Kansas Legislative Weekly News and Analysis
by Chuck Weber, Kansas Catholic Conference
After a quick break and long weekend marking the halfway point of the 2026 Session, the Kansas Legislature gets back to work this coming Tuesday morning. The committee schedule for the week ahead is packed. Let's take a look at issues of importance to the Catholic Church in Kansas, beginning with the big news from last week's session at the Kansas Statehouse.
PRIVACY AND SAFETY FOR KANSAS GIRLS AND WOMEN
SB 244 is now a new law that helps protect the privacy and safety of Kansas girls and women while clarifying the definition of gender or sex in Kansas law. It is another legislative answer to the question many thought we would never have to ask: "What is a woman?"
This measure was vetoed by the Governor, but became law thanks to an override vote in both the House (87-37, with 84 needed for the override) and Senate (31-9, with 27 needed for a veto override). This new law goes into effect immediately. It strengthens the Kansas Women’s Bill of Rights and helps ensure that women and girls have access to private, secure, sex-specific private spaces in public buildings.
SB 244 provides clarity for government agencies, schools, and other public institutions by clarifying that the use of “sex” and “gender” in statute is defined by science, by human biology. The new law lays out expectations for the designation of multiple‑occupancy restrooms, locker rooms, and changing areas in public buildings, ensuring these spaces are based on biology.
One legislator put it this way: "Boys belong in the boys' room and girls in the girls' room."
NEWS MEDIA DISTORTIONS
News reporting on this legislation became a prime example of inappropriate journalistic advocacy for an issue. Instead of simply reporting what is happening from an objective point-of-view, at least two slanted news media memes emerged about SB 244: this was a "bathroom bill," and it was "anti-trans legislation." These narratives fit perfectly with the arguments of opponents of the legislation, but distort the facts. Here is one example from The Kansas City Star that managed to get BOTH distorted memes into one headline.
As a former Statehouse reporter and journalist myself, it is perfectly legitimate to report what opponents believe and say about this (or any other) piece of legislation. By all means, report what each side says. But it is poor journalism to adopt and repeat the language and position of one side or another as a statement of fact in a news report. A news report becomes an opinion piece. Opinions belong on the Opinion Page.
One last point about this legislation, which clearly stirs emotions and passions on all sides. Clarifying one's sex under the law is legitimate public policy that advances the common good on many levels. A doctor testified in a committee hearing that knowing an accident victim's sex (as indicated on a driver's license) can significantly alter a plan of care in the emergency room and beyond. Common sense tells us that law enforcement should not incarcerate biological males with biological females. Unnecessary fear and anxiety—or worse—could emerge.
Despite over-the-top rhetoric by some, the Catholic Church does not "hate" anyone based on their sexuality or perceived sexuality. Quite the opposite! Mother Catholic Church takes great care in opening arms to all people. After all, we are all wounded in one way or another. Yes, all are welcome! We must protect the integrity of the family and the sacred sexuality of all people, AND we can express love to all people.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND CELL PHONE LEGISLATION
There is a growing concern in society about the impact of social media and the use of electronic devices like cell phones, particularly with children. State legislators in Kansas and around the country are trying to address this issue. One such legislative proposal making its way through the deliberative process is SB 372, also known as the App Store Accountability Act.
The motivation behind this legislation is to empower parents as the gatekeepers of cell phone Apps that are available to and being downloaded by their children. The Kansas Catholic Conference supports this legislation. We invite you to read the compelling testimony from a group called Protect Young Eyes, which helps lay out the ramifications of this legislation: Protect Young Eyes Testimony
Opponents of this legislation include—not surprisingly—trade associations and others who profit from App downloads and usage. You can read the range of testimony, opponents, neutral and proponents, here: App Store Accountability Testimony SB 372
We are happy to report that the Kansas Senate debated and voted on this legislation, passing SB 372 34-6. The measure now moves to the House for further consideration.
CELL PHONES IN SCHOOLS
There is widespread agreement among legislators that the use of cell phones (or smartphones or other mobile electronic devices) hurts the educational environment in Kansas schools. Now, what to do about it? Details matter. Some legislators want local school boards to make and implement a policy banning cell phones. Others say this is a personal freedom issue that should be controlled only by parents. Opinions run the gamut.
The Kansas Catholic Bishops favor a proposal that bans all cell phone use during school hours—including a ban covering students in Catholic schools. On February 16, there was an extensive debate on the House floor regarding House Substitute for Substitute for SB 281, the Cell Phone Ban During School Hours bill. Eventually, the House passed this bill 75-48.
