Category Archives: Kansas

Government, Kansas

KDWP Hosts Meetings On Turkey/Water Fowl

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KDWP Office of the Secretary Letterhead

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to Host Public Meetings on Turkey Seasons and Waterfowl Hunting Regulations

PRATT – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) will host two public meetings this spring to discuss the possible re-establishment of a fall turkey season and proposed regulations affecting non-resident waterfowl hunting on public lands. Both meetings will include time for questions and public feedback.

“These conversations are an important part of how we manage wildlife and hunting opportunities across Kansas,” said Jake George, KDWP’s wildlife division director. “We want to hear directly from hunters and others who care about these resources as we consider potential changes and make informed decisions moving forward.”

Regulations remain unchanged at this time; any adjustments would require approval by the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission before they are implemented.

Meeting Schedule:

April 22 | 6:00 p.m.
Great Plains Nature Center Auditorium
6232 E. 29th St N
Wichita, KS 67220

May 6 | 6:00 p.m.
Kansas Highway Patrol Training Center (Small Auditorium)
2025 E. Iron Ave
Salina, KS 67401

Attendees at the Salina meeting are asked to park in the lower parking lot. Parking is not permitted in the lot east of the main drive.

These meetings are open to the public, and all interested individuals are encouraged to attend.

Those unable to attend in person may submit comments through the KDWP public comment form at ksoutdoors.gov/contact.

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The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of Kansas’s natural resources for the benefit of both current and future generations. KDWP manages 29 state parks, 177 lakes and wildlife areas, more than 300 public waterbodies, and 5 nature centers. Other services include management of threatened, endangered, and at-risk species, law enforcement, and wildlife habitat programs. For more information about KDWP, visit ksoutdoors.gov.
Government, Kansas, Youth

Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Risks Announcement

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Kobach warns Kansans of AI chatbot risks in PSA

TOPEKA – (April 14, 2026) – The Kansas Attorney General’s Office today announced that Digital Citizens Alliance has produced and is distributing a new public service announcement (PSA) featuring Attorney General Kris Kobach. The PSA alerts parents and families to the serious risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, particularly to children and teenagers.

“Artificial intelligence is now part of our everyday life. AI chatbots, digital characters that teens talk to, can form emotional connections with young people and shape their thinking, sadly with tragic outcomes,” Kobach warns in the PSA.

In the PSA, Attorney General Kobach stresses that while AI can offer benefits, certain applications—such as chatbots that teens interact with online—can create emotional bonds, influence thinking, and lead to tragic consequences, including encouragement of self-harm or violence.
“I’m committed to holding AI companies legally responsible for their actions and keeping you informed so together we can keep the next generation of Kansans safe,” Kobach said.

Digital Citizens Alliance executive director Tom Galvin said, “As we enter the AI era, General Kobach’s commitment to helping parents understand the risks AI can pose to their children makes Kansas a safer place as we all navigate this new digital world.”

The PSA is part of ongoing efforts by the Attorney General’s Office to protect Kansas families from emerging online threats. The Digital Citizens Alliance is distributing the announcement on digital platforms across Kansas.

About the Digital Citizens Alliance: The Digital Citizens Alliance is a consumer-focused group whose mission is to raise awareness among the public and policymakers about how to make the Internet safer.

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Kansas Attorney General’s Office | 120 SW 10th Ave. | Topeka, KS 66612 US
Business, Government, Kansas

Kansas Business Award Is Accepting Nominations

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Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026

To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and on their local communities.

During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2026 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, The Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Award and two new inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. This year’s gala will be held Oct. 8 at the Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.

“Kansas businesses are fueling real economic growth — creating jobs, opening new markets, and building communities worth investing in and calling home,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our state’s continued economic success isn’t possible without them, and To The Stars is the highlight of my year because it puts a spotlight on the companies and individuals leading the charge. Nominate the businesses that are moving Kansas forward — they’ve earned it.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:

  • AgriBusiness – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, agri-tourism or products and services
  • Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
  • Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
  • Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
  • Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
  • Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
  • Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
  • Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
  • Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award – Honors one corporation statewide that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
  • Under 30 Entrepreneur – Young entrepreneurs, under the age of 30, who are achieving business success
  • Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

“Businesses are investing in Kansas at unprecedented levels statewide — and small businesses play a leading role in how our communities are growing and building for the future,” Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “It’s local businesses that keep our state attractive and vibrant, and their momentum sets the stage for even more business wins throughout Kansas.”

