed timeline driving urgency.
Key Legislative Deadlines
- Friday, March 21: The final deadline for all non-exempt House and Senate committees to advance bills.
- Friday, March 21: Day 68 of the 90-day session and the last opportunity for non-exempt bills to receive chamber consideration.
- March 24-28: Conference committees will reconcile bills that passed in different forms.
- Friday, March 28 (Day 75): Scheduled first adjournment.
For a full list of current bills in conference, visit: Kansas Legislature Conference Committees.
Major Legislative Issues
Lawmakers continue debating critical policies. So far, the Legislature has sent one House bill and four Senate bills to Gov. Laura Kelly, with one vetoed.
Several high-profile issues remain unresolved:
State Budget
Legislators are working to finalize the fiscal year 2026 budget. The Senate will debate House Bill 2007 on Tuesday, following its advancement by the Ways and Means Committee. House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita) emphasized the urgency of completing budget negotiations quickly so the conference committee can begin work as soon as the Senate acts.
Tax Relief
Several proposals addressing property tax and income tax relief remain under active consideration in both the House and Senate.
Judicial Elections
The House Judiciary Committee is expected to advance Senate Concurrent Resolution 1611, which would allow voters to decide whether to elect Kansas Supreme Court justices instead of relying on nomination committee and gubernatorial appointments.
The Senate passed SCR 1611 with a 27-13 vote, securing the necessary two-thirds majority.
The House must reach 84 votes to place the measure on the Aug. 4, 2026, primary ballot when it takes up the constitutional amendment next week.
Some legislators had previously preferred a federal-style appointment process, but the necessary support did not exist. Therefore, certain lawmakers have now shifted their focus to securing the votes for direct elections.
Election Laws & Vacancy Appointments
Legislators continue debating election reforms and a proposal to change how statewide elected officials and congressional vacancies are filled.
Wildlife Secretary Confirmation
The Senate will consider Gov. Kelly’s nomination of Chris Kennedy as secretary of the Department of Wildlife and Parks. Kennedy has served as interim secretary for a year but faces confirmation hurdles, including past concerns over his support of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Other Potential Legislative Items
Lawmakers continue to consider several high-priority bills aimed at restricting the influence of “countries of concern” in key areas. Proposals under review seek to curtail or prohibit foreign influence in drone technology, land ownership, and campaign contributions. These measures reflect growing concerns over national security and economic control.
Additionally, legislators and the governor are working toward comprehensive childcare reform at the state level. Lawmakers share a broad consensus on the need to improve oversight and coordination to enhance childcare accessibility and quality. Many remain optimistic that this effort will result in significant policy changes.
With two weeks remaining, legislators acknowledge the challenges of working within a condensed 90-day session. House Majority Leader Chris Croft (R-Overland Park), expressed confidence that the Legislature will complete key policy work before adjournment.
Bill Introductions
SENATE BILLS
Employment
SB 297: Employment/Construction. This bill, requested for introduction by the AFL-CIO and sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Shawnee), would provide for local government control over wages, compensation, and benefits for construction projects. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).
Taxation
SB 296: Department of Revenue/Eliminating Certain Tax Credits, Exemptions, Incentives, Refunds and Limitations. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would eliminate certain tax credits, exemptions, incentives, refunds and limitations, a transitional adjustment, a checkoff, and a restoration program administered by the secretary of the Department of Revenue that have expired or are no longer applicable; and would provide certain technical changes to remove or modify statutory cross-references. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
HOUSE BILLS
Taxation
HB 2406: Property Taxation/Exemptions. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide tax exemption eligibility for commercial and industrial machinery and equipment that is currently ineligible for tax exemption due to such property being acquired or transported into this state on or before June 30, 2006. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.
Bill Tracking History
A history of the bills we are tracking as of March 15, 2025, 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.
James (Jim) P. Rankin
Contributing Author and Government Affairs & Public Policy Law Team
785.233.3600
jrankin@foulston.com | View Bio
As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Jim’s practice focuses on employee benefits law relating to public, private, governmental, and tax-exempt organizations. A large part of his work involves insurance regulatory and compliance issues in many industries, including healthcare. Jim has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® and the Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers® list. He is a member of State Law Resources, Inc., a national network of independent law firms selected for their expertise in administrative, regulatory, and government relations at the state and federal level.
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.