Kansas Updates March 2026

Positive bill:

We are pleased to see the passage of Sub HB 2402. This bill requires eligible school districts to consider participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and provides support through the Kansas Department of Education. CEP is a federally supported universal free meal option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. With Kansas ranking near the bottom nationally in CEP participation, this is an important step toward expanding access to school meals for children across the state. 

Bills we oppose:

We urge Governor Kelly to veto the following bills. A veto would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override, and several of these bills did not meet that threshold. 

• Sub HB 2731 (formerly SB 363): This bill adds burdensome eligibility verification requirements for public assistance programs and reflects provisions similar to HR 1, including increased work requirements for SNAP participants. While some provisions were softened, it still creates additional barriers for Kansans seeking assistance. 
  • House: Yea: Yea: 80 Nay: 43 
  • Senate: Yea: Yea: 28 Nay: 11 
• SB 254: This bill would expand citizenship documentation requirements or impose stricter verification tests as a condition for accessing public benefit. 
  • House: Yea: 78 Nay: 46 
  • Senate: Yea: 22 Nay: 18 
    

The Legislature returns to Topeka on April 9 for the Veto Session, where lawmakers may attempt to override vetoes. It requires 84 representatives to override a veto in the Kansas House and 27 senators to override a veto in the Kansas Senate.