Award nominations will be accepted until Monday, June 15. To learn more, view past winners and submit nominations, click here.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce:

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

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Government, Kansas

KS Governor Vetoes HB 2346

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Governor Kelly Vetoes House Bill 2346

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly on Monday vetoed House Bill 2346.

The following veto message is from Governor Kelly regarding her veto of House Bill 2346:

“Kansas already has a fund dedicated to attracting sports related activities to Kansas. If the Legislature wants to direct a portion of those funds to local communities for sports attraction they should do so.”

“Therefore, pursuant to Article 2, Section 14(a) of the Constitution of the State of Kansas, I hereby veto House Bill 2346.”

Government, Kansas

KS Governor Doesn’t Sign HB 2018

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Governor Kelly Allows
Substitute for House Bill 2018 to
Become Law Without Signature


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has allowed Substitute for House Bill 2018 to become law without her signature.

The following statement is from Governor Kelly regarding allowing Substitute for House Bill 2018 to become law without her signature:

“This bill is born out of a tension between two fundamental rights: the right to freely practice religion and the right to freedom of expression. This type of tension is not uncommon in a democracy that has enumerated as many constitutional rights as we enjoy and seek to protect today.

“However, I am concerned that this legislation addresses this tension in a manner that prioritizes one of these rights over the other, and will result in costly litigation.”

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Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter corrected

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Thoughts From Under the Dome

Ken Collins

Kansas State Representative-Second District

 

 

The 2026 regular legislative session in Kansas has now come to an end and I am happy to say that Benny’s Bill is now Benny’s Law. Those of you who are regular followers of the local news in Southeast Kansas are more than likely familiar of the story of Benny Cannon who now suffers from permanent disability due to the negligence of daycare workers. The persons who were found to be responsible for that incident received very light sentences considering the severity suffered by Benny and his family. This new law elevates child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Another crime and sentencing related bill that I sponsored along with other legislators this year is HB 2444 which provides among other things that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case, The Governor signed it into law on April 6th.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill that regulates the middlemen who operate between drug manufacturers and local pharmacies has been signed into law by Governor Kelly. This was much needed regulation which puts limits on what is virtually a monopoly.

 

On the subject of property tax relief we voted on HCR 5008 which would allow for a constitutional amendment allowing legislative limits on property valuations. The resolution did not pass and I was a no vote because I don’t believe that if enacted that it would have been effective in lowering property tax.

 

That’s just about it for now. I would like to invite anyone who is interested to come out to Galesburg Community Center on Monday the 20th of April at 6:30 PM for my Legislative Update. I will have some other events in the future so be sure to check your local papers or my page on Facebook page for updates. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Ken Collins Kansas State Representative-Second District Newsletter

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Ken Collins. Submitted photo.

 

Thoughts From Under the Dome

 

 

The 2026 regular legislative session in Kansas has now come to an end and I am happy to say that Benny’s Bill is now Benny’s Law. Those of you who are regular followers of the local news in Southeast Kansas are more than likely familiar of the story of Benny Cannon who now suffers from permanent disability due to the negligence of daycare workers. The persons who were found to be responsible for that incident received very light sentences considering the severity suffered by Benny and his family. This new law elevates child endangerment charges from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is under the age of six.

 

Another crime and sentencing related bill that I sponsored along with other legislators this year is HB 2444 which provides among other things that jail credit when consecutive sentences are imposed shall not apply to more than one case, The Governor signed it into law on April 6th.

 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager bill that regulates the middlemen who operate between drug manufacturers and local pharmacies has been signed into law by Governor Kelly. This was much needed regulation which puts limits on what is virtually a monopoly.

 

On the subject of property tax relief we voted on HCR 5008 which would allow for a constitutional amendment allowing legislative limits on property valuations. The resolution did not pass and I was a no vote because I don’t believe that if enacted that it would have been effective in lowering property tax.

 

That’s just about it for now. I would like to invite anyone who is interested to come out to Galesburg Community Center on Monday the 20th of April at 6:30 PM for my Legislative Update. I will have some other events in the future so be sure to check your local papers or my page on Facebook page for updates. Ad Astra Per Aspera.

 

 

Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Banning Kratom Products

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed House Bill 2365, which amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to designate 7-OH kratom related substances to Schedule I designation. Schedule I designates a substance to have a high potential for abuse and without a currently accepted medical use.

