This week was busy again in the legislature, as legislators worked against today’s impending deadline. Today marks the end of consideration of non-exempt bills, meaning that aside from budgetary matters, all that remains for this legislative session is next week’s slate of conference committee meetings. The legislature is expected to adjourn for the first time on March 28, with an estimated return date of April 10. We will continue to closely monitor what happens at the Statehouse next week and keep you informed!
Protecting the Courts
- SCR 1611 was approved on an emergency final action vote of 84-40 in the Kansas House this week. SCR 1611 proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for the direct election of Supreme Court Justices and abolish the Supreme Court Nominating Commission. This proposal will now go on the statewide ballot during the primary election in August 2026.
Thank you to everyone who contacted their Senators and Representatives urging them to vote no on this bill. Hundreds of Kansans responded to our call to contact their elected officials. Although this is not the outcome we wanted, we remain committed to keeping justice fair, impartial, and free from political influence and dark money.
Supporting Justice-Involved Youth
- HB 2329, the punitive youth justice bill that would increase the cumulative detention limit for youth, and the criminal penalties for youth who have possession of or use a firearm during an offense, or who are repeat offenders, require reintroduction of youth residential facilities (group homes), and utilize funds from the evidence-based programs account to contract for these beds, did not receive a hearing in the Senate prior to the deadline. This means the bill will not be passed on its own this session; however, there is a chance its language could be added to another bill, so our work here isn’t done quite yet. We oppose this bill and we will continue to monitor it. We will provide any updates and action alerts if it’s needed, but we’re hopeful it won’t be necessary!
Improving the State’s Foster Care System
- HB 2132, modifying the definition of neglect to prohibit the removal of a child due solely to an issue of poverty, did not receive a vote on the House floor prior to the deadline to do so. This bill is likely done for this year, but there could still be a small chance the language from this bill is added to another bill further along in the legislative process. If this happens, we will provide updates! If not, we will support working this bill again next legislative session.
- HB 2075, requiring that a permanency hearing for a child in custody of DCF be held within nine months from such child’s removal from the home and every six months thereafter, was amended by the Senate to include language specifying efforts for reintegration, and was passed. The bill was returned to the House where there was disagreement with the Senate amendments, resulting in a conference committee of three Senate Public Health and Welfare members and three House Child Welfare and Foster Care members being called. We support this bill, and we hope the Committee can reach agreement on language that presents the best outcomes for Kansas foster kids.
- HB 2311, prohibiting the secretary from adopting and enforcing policies for placement, custody and appointment of a custodian that may conflict with sincerely held religious or moral beliefs regarding sexual orientation or gender identity and creating a right of action for violations, was voted favorably for passed by the Senate on Thursday. It is headed to the governor’s desk. We oppose this bill as it creates too many opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth to be placed in harmful homes where foster parents can “guide or instruct children” consistent with their strongly held religious or moral beliefs. We hope Governor Kelly will veto this bill with consideration to these risks.
Protecting and Expanding Food Assistance Programs
- SB 79, directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules that would allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance was passed on emergency final action on Wednesday. Interestingly, this vote was closer than most anticipated, at 65-58. We hope to see Governor Kelly veto this, as it will negatively affect everyday, hardworking Kansans as they go to the grocery stores and make difficult decisions about what they can and cannot afford for their families.
- Last week, we told you that SB 85, directing the Department for Children and Families to review and compare data for public assistance program eligibility, might have final action in the House Committee on Welfare Reform before the Tuesday deadline of non-exempt committees meeting to consider bills. The House Welfare Reform meeting was cancelled for this week, with no movement on SB 85.
While we remain focused on developments at the Kansas Statehouse, we are deeply alarmed by federal proposals that threaten vital safety net programs. Congress is considering harmful cuts to essential nutrition programs like school meals and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would undoubtedly increase food insecurity for tens of thousands of Kansans. Among the most damaging proposals: approximately 30,000 Kansas children could lose access to free school meals through the Community Eligibility Provision, and SNAP participants would see their benefits reduced by $1.40 per day—further straining already tight household budgets. Contact your representatives today and demand they protect school meals and SNAP.
In addition to our work in the Statehouse, we’re hiring! As you may know, in addition to our legislative work, we also have a legal department at Kansas Appleseed, which allows us to pursue impact litigation. We will be adding a staff attorney to our team. Learn more about the position here.
It has been a whirlwind session and we certainly look forward to taking a breath once the legislature adjourns. But the work doesn’t stop there. We will continue to connect with policymakers and fight for Kansas kids and families each day, and we are so thankful to have you all with us!
