Governor Kelly Allows Senate Bill 334 to Become Law Without Signature
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has allowed Senate Bill 334 to become law without her signature.
The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding Senate Bill 334:
“I understand the urgent need to address the workforce shortage in skilled nursing and to have a sufficient number of educators to prepare future nurses. However, I have concerns that the lowered educational requirements for educators in Senate Bill 334 would result in a decreased level of rigorous academic training that would leave prospective nurses unprepared to deliver the standard of care Kansans trust nursing professionals to provide. Nurses are on the frontlines of caring for Kansans in medical situations ranging from simple preventive care to emergency trauma response, and we should honor the responsibility of these roles by ensuring they receive the highest quality education possible.
“For these reasons, I am letting Senate Bill 334 become law without my signature.”
Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Reducing Distracted Drivers in School and Construction Zones
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Substitute for Senate Bill 366, which prohibits the use of a cell phone while driving in a school or construction zone.
“House Substitute for Senate Bill 366 takes concrete steps to make our communities safer for all – and safe communities are vital to making Kansas a state where people want to put down roots and raise their families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I’m pleased to signsmart, commonsense legislation that will help ensure drivers are distraction-free and schoolchildren, pedestrians, and constructions workers are protected.”
Under Senate Bill 366, individuals who use a cell phone while driving in school or construction zones will be subject to a warning citation. After July 1, 2027, individuals will be subject to a citation with a $60 fine. Additionally, this law permits the display of certain lighting in road construction zones by vehicles and trailers being used for highway construction and maintenance operations.
“We need to keep our kids and workers safe on the road. Car crashes and fatalities caused by distracted driving are far too prevalent in our state, with tragedy touching too many families,” said Senator for District 7 Ethan Corson. “Prohibiting cell phones in school and construction zones is a commonsense action to curb the inattention that leads to accidents. With the signing of this legislation, we are delivering on the promise to enhance public safety and protect Kansans from harm.”
By prohibiting and authorizing penalties for drivers’ cell phone use in school and construction zones, Senate Bill 366 aims to reduce accidents, protect children and construction workers, and ensure drivers are alert, focused, and distraction-free.
“Distracted driving from cell phone usage is one of the biggest preventable causes of traffic fatalities, injuries, and accidents,” said Representative for District 125 Shannon Francis. “This bill helps protect construction workers and school children where they are most vulnerable. We must build a culture of safety among Kansas drivers.”
In addition toHouse Substitute for Senate Bill 366, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:
Senate Substitute for House Bill 2212: Authorizing the governor to make a declaration of need for enhanced public safety and security for an extraordinary event.
House Bill 2393: Authorizing the supreme court to impose a charge to fund the costs of non-judicial personnel through June 30, 2030.
House Bill 2511: Permitting money received from agricultural production on a state-owned property to be used for the management of all state-owned properties.
House Bill 2519: Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the Kansas Open Records Act.
House Bill 2622: Modifying the municipal lease-purchase protest petition requirements.
House Bill 2702: Providing that applicants for a physician assistant license submit to a criminal record check, providing for the collaboration between physicians and physician assistants, and requiring the revocation of a physician assistant license under certain circumstances.
House Bill 2761: Enacting the speech-language pathology assistant act to provide for the licensure of speech-language pathology assistants.
Senate Bill 55: Providing additional protections from exploitative contractors by prohibiting the assignment of benefits under certain property and casualty insurance contracts.
Senate Bill 425: Increasing the maximum annual registration fee limit for seed retailers and wholesalers and authorizing a late fee for registrations renewed after the registration deadline.
This weekend, families across our district and around the world are gathering to observe Passover, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Whether you are commemorating the liberation of the Israelites or celebrating the joy of the Resurrection, I wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and blessed holiday.
As we gather in faith and community, please join me in keeping our brave service members in your prayers. We remain deeply mindful of those currently serving in the Middle East and stationed across the globe and of their families and friends at home. We are eternally grateful for their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to defending our freedoms, and we pray for their continued safety, success in their mission, and swift return home.