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the process of determining whether kratom is a safe and effective means of treating certain medical conditions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Until such a time as quality scientific reviews determine positive impacts and minimal health risks, it is wise to safeguard the health of Kansans.”

Importantly, this legislation updates Schedule IV – substances that are defined as drugs with low potential for abuse and dependence – to include Zuranolone, a prescription medication approved to treat postpartum depression.

This bill also adds to Schedule I of the CSA: 11 opioids or synthetic opioids; fentanyl-related substances that are not specifically exempted or listed in Schedules II through V; ethylphenidate, a stimulant; hexahydrocannabinol, a derivative of Delta 9; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); CUMYL-PEGACLONE, a synthetic cannabinoid.

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Government, Kansas

KS Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act is Signed Amid Others

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Creating Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act

~~Instrumental Legislation Establishes Governance of Kansas City Chiefs’
New World-Class Stadium, Practice Facility in Kansas~~

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed House Bill 2466, creating the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act. The bill enables the construction of a sports facility and related infrastructure for a National Football League (NFL) franchise team to play its home games and extends the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds program. Governor Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs announced in December 2025 that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility, and mixed-use development in Kansas.

“The Kansas City Chiefs’ historic agreement with the State of Kansas is monumental for our economy, creating thousands of new jobs, attracting tourists from around the world, and elevating Kansas as an elite place to put down roots,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This bill provides the necessary governance structure and guardrails to manage and oversee the team’s facilities, ensuring Kansans for generations to come will continue to cheer on our beloved team at home. We’re turning Kansas into a premier destination for sports and entertainment, without raising state taxes or taking funding away from essential services.”

The Kansas Sports Facilities Authority Act establishes the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority to govern the stadium and practice facility. The authority will consist of 11 voting members who are Kansas residents with relevant education, training, and experience related to facility administration, accounting, law, marketing, or other related fields. The authority’s voting members will be the secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce, and one member appointed by each of the following: governor, president of the Senate, speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate, and the team. The mayors of the two cities where the team’s facilities are located would also be entitled to appoint a voting member to the authority, which could be themselves, as long as the city participates in a STAR Bond project. The initial members must be appointed by August 31, 2026. The authority is required to conduct annual independent financial audits, maintain a public website, and submit annual reports to the Legislature.

“This bipartisan legislation establishes a responsible path forward that brings the Chiefs to Kansas while ensuring the State’s investment is carefully structured and protected,” said Representative Sean Tarwater, District 27. “I commend the Legislature for making those protections a priority, and I appreciate Governor Kelly’s support in signing this important bill into law.”

The agreement with the Chiefs is a massive economic win for Kansas, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for the state. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact. The agreement is a public-private partnership that includes a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season, and a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel, and residential properties.

“The Chiefs’ decision to come to Kansas is transformational for our workforce and economy and puts Kansas on the map as a global tourism destination,” said Senator Oletha Faust Goudeau, District 29. “In passing this bipartisan bill, we’re building a brighter future for Kansas by putting responsible structures in place to oversee construction and operation of the stadium and practice facility and be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.”

In addition to House Bill 2466, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Substitute for House Bill 2114: Clarifying which structures shall be considered water obstructions and not a dam, increasing application fees for a permit to construct, modify or add to a dam, requiring preconstruction permit fees, and requiring any licensed professional engineer who conducts inspections to be approved by the chief engineer or a certified intern engineer who is under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer.

House Bill 2116: Requiring cities and counties of certain population sizes to use standard contract provisions as used in state contracts.

House Bill 2192: Limiting or prohibiting work release for people convicted of a second or third offense of domestic battery, requiring an offender convicted of a first offense to undergo a domestic violence offender assessment, excluding certain offenders convicted of a nonperson felony from participation in certified drug abuse treatment programs, and authorizing community correctional services officers to complete criminal risk-need assessments for divertees who are committed to such programs.

House Bill 2413: Providing that theft of livestock or implements of husbandry is a severity level 5, nonperson felony. Additionally, the bill amends the criminal statute for cruelty to animals to exclude the actions of a person who catches a feral cat to provide vaccination, spaying, or neutering and returns the cat back to the location where the cat was caught after providing such care. The bill would also provide enhanced penalties for offenses committed related to transnational repression (TNR) and require the development of TNR recognition and response training.

