Kansas Updates
May 5, 2025 Update
The Kansas Legislature has completed its 2025 Legislative Session and is adjourned until January 12, 2026.
Here’s a wrap up of final actions/outcomes.
Bills that will become law.
HB 2240: Requiring legislative approval prior to any state agency seeking or implementing a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that expands eligibility for any public assistance program or increases cost to the state.
- The Governor vetoed this bill, but the veto was overridden so the legislation passes.
HB 2217: Expanding the scope of the inspector general to audit and investigate all state cash, food or health assistance programs and granting the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths and execute search warrants thereto.
- The Governor vetoed this bill, but the veto was overridden so the legislation passes.
House Bill 2027: Reorganizing state statutes on public assistance, including eligibility requirements for cash aid, food assistance, childcare subsidies and medical benefits.
- The bill passed both chambers with a veto-proof majority. The Governor allowed the bill to become law without her signature.
Bills that did not pass*
SNAP choice restriction (SB 79): Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules to allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance benefits.
- Governor Kelly vetoed the bill. The Senate overrode the Governor’s veto, but the House didn’t take it up, so the Governor’s veto stands.
*Unfortunately, language restricting SNAP purchases was attached as a budget provisio. The language requires DCF to request a waiver from the USDA to restrict SNAP purchases before it can access funding for the Summer EBT program. Summer EBT (also known as SUN Bucks) provides low-income children who receive free and reduced-price school meals with a $120 grocery card to help buy food in the summer when school is out of session.
April 2, 2025 Update
The Kansas Legislature adjourned March 27 and will not return until April 10 for a three-day veto session. They have also set the end date of the session for Saturday, April 12, and any legislative work after that date would have to be in a special session.
Unfortunately, the legislature removed $900,000 from the FY26 budget for Kansas’ state-funded farm to food bank program in the final days of the session. The program, much like the federal Local Food Purchase Assistance program that was also cancelled at the federal level, was aimed at strengthening local food systems, supporting local farmers and providing fresh, nutritious food to communities in need.
Legislation Update:
SNAP choice restriction (SB 79): Directing the secretary for children and families to request a waiver from supplemental nutrition assistance program rules to allow the state to prohibit the purchase of candy and soft drinks with food assistance benefits.
- The measure passed by a narrow margin of 65 to 58. We urge Governor Kelly to veto it, as it would place an added burden on hardworking Kansans, making it even harder for families to afford essentials at the grocery store.
HB 2240: Requiring legislative approval prior to any state agency seeking or implementing a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that expands eligibility for any public assistance program or increases cost to the state.
- The measure passed both chambers, and it awaits the Governor’s response.
HB 2217: Expanding the scope of the inspector general to audit and investigate all state cash, food or health assistance programs and granting the inspector general the power to subpoena, administer oaths and execute search warrants thereto.
- The measure passed both chambers with a veto-proof majority and awaits the Governor’s response.
February 26, 2025 Update
Last week was a busy week in the Kansas Legislature with the turnaround deadline on February 20. This prevents bills that have not been passed in either the State House or Senate from moving forward. Harvesters opposes and has provided testimony for bills that would limit the types of food neighbors could purchase with their SNAP benefits and for a bill that would increase the administrative burden of additional verification of data for SNAP recipients.
Additionally, we are supporting an increase in budget enhancements for the Summer EBT program and the Governor’s budget proposal to cover the copay of students eligible for reduced-price breakfast and lunch. The budget passed out of the House did not include the reduced-price copay for school meals, and we encourage senators to add this back into their budget. Here are the bills we are watching in the Kansas Legislature and have provided testimony for:
Oppose:
SNAP choice restriction (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.
Data matching (SB 85): Directing the secretary for children and families to review and compare data for public assistance program eligibility.
SNAP waiver restrictions (SB 161) Requiring legislative approval prior to any state agency seeking or implementing a public assistance program waiver or other authorization from the federal government that expands eligibility for any public assistance program or increases cost to the state or making certain changes in services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Public benefit restrictions (SB 254) Prohibiting individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States from receiving any state or local public benefit.
Support:
Social Services Budget (Summer EBT)
K-12 Budget (school meals)