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.
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.
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.
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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.”
Just a quick update on Benny’s Bill. It has been bundled with several other related bills under the number HB 2479 and the bundle has passed both the house and senate and will now go to the Governor. The bundle includes the following:
lectronic Monitoring for Domestic Violence (HB 2479)
Requires courts to consider GPS monitoring with victim notification for certain domestic violence cases to help protect victims before trial.
Blackmail and Deepfake Protections (HB 2594)
Expands blackmail laws to include threats involving images, videos, and AI-generated content.
Privacy and Exploitation Protections (HB 2518)
Strengthens penalties for recording or sharing private images, especially involving minors, including cases involving AI or digital manipulation.
Position of Authority Law (HB 2762)
Clarifies that adults in positions of authority at schools, including volunteers age 21 and older, cannot engage in inappropriate relationships with students.
I will follow up later with a new Thoughts From Under the Dome
Topeka, KS — Today, Senate President Masterson issued a statement on Governor Kelly’s veto of SB 368.
“Laura Kelly has deliberately chosen to drive up the cost of healthcare for the many Kansans that choose to use healthcare sharing ministries with her veto of SB 368. This bi-partisan bill simply provides a tax deduction for Kansas taxpayers that use these important sharing ministries to cover healthcare costs for their families. The Senate will override this ridiculous veto and provide relief to Kansas families dealing with high healthcare costs,” said Masterson.