House Bill 2462: Requiring rules and regulations for potable reusable water to be adopted and making changes to the sunset, funding transfers, and grant process for the Water Technical Assistance Fund and Water Projects Grant Fund.

House Bill 2464: Extending the sunset date of the Angel Investor Tax Credit, 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 and the tax credits for contributions to the Eisenhower Foundation and Friends of Cedar Crest Association

House Bill 2479: Authorizing electronic monitoring with victim notification as a condition of release prior to trial for certain offenders charged with a domestic violence offense, domestic battery, stalking, or violation of a protective order; increasing penalties for the crimes of endangering a child and aggravated endangering a child when the child is less than 6 years of age; and amending provisions of the Kansas Criminal Code related to the crimes of breach of privacy, blackmail, and unlawful sexual relations.

House Bill 2481: Authorizing local governments to opt in to the sale of alcoholic beverages 23 hours a day, seven days a week, for the duration of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, between May 15, 2026, and July 25, 2026, requiring the collection of transient guest taxes for any short-term rental or vacation unit, and prohibiting city and county governments from limiting the number of permits or other authorizations required for the operation of such units.

House Bill 2482: Removing the requirement that the state board of education use a certain exam provider to deliver certain college entrance and career readiness exams and requiring the board to provide for such exams using any provider.

House Bill 2485: Amending the Kansas blueprint for literacy to provide certain requirements for the state board of education, the state board of regents and school districts with regard to literacy education and reporting; requiring the development of a comprehensive literacy implementation plan; authorizing the chief executive officer of the state board of regents to negotiate and settle any repayment obligations arising under any scholarship, grant, or other financial aid program administered by the board; directing the governor to approve short-term workforce training programs for Pell grant eligibility; providing for the transferability of credentials earned through career readiness assessments toward a degree; prohibiting Kansas promise scholarship awards from being used to fund remedial hours offered as part of corequisite courses; providing requirements for agreements between postsecondary educational institutions and school districts for the provision of postsecondary courses taught in secondary schools.

House Bill 2507:Increasing the cap on certain stamp fees, amending the Kansas Open Records Act, and authorizing the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to adopt certain rules and regulations.

House Bill 2509: Adding advanced practice registered nurse to the definition of healthcare provider for purposes of the healthcare provider insurance availability act and adding an advanced practice registered nurse position to the board of governors of the healthcare stabilization fund. The bill also permits licensed physical therapists to perform certain capillary blood tests.

House Bill 2042: Authorizing the adoption of certain rules and regulations related to hazardous waste monitoring and permit application fees by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

House Bill 2647: Authorizing the Kansas Department of Transportation to establish a statewide conduit system for fiber optic transmissions of broadband connections.

House Bill 2124: Amending the law regarding speed limits in residence districts and the operation of golf carts.

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Government, Kansas

KS Bipartisan Bill Strengthening Public Safety Signed Amid Others

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill
Strengthening Public Safety


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 374, which requires further consideration of evaluation and treatment during competency proceedings for defendants charged with the most serious offenses. This legislation strengthens public safety protections by closing a critical gap in Kansas statute that could lead to potentially dangerous defendants being released after being found incompetent to stand trial, while also balancing the due process rights of defendants.

Senate Bill 374 is also known as the Logan and Austin Bill, named after Logan and Austin Jackson, who were murdered by their father in 2020. Their mother, Tara, provided testimony on the bill and has been an advocate for closing loopholes that could result in violent and potentially dangerous offenders being released into the public.

“I am proud to sign Senate Bill 374, the Logan and Austin Bill, into law,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This unanimous, bipartisan legislation sends a clear message that protecting Kansas families is a shared priority. By closing a critical loophole, we are ensuring that individuals who pose a serious danger are no longer left in legal limbo and that courts have the guidance they need to act appropriately and swiftly.”

When considering further treatment and evaluation for a defendant who’s been found incompetent to stand trial, this bill ensures courts can now consider the prior behavior of the defendant when determining whether the individual would pose public safety risks to the community upon release.

“I appreciate the Governor’s swift action to sign Senate Bill 374, the Logan and Austin Act, into law, and I’m proud to have worked alongside our local County Attorney Todd Thompson and the Kansas Attorney General’s Office on this bipartisan effort to close a loophole and better protect Kansas families,” said Senator Jeff Klemp, District 5.