What happens next to this legislation is unclear. The Senate President has declared this legislation to be "materially changed," which may mean it will need to take a different path toward passage to the Governor's desk. We'll keep watching and report what happens.
LOW INCOME KANSAS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP BILL HEATS UP
Legislation designed to help low-income and other families with extra educational tools is grinding its way through the Kansas Legislature. The Kansas Low Income Family Scholarship Act HB 2468 empowers parents of both public and non-public school children with the tools they need to address the unique educational needs of their child.
This legislation has already passed the House, and a hearing is set for this Tuesday, February 24, in the Senate Education Committee. Please reach out to your State Senator, asking for their support. You can learn more about this exciting proposal at:
DETAILS OF THE LOW INCOME KANSAS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP ACT
PROTECTING MOMS WITH DIFFICULT PREGNANCIES
While we cannot protect moms and their preborn babies from the abortion industry with laws, we will emphasize and press forward with loving remedies. One such path is strengthening and supporting Kansas Pregnancy Resource Centers (PRCs). This past week, the Kansas House approved HB 2635, known as the CARE Act. If passed into law, this bill will provide legal protection for PRC's against attempts by abortion advocates to force PRC's to do things in conflict with their mission. For instance, PRCs will not be obligated to offer or perform abortions; offer, provide, or distribute abortion-inducing drugs; or make a referral for an abortion or an abortion-inducing drug. There is an extensive list of protections you can read about HERE.
HB 2727 is legislation that will make it easier for a woman to acquire statutory damages (financial award) she may be owed due to a lack of information provided to her leading up to or at the time of her abortion.
HB 2729 amends and strengthens the Woman's Right to Know Act by allowing electronic copies of the consent form, and the form being standardized and coming from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment. This consent form has been an issue brought forward by the abortion industry, and this bill is a way to clear up something that has emerged as a legal issue preventing enforcement of the Kansas Woman's Right to Know Act, which is currently not being enforced.
All three of these measures passed the House by a final vote of 87-37. These bills are expected to continue on the legislative journey in the Senate in the days ahead.
THE KANSAS CATHOLIC CONFERENCE IS ALSO FOLLOWING...
HB 2688 is legislation patterned after a nationally known measure called Treys Law. The core of the bill is to end the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of human trafficking or sexual abuse of a minor. As a matter of policy, the Catholic Church in Kansas has not used NDAs for 20+ years. This bill passed the House unanimously and moves to the Senate.
Catholic clergy in Kansas have long been mandated by policy and by their Bishop to report any instances of abuse they learn about—other than in the confessional. HB 2352 is legislation that would also make this the law of the State of Kansas. The Kansas Catholic Conference supports the bill, which passed the House and now moves to the Senate.
HB 2738 is legislation that would prohibit the purchase of soda pop or candy with benefits from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). The KCC has not taken a position on this legislation.
We told you about SB 254 last week. This is a proposal to eliminate discounted in-state tuition rates for undocumented Kansas residents, often known as "Dreamers." These are typically young people who entered the United States illegally, but were brought here by their parents or someone else. The Senate and House have differing versions of this bill and are looking to reconcile this issue—one way or another. The Kansas Catholic Conference supports the current policy that allows for in-state tuition for undocumented people if they have graduated from a Kansas high school, AND they are seeking a path to legal status in the United States.
Businesses offering health insurance to their employees receive a tax deduction for that expense. But individuals in Kansas who use what is often called a "HealthShare Plan" do not enjoy this benefit. This past week, the Senate debated and passed favorably SB 368- Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Deduction. The Kansas Catholic Conference supports this bill as a way to help families manage rising healthcare costs. The measure now goes to the House for further action.
Please allow me to extend my gratitude to those who have sent me notes of encouragement and prayers the past few weeks as I recovered from an emergency surgical procedure. At no time was I in a life-threatening situation, but there was a good deal of pain and discomfort. I am back to 100% (or close to it) and look forward to resuming my activity at the Statehouse.
Please keep your elected officials in your prayers. Many sacrifice a great deal to serve. Theirs is a difficult mission. I read (like perhaps you do) that Washington, D.C. elected officials end up profiting by their time in the Nation's Capitol. This may or may not be true, but I am confident that service in Topeka is not a path to wealth!
Thank you for reading our newsletter and getting involved with public policy in Kansas. Making your voice heard to your elected official means more than you know.
If you ever have any questions about legislation, please don't hesitate to reach out. My email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Until next time, we persevere!
Chuck Weber
Kansas Catholic Conference
