January 30, 2026
The third week of the session was very unusual. It started with fast tracking House Substitute for Senate Bill (SB) 244 that requires every multi-person restroom, locker room, changing room, or shower in a public building to be designated for use by only one biological sex, with narrow exceptions for emergencies, maintenance, and children under 9. It also redefines “gender” to mean biological sex at birth, renders any birth certificate or driver license gender marker issued before July 1, 2026, that conflicts with that definition invalid, and obliges the state to issue corrective notices and new documents. Violations by governmental entities would attract civil penalties ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 per day, while individuals could face fines and misdemeanor charges. It was frustrating to lawmakers who were concerned with the way the bill was worked. The core grievance was that the legislature bypassed the usual committee hearings and moved the bill straight to the floor, leaving many feeling the process was rushed. It passed both chambers with a supermajority and is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The Senate voted 30 to 9. I voted yes.
Illegal Aliens, a person who is unlawfully present in the United States, would be blocked from receiving state or local taxpayer funded benefits, including in-state tuition discounts at post-secondary schools. It also amends criminal procedure law to require immigration status verification for noncitizen defendants and creates a rebuttable presumption that an illegal alien is a flight risk when setting appearance bonds. There was an attempt to remove the in-state tuition during floor debate. The amendment failed. SB 254 passed the Senate 30 to 9. I voted yes. The bill is on its way to the House.
Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day October 14, Mr. Kirk’s birthday, will be recognized each year as free speech day if SCR 1615 passes the House. SCR 1615 also condemns the assassination of Charlie Kirk and offers condolences to his family. It urges the Governor to join the Legislature in marking the day and encourages Kansans to celebrate by exercising free speech and civil discourse. I voted yes with a final vote in the Senate 30 to 8, sending it to the House.
Trafficking and sexual‑exploitation laws would be tightened, with all fines sent to the state victim assistance fund if CCR 2347 becomes law. The measure would also expand the “criminal use of a financial card” to cover unauthorized, altered, or stolen gift card information by imposing steep penalties. It also would make it unlawful to use a laser pointer to harm a person. It passed the Senate 39 to 0 and the House 119 to 4. It’s anticipated that the Governor will sign CCR 2347 into law.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn