February 8, 2026
As the February 19 turnaround deadline approaches, legislative committees are operating at full capacity, with budget deliberations dominating the week. Budget subcommittees are finalizing their work ahead of full House and Senate budget debates, limiting time for other legislation. Several policy committee hearings have been delayed due to drafting backlogs, software issues, and the continued introduction of new bills.
Higher Education Budget and DEI
The Higher Education Budget Committee approved a 2.5% cut to operating budgets at KU, KSU, and Wichita State, along with measures restricting DEI activities. The budget limits future tuition increases and requires plans to reduce administrative leadership. The bill also restricts faculty improvement plan extensions and withholds $12 million until universities certify compliance with DEI prohibitions. Republicans framed the cuts as fiscally necessary and enforcement-driven, while Democrats criticized them as ideological and harmful to access and affordability.
World Cup Liquor Sales
Senate Bill 393 was introduced last week. The bill, backed by the Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association, would allow round-the-clock alcohol service at hotels and drinking establishments across Kansas. The bill would be in effect from June 11 through July 19, during the World Cup Event. Alcohol sales would be allowed from 6 a.m. until 5 a.m. the next day, seven days a week. The bill has been met with concerns from the Chairman of the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee, not promising to hear the bill this session.
STAR Bonds
The House Commerce Committee passed Sub for SB 197 out of committee. The bill passed the Senate last year and renews the sunset for the Kansas STAR Bonds program. The bill, as amended today, allows for the reuse of paid-off STAR Bonds districts, requires additional reporting requirements, sets visitor origin requirements and provides enforcement of such requirements. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Sports Tourism Grants
The Kansas Department of Commerce, Sports Kansas, and TIAK supported the concept of a new Kansas Sports Tourism Grant Program but testified neutrally on House Sub for House Bill 2346, stating amendments were needed to prioritize new events and open the dollars to events statewide. Other amendments offered to allow in-kind matches, expand lodging definitions, and protect existing tourism funding. The committee is expected to work the bill before turnaround.
Transient Guest Tax
TIAK supported House Bill 2481, which would apply the transient guest tax uniformly to all room rentals, including short-term accommodations. Supporters argued that the bill creates consistency and strengthens local tourism promotion, while lawmakers raised questions about implementation and its impact on small property owners. The committee is not expected to take action on the bill.
Aviation Tax Credits
House Bill 2464 advanced quickly this week, passing the House 81–39 and moving to the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee. Supporters highlighted the importance of aviation tax credits to Kansas’s aerospace industry, which generates more than $2.3 billion in exports and employs nearly 30,000 workers statewide.
Angel Investor Tax Credit
The House Commerce Committee heard House Bill 2466, which extends the angel investor tax credit through 2031. Supporters cited more than $600 million in private investment generated since 2005 and argued the program is critical to startup growth and retention. The committee recommended the bill favorably, and a Senate version is scheduled for a hearing this week.
Breast Cancer Screening
Advocates urged passage of Senate Bill 409, which would eliminate cost-sharing for follow-up diagnostic breast exams. Supporters argued the bill would improve early detection and reduce disparities, while business groups raised concerns about insurance mandates. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas testified neutrally.
School Choice Tax Credits
The House Education Committee advanced House Bill 2468, expanding state and federal scholarship tax credits for private education. Supporters said the bill expands school choice without direct public spending, while opponents raised concerns about impacts on public schools and equity. The bill is expected to prompt significant floor debate.
In-State Tuition and Immigration
The Senate passed Senate Bill 254, which included the repeal of in-state tuition for certain undocumented students, but the House removed that provision before passing the bill 86–36. The final bill tightens eligibility for certain public benefits while preserving emergency and public health exceptions.
Broadband Right-of-Way Issues
House Bill 2586, addressing municipal franchise fees on broadband services, was heard in House Utilities. Cities and cable providers supported the bill, while broadband companies opposed it as a consumer tax. Further negotiations are expected later this year. The committee also advanced House Bill 2544, creating a relocation reimbursement fund for broadband providers required to move facilities, which now heads to the House floor.
This Week
This week is set to be a busy week as both chambers work to finalize their budgets. Below are a few key bills you might want to track.
Both House and Senate Budget Committees will begin work to compile and finalize their respective budget bills-Senate Bill 315 and House Bill 2434.
On Monday House Legislative Modernization Committee will consider House Bill 2592, which proposes to create a state Task Force on AI.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Senate Government Efficiency Committee will hear Senate Bill 363 which proposes to strengthen eligibility verification and work requirements for food and medical assistance, limit waivers and retroactive enrollment, and improve oversight of public benefits.
Senate Judiciary Committee will hear Senate Bill 462 on Tuesday, which proposes limitations on public nuisance actions.
Joint Commerce Committee will hear about proposed Unemployment Insurance reforms aimed at maintaining the integrity of the Trust Fund on Wednesday set out in House Bill 2764.
On Wednesday, the House Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee will hear House Bill 2649, which proposes to create a Kansas Empowerment Savings Program Act, which is a retirement savings program established in the Kansas Treasurer’s office.
The House Commerce Committee will hear House Bill 2757, which repeals more than 20 unused or rarely used tax credits and makes changes to the HPIP program.
The House Utilities Committee will hear House Bill 2483, the Transparency and Reform of Utility Expenditures Act (TRUE Act), which will require legislative approval of large transmission lines in Kansas.
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