Senate Bill 374 addresses and clarifies several matters:

  • Allows prosecuting attorneys to initiate and participate in involuntary commitment proceedings.
  • Clarifies what must be included in petitions and recognizes the harm that the defendant poses to themselves or others.
  • Allows courts to consider the full scope of risk, including prior convictions, pending charges, and a defendant’s overall behavior.
  • Provides a tiered, proportionate approach to dismissal.
  • Acknowledges that the State has a compelling interest in continued treatment and supervision in the most serious cases.

“The bill ensures public safety while seeing to it that those convicted of serious crimes get the mental health assistance they need to at least be able to participate in their own defense,” Representative Tobias Schlingensiepen, District 55, said. “I applaud Governor Kelly’s willingness to sign this bill into law.”

This legislation closes critical loopholes, strengthening safeguards and ensuring those who have committed serious crimes are evaluated appropriately and not put in positions to threaten themselves, victims, and the general public.

In addition to Senate Bill 374, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

House Bill 2068: Amending various provisions in the Pharmacy Act of the State of Kansas and the Pharmacy Practice Act regarding pharmacist scope of practice, pharmaceutical compounding, authority to delegate access to the state’s prescription monitoring program database, and the remote practice of pharmacy

House Bill 2518: Creating the Kansas Transparency in Consumer Legal Funding Act.

House Bill 2533: Enacting four multistate licensure compacts: the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact; the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact; the Esthetics Licensure Compact; and the Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact.

House Bill 2534: Requiring school districts to develop fentanyl abuse education programs and to maintain a stock supply of naloxone, creating the Student Safe at School Act regarding the conduct of active shooter drills and simulations, amending the definition of “crisis drill” for purposes of rules and regulations promulgated by the State Fire Marshal, and amending requirements concerning school district at-risk accountability plans.

House Bill 2560: Authorizing the sale of certain property on behalf of Kansas State University and amending statute to exempt state educational institutions from certain statutes concerning the execution of contracts, procurement of goods and services, transactions involving easements, disposition of surplus property, establishment of hospitality limitations, and participation in the Kansas Quality Program.

House Bill 2573: Amending statutes concerning the Kansas board of accountancy; relating to licensure requirements for certified public accountants.

House Bill 2590: Creating the Kansas Community Property Trust Act and amending the Kansas Uniform Trust Code.

House Bill 2591: Allowing a financial institution to establish a trusted contact program, allowing for suspected financial exploitation reporting, delaying suspicious transactions, creating the Virtual Currency Kiosk Consumer Protection Act as part of the Kansas Money Transmitter Act, prohibiting state receivership of a technology-enabled fiduciary financial institution (TEFFI) that becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy, requiring earned wage access service registrants to be subject to the Kansas Financial Institutions Information Security Act, and other technical changes.

House Bill 2596: Creating a limited exception to the Prison-made Goods Act of Kansas to authorize the Secretary of Corrections to establish a pilot program at the Hutchinson Correctional Facility to enter into contracts for production of manufactured or modular homes.

House Bill 2601: Establishing a Child Abuse and Neglect Registry maintained by the Secretary for Children and Families and requiring administrative hearings.

House Bill 2613: Providing for the crime victims compensation board to establish fees for examinations of persons who may be victims of sexual assault, authorizing the board to adopt rules and regulations to administer such fees and to use money in the crime victims compensation fund for the payment of such fees and allowing certain exceptions to the confidentiality of records and information given to the board.

House Bill 2615: Designating a portion of US-56 as the Bill Tucker Memorial Highway, a portion of US-75 as the Big Gen George H Wark Memorial Highway, and removing the portion of US-75 from the Purple Heart/Combat Wounded Veterans Highway.

House Bill 2653: Requiring the secretary of corrections to assist inmates with obtaining identification and employment-related documentation prior to release from custody.

House Bill 2700: Establishing the Kansas digital right-to-repair act to provide the right for persons who purchase digital electronic equipment to obtain the legal authorization and necessary documentation and parts from original equipment manufacturers to diagnose, maintain and repair such equipment.

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Government, Kansas

Expanding  Health Coverage for Kansas Children Bill is Signed Amid Others

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Governor Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Expand
Health Coverage for Kansas Children


TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced she has signed Senate Bill 271, bipartisan legislation that permanently updates the outdated income eligibility requirements for Kansas’ Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and protects access to affordable health coverage for Kansas children.