March Total Tax Collections at $577.1 Million;
10.7% Below Estimate
TOPEKA – The State of Kansas ends March 2026 with total tax collections at $577.1 million. That is $68.9 million, or 10.7%, below the estimate. Total tax collections were down 9.4% from March 2025.
“Missing revenue estimates by nearly $69 million in March and by over $175 million cumulatively since the last Consensus Revenue Estimates in November is concerning,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “More concerning is that Legislative Leadership rushed through this session, turning off the lights and going home before the April Consensus Revenue Estimates are announced.
“This reckless, irresponsible approach to budgeting is not smart and it is not fair. I hope that future Legislative Leadership understands that the people expect them to be good stewards of Kansas taxpayers’ dollars and that means working until the job is done right, even during election years.”
Individual income tax collections were $271.3 million. That is $3.7 million, or 1.3% below the estimate. Individual income tax collections were up 3.7% from March 2025. Corporate income tax collections were negative $23.5 million. That is $63.5 million, or 158.8% below the estimate, and down 147.0% from March 2025.
Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $262.1 million, which is $8.1 million or 3.2% above the estimate, and up 6.2% from March 2025.
Click here to view the March 2026 revenue numbers.
TOPEKA –The Kansas Department of Labor has released the January 2026 Kansas Labor Report. The full report can be accessed here: January 2026 Kansas Labor Report.
The February 2026 Kansas Labor Report will be released on Friday, April 17.
TOPEKA – (April 1, 2026) – Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach and the Kansas State Child Death Review Board are encouraging Kansans to wear blue on Friday, April 10, to increase awareness of child abuse. The effort is part of April’s observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The State Child Death Review Board indicates that child abuse and neglect can take many forms and often occur behind closed doors, making awareness and prevention efforts critical. While physical abuse may be the most visible, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect can have equally serious and lasting impacts on a child’s health, development, and well-being. Recognizing the signs and taking action to support families and report concerns are essential steps in preventing abuse and helping ensure children across Kansas grow up in safe and supportive environments.
“Child abuse prevention requires a collective effort from communities across Kansas,” said Sara Hortenstine, Youth Services Division Chief. “Wearing blue helps raise awareness and reminds us all that we share a responsibility to support families, recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, and report concerns. Speaking up can make a critical difference in protecting children and preventing tragedy.”
For additional information on child abuse and neglect, visit www.ag.ks.gov, or call (785) 296-7970. The Kansas Department for Children and Families maintains the state’s Protection Report Center. Residents who suspect a case of child abuse or neglect may report it at (800) 922-5330. In cases in which the child may be in imminent danger, call 911.
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Good News: EPA Permits Year-Round Sale of E15 On Wednesday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it was issuing a waiver to extend the nationwide sale of E15 during the 2026 summer driving season. Current regulations prevent the summer sale of E15 without a waiver, which is why I have long supported legislation to allow the year-round sale of E15 to provide certainty to the fuels industry. Year-round availability of E15 expands markets for Kansas farmers and ethanol producers, supports American energy independence and provides consumers with more affordable options at the pump. I applaud the administration’s action to help meet our nation’s energy needs, and I will continue working with my colleagues to make this change permanent. You can learn more about my efforts to support year-round E15 here.
Urging Reinstatement of Sanctions on Russia & Iran This week, I spoke on the Senate floor, expressing my concern over the administration’s decision to relax oil sanctions on Russia and Iran. The 30-day waiver permits both countries to sell their oil at market prices, potentially providing billions of dollars that they otherwise would not have had. This windfall provides resources for both Moscow and Tehran to sustain their wars against Ukraine and in the Middle East. It makes no sense to give financial relief to two adversaries who actively work, in cooperation with each other, to threaten American lives and interests around the world. I called on the President to rescind these waivers now and for them to not be extended once they expire. I also highlighted the importance of investing in domestic energy production to reduce America’s reliance on foreign countries for energy.
