Legislative Update: Week 4

As of February 9, 2025, the Kansas Legislature is approaching the "turnaround" deadline on February 20, 2025. This critical date requires most bills to pass out of their initial committees to remain active for the session. As this deadline approaches, committee schedules are rapidly evolving, making it challenging to predict which bills will advance. 

Upcoming Legislative Activities: 

VOTING RIGHTS: 

Informational hearing 

• SB 4: This bill mandates that advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day. The intent is to standardize the deadline for receiving advance ballots, potentially impacting voters who rely on mail-in options.  

CRIMINAL LEGAL REFORM:

• HB 2179: Proposes prohibiting the assessment of fines and fees against juveniles or their guardians in cases under the revised Kansas juