11:00 p.m. Thursday
Kansas lawmakers returned to Topeka on Monday, January 12, for the start of the 2026 Legislative Session. This session is once again expected to be expedited, with a true 90-day calendar. Legislators will be paid for weekends and holidays, with adjournment expected in mid-April. Governor Laura Kelly released her budget during her last State of the State address on Tuesday, January 13.
Republicans enter the second year of the biennium with expanded supermajorities in both chambers. With all Kansas House seats and statewide offices on the ballot in November, legislators will face budget challenges, a shortened session calendar and election-year politics.
Here is a look at the key KSCPA issues, along with general legislative focus areas for the 2026 legislative session.
CPA Pathway - Legislation to Allow Alternative Licensure Pathway
The KSCPA is sponsoring legislation that would allow an alternative licensure pathway to the CPA. The legislation includes the following provisions:
We anticipate the legislation will be introduced in late January and will ask members to contact their legislators to encourage them to support it as it moves through the legislative process. Keep an eye out for these Calls to Action!
Protect the CPA License
Protecting the CPA license is a cornerstone of the KSCPA's legislative agenda. To maintain practice privileges across state lines and encourage uniformity, the KSCPA is monitoring legislative proposals that would minimize, remove, or fundamentally change the CPA license or the structure of the Kansas Board of Accountancy. Proposals like these can lead to unintended consequences with immediate negative impacts, disrupting the CPA profession and creating ripple effects that disproportionately affect the Kansas business community and state economy. The KSCPA is focused on protecting the CPA license and ensuring it remains consistent with the rest of the country. The weekly Legislative Update videos and reports will highlight these issues and share the action the KSCPA has taken at the statehouse.
Property Taxes
Property tax relief remains a top issue for many in the House and Senate. However, lawmakers remain divided over solutions. Proposals range from targeted relief to structural changes, such as a constitutional amendment to cap valuation growth or use a rolling valuation average.
The Budget
Governor Kelly has emphasized fiscal stability and continued to focus on her priorities, including early childhood initiatives and long-term water planning. Some Republican lawmakers are pushing for deeper tax cuts and tighter spending. Legislative Leadership has indicated they want more than $200 million in cuts made to the FY 2027 budget.
Water
Water policy has become a statewide issue as aquifer depletion, reservoir sedimentation, and supply pressures intensify. Governor Kelly has called for a strategic, long-term approach; however, concerns have been expressed about multi-year funding commitments.
Early Childhood
With the passage and reorganization of childcare organizations into the Office of Early Childhood, the focus in 2026 shifts to implementation. Lawmakers will debate governance, accountability and workforce capacity.
Redistricting
Mid-decade congressional redistricting remains uncertain. While the Trump Administration and some legislative leaders have expressed interest, others have acknowledged insufficient support, leaving the issue a possibility rather than a certainty this session.
STAR Bonds
After the Kansas City Chiefs committed to locating in Kansas, the STAR Bonds program is under intense scrutiny. Up for renewal this year, some legislators are wary about economic development incentives and programs in the state, posing a challenging environment to pass renewal of this program.
World Cup
Kansas City will host 6 World Cup matches this summer. Team basecamps have yet to be named, but Kansas could see up to three teams stationed between Kansas City and Lawrence. Transportation, safety, hotel and short-term rental needs are top of mind as international visitors descend on the United States.
Energy Policy
Energy policy will again be a top issue for Legislators as Kansas faces infrastructure needs. This comes at a time when large energy users, such as data centers, are looking to locate in the state and to provide increased investment and job opportunities.
Cell Phone Ban
A bipartisan bill in the Kansas Senate seeks to ban cell phones and other personal communication devices during school hours is a top priority. Lawmakers want to create a "phone-free" environment, where students have space to think, build authentic human relationships, and protect their mental health from constant digital pressure.
The 2026 Kansas Legislature will again be expedited. Budget hearings have already begun in the House and are a top priority for lawmakers. Legislators will consider many issues, but passage is dependent on how quickly a proposal can advance. Election-year politics will most certainly play a role in legislative debate and the speed at which issues advance.
To follow the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session, visit www.kslegislature.org
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Liz Gaume |
The Ignite blog is an official publication of the Kansas Society of CPAs, Copyright 2025.
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