The U.S. military operations in Iran continue into its fifth week. As a member of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, I received another classified briefing on the war. While there is potential for ceasefire talks to begin, I am monitoring reports of plans to send more forces into the region that could lead to introducing troops on the ground.
You can watch my full remarks on the Senate floor here.
Passing Legislation to End Partial Government Shutdown
After weeks of trying to negotiate a deal in the Senate on funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), President Trump took action to provide emergency pay for TSA workers who were facing a third missed paycheck. While this action will provide relief for the TSA employees and alleviate strain on air travel, a DHS funding bill must be enacted to ensure our national security and make certain thousands of employees do not continue going without pay. Despite the Appropriations Committee negotiating a bipartisan DHS funding package that includes resources for body-worn cameras for ICE and increases funding for the DHS Office of Inspector General to conduct investigations and hold the department accountable, my colleagues across the aisle rejected this package and additional offers for reform.
While Republicans worked in good faith to offer reforms for ICE and Border Patrol, defunding these critical agencies is not an option. Thanks to additional funding provided last year in the Senate Reconciliation Bill, ICE and Border Patrol operations will continue to be funded for the foreseeable future, and Senate Republicans will look for alternative ways to fund these agencies potentially through another Reconciliation Bill.
Requesting Update from DHS on World Cup Security Plans
As the U.S. prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, I led my colleagues in requesting an update from the newly appointed Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) efforts to support the safety and security of host cities across the nation, including Kansas City. Kansas City’s role during the FIFA World Cup presents a unique opportunity to showcase our state and country but also requires significant coordination between federal, state and local partners to address evolving security threats. Specifically, I requested additional details on how DHS is working with law enforcement and emergency management partners to prepare for the event, as well as how federal resources are being allocated and which special designations would be granted to host cities to make certain they have the necessary tools in case of an emergency.
I appreciate the many Kansas-based law and fire departments that have visited with me in recent weeks to express their concerns and share questions ahead of the World Cup, and I look forward to remaining in contact with the emergency services community on the response we receive from Secretary Mullin. I remain committed to working to make certain our communities are as prepared as possible for the World Cup.
Calling for Briefing on Holding Perpetrators of Oct. 7 Attack Accountable
This week, I led 13 of my colleagues in requesting that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel convene a briefing on the Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF) to update Congress on efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist networks such as Hamas. The task force was established in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel and stands to investigate and hold accountable individuals connected to acts of violence and global terrorist organizations. In the letter, we requested an update on the task force’s progress, including the number of investigations underway, actions taken to hold perpetrators accountable and any additional authorities or resources needed from Congress to support the JTF’s critical work. As Chairman of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, I remain committed to making certain the Department of Justice and the FBI have the tools necessary to carry out their mission of keeping Americans safe. You can learn more from Jewish Insider here.
Touring Thales Group U.S. Headquarters
On Monday, I visited Thales Group’s U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and met with members of their team to learn more about the work they are doing to support air traffic control modernization. We also discussed Thales Group’s presence in Kansas, including its facility in Overland Park that repairs air traffic control navigation and surveillance equipment. Thank you to the Thales Group team for hosting me and for conversations on strengthening aviation safety.
Leading Legislation to Protect Consumer Data Privacy This week, I reintroduced the Consumer Data Privacy and Security Act to strengthen laws that govern consumers’ personal data and create clear standards and regulations for American businesses that collect, process and use consumers’ personally identifiable data. As more states adopt their own comprehensive data privacy legislation and as consumers face new and evolving threats to the security of their personal data, the need for a clear federal standard for data privacy has become more pressing, both for consumers seeking to secure their data and for businesses contending with a patchwork of state laws governing how that data is to be handled.