“Every Kansas child deserves access to quality, affordable health care,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “For far too long, Kansas has relied on temporary fixes to address the outdated standards that made it harder for families to get the coverage they need. I’m pleased to sign this bipartisan, commonsense legislation that cements these updates to the Kansas CHIP income eligibility requirements and prioritizes the health, well-being, and future of Kansas kids.”

Senate Bill 271 adjusts the household income eligibility threshold for the State CHIP from 250 percent of the 2008 federal poverty level to 250 percent of the current federal poverty income guidelines, aligning Kansas with the rest of the nation. This change safeguards access to coverage for working families while ensuring income eligibility keeps pace with today’s economic realities.

“This was a true bipartisan effort to pass a clean SB 271,” said Representative Susan Ruiz, District 23. “We recognized that passing this bill has been a long time coming and was the right thing to do for the children of Kansas.”

Additionally, Senate Bill 271 directs the Secretary of Health and Environment to codify the existing practice of using a sliding-fee scale that charges premiums per family and ensures that eligible children can maintain coverage at renewal if families remain eligible and pay all delinquent premiums. The legislation also removes outdated provisions regarding waiting periods and penalties for non-payment of premiums within a continuous eligibility period to align state and federal law.

“Making CHIP premiums based on a sliding-fee scale per family is a practical, family-first approach,” said Representative Will Carpenter, District 75. “Senate Bill 271 ensures costs are more affordable and predictable, so families don’t have to choose between paying for health coverage and other basic needs. This bill is a commonsense step to keep more Kansas kids covered.”

In addition to Senate Bill 271, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills:

Senate Bill 380: Requiring retail electric suppliers to provide nondiscriminatory rates and services to entities that provide electric vehicle charging services and prohibiting any costs and expenses associated with a retail electric supplier’s electric vehicle charging stations from being recovered in electric rates.

Senate Bill 382: Providing for the administration of statewide assessments to virtual school students by such students’ virtual schools, adding third parties who contract with school districts to the definition of special teacher, providing for special education state aid reimbursement for certain qualified teachers, authorizing nonpublic schools to permit nonaccredited private elementary or secondary school students to participate in certain activities and authorizing foreign exchange students who reside with a host family to enroll in and attend the resident school district of the host family.

Senate Bill 403: Authorizing the Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, and Delta Waterfowl license plates, prohibiting a license plate with any frame or other object on or around the plate that affects its visibility or legibility, and clarifying the definition of “conviction” in the Kansas Uniform Commercial Driver’s License Act.

Senate Bill 408: Excluding a child engaging in age-appropriate independent activities from the definition of a child in need of care in the revised Kansas code for care of children and requiring the Secretary for Children and Families to enter into a memorandum of understanding with military organizations and create a referral process for children in need of care cases involving children of military personnel to provide families with services.

Senate Bill 412: Imposing a duty on a conservator to notify certain entities and persons of any court order commanding performance or safekeeping of a conservatee’s estate assets.

Senate Bill 435: Authorizing the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System board of trustees to elect the vice chairperson of the board, requiring newly affiliated Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System employers to contribute at the actuarial required rate for past and future service, and repealing certain working after retirement statutes for state and local elected officials.

Senate Bill 480: Reviving repealed statutes related to estates of absentees and requiring nonresident fiduciaries to appoint an agent residing in this state.

Senate Bill 487: Requiring the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to implement a statewide offender registration system for agencies who register offenders under the offender registration act, providing for a petition to determine that an offender is indigent, and authorizing a notice to appear to be issued for a violation of the act involving nonpayment of a fee.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2099: Authorizing the Secretary of Corrections on behalf of the state of Kansas to convey a 57-acre parcel of land located in Leavenworth County, Kansas, to Leavenworth County.

House Bill 2158: Permitting beekeepers who meet certain requirements to sell packaged honey and honeycombs without holding a food establishment or food processing plant license under the Kansas food, drug and cosmetic act.

Senate Substitute for House Bill 2501: Providing for immunity from civil liability to federal firearms licensees for returning a firearm to the firearm owner at the termination of a firearm hold agreement, removing the criminal prohibition against firearm suppressors and shotgun barrel length requirements, and enhancing penalties for certain felonies committed while using a firearm suppressor or short-barrel shotgun.

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