My legislation would establish a clear federal standard for data privacy protection, provide consumers with control over their personal data, create appropriately-scaled business requirements based on a company’s size and resources, require notification and consent measures, implement robust security programs and provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general with the resources and authorities needed to enforce this clear federal standard.
As Congress works to develop a comprehensive federal privacy standard, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate and soliciting feedback from consumers and industry leaders to make certain that this legislation manages the risks to consumers’ data privacy in a way that American businesses can execute.
Introducing Bill to Bolster Training on Dementia Detection & Treatment This week, I joined my colleagues, Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), in introducing the Accelerating Access to Dementia & Alzheimer’s Provider Training (AADAPT) Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to bolster training for primary care providers so they can better diagnose Alzheimer’s and other dementia and deliver high-quality care in community-based settings.
The bill would make certain primary care providers have the tools they need to deliver earlier diagnoses, improving access to care and outcomes for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. I am committed to supporting robust funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research to improve treatments and work towards a cure for these devastating diseases.
The Property Tax Revenue Limit bill (Senate substitute for HB 2745) was sent to the governor; it puts the breaks on annual property-tax collection increases with a revenue limit (the previous year’s property tax collection plus Midwest Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower). If a governing body attempts to exceed the limited amount, a voter petition of 10% of registered voters in that taxing subdivision can stop the increase. The Senate added some safeguards: the revenue‑neutral notices you get in the mail must flag if a budget exceeds revenue‑neutral (property tax collected the previous year) levels and if revenue limits are to be exceeded; if revenue limits are exceeded a petition signature area is to be included on the notice; petition signatures may be collected Aug. 10–Sept. 15, and if 10% of registered voters sign, the governing body may not exceed revenue neutral. The House had changed the petition process so that they do not have be notarized. It’s a meaningful step to slow government growth. I hope the governor signs it. It passed the Senate 22–18. I voted yes.
Early in the session, House and Senate leaders agreed to work on two items: an assessment cap (Senate position, 3%, that must be implemented by constitutional amendment) and a revenue cap (House position, allowing voters to stop increases 3% or more by petition). Each measure would offer protection: the assessment cap would protect individual properties, while the revenue limit would help slow government growth. Unfortunately, the assessment cap was rejected by the House – even after the House offered a 10% cap and no rollback on assessment values; the Senate position was 3% or lower with a 2022 baseline year. To move on the measure, I was asked to acquiesce to a 9% cap, with the understanding it could be lowered by statute, and a baseline assessment value year of 2024, which the House accepted – but rejected it on the House floor. There is still a slim chance to pass something in veto session.
Some House members continue to spread misinformation about assessment limits, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the legislation. For example, claims that it “will hurt first-time homebuyers” are inaccurate: the measure transfers the capped assessed value to the new homeowner. A major benefit because the capped assessment value goes with the property, unlike today where some are seeing increases that can tax them out of their home in just a few years.
As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked day and night trying to get a limit on property tax increases passed – one that would protect homeowners and save them money. We need to stop these runaway increases. However, as a leader in lowering your taxes, there are members of the legislature trying to blame me for not getting results when they vote against the limits. Go figure.
The Legislature will return April 9th for consideration of bills vetoed by the Governor and possible action on other legislation. Currently, there are 50 bills on the Governor’s desk for consideration and over 80 bills on the way to her desk. All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Late last night, the House passed a continuing resolution that will fund the entire Department of Homeland Security for the next 60 days as negotiations continue to secure full-year funding. This 60-day funding resolution marks the fourth time the House has passed funding for the department, which would end the needless shutdown. Earlier this week, the House also passed for the third time a full-year funding bill for the department. Full-year funding received bipartisan approval in the House earlier this year before being blockaded by Senate Democrats. This shutdown has to end so the Coast Guard, Border Patrol, Secret Service, TSA and other critical agencies that keep our country safe can resume normal operations at this time of elevated threat.
As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I continue to receive briefings on Operation Epic Fury. My prayers continue to be with our troops, particularly those Kansans serving in the operation.
Last Sunday, I joined NewsNation to discuss the latest developments.
In committee action Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee held a markup which included a bill I introduced to clarify the ability of Executive Branch officials — not unelected judges — to temporarily appoint acting U.S. Attorneys while the individuals appointed by the president to permanently serve in those roles are pending confirmation in the U.S. Senate. Delay tactics by members of the minority party in the Senate should not be used to prevent the administration from having their chosen attorneys represent them in federal courts. My bill will take a step toward addressing that issue.
Also on Thursday, the House Armed Services Committee unanimously passed out the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) Act of 2026 (H.R. 7613), which includes key reforms recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board to prevent future tragedies, such as the 2025 midair collision at Reagan National Airport of American Airlines Flight 5342 from Wichita and the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
As families across the Second District wrap up their tax returns over the next few weeks, I’m hearing from many Kansans who are receiving bigger refunds this year thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts that were enacted last summer. Thanks to the larger standard deduction, expanded child tax credits, senior deduction, small business pass-through deduction, no tax on tips and no tax on overtime, the average refund is up more than 10% from last year. That’s real money Kansans are saving by having a more affordable federal government.
There was also good news for Kansas farmers this week with key announcements from the administration on renewable fuels:
First, the EPA announced it is once again issuing a waiver allowing E15 to be sold during the summer. While we continue to work in Congress to make year-round E15 permanent — a bill I have cosponsored — I’m grateful the administration has once again waived the burdensome regulation, giving fuel retailers and consumers the choice to offer and purchase higher ethanol blends, which can result in real savings at the pump.
The EPA also announced the new Renewable Fuel Standards for 2026 and 2027, which will result in the highest-ever volumes of biofuels in our nation’s history. This is expected to create billions of dollars in value for farmers and continue reducing our reliance on foreign oil.
Benny’s Bill was passed unanimously in the Senate as I have previously reported and was bundled in conference committee with three other public safety measures and is now on the way to Governor Kelly’s desk for approval. The package combines several good pieces of legislation and was done in the memory of the late Representative John Resman. The bill includes:
Benny’s Bill (HB2412): Elevate child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.
Electronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB2479)
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB2594): Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images especially involving minors including cases involving AI.
Position of Authority Law (HB2762): Strengthens law prohibiting sexual relations with students by clarifying adults in positions of authority at schools.
The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill (SB 360) that I have previously mentioned was recently passed by the House under the new designation of SB 20. This bill puts some much needed regulation on the PBM monopoly that currently exists in this country. The House vote on this measure was 104-17 and it is now headed to the Governor for her signature.
Recently the House voted on and rejected by a vote of 46-75 was House Bill 2527. The purpose of HB 2527 was to restrict registered sex offenders from entering school property. That is a goal that I think that almost everyone would support but the bill did not address some of the possible scenarios that could come about and thus could cause unintended consequences. I voted no and I believe that was why most of my colleagues did as well.
The House and Senate are both adjourned until April 9th when we return for veto session. I would like to remind everyone that I have two legislative update events planned. The first one will be at the Mulberry Senior Citizens Center on Monday April 13th at 6:30 with the other one a week later on April 20th at the Galesburg Community Center. Ad Astra Per Aspera.
Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued the following statement in regard to the Governor’s veto of HB 2635.
“Yet again, Laura Kelly has chosen to veto good legislation that saves lives. This bill simply protects pregnancy resource centers’ ability to educate mothers and provide life-affirming care. I look forward to ringing-in another override soon,” said Masterson.
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today vetoed House Bill 2635.
The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2635:
“The people of Kansas have made it clear, time and time again, that they want government to stay out of women’s private medical decisions. That means we shouldn’t be spending tax dollars trying to interfere with that very personal, very private, medical decision. That’s why I’m vetoing this bill.
“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2635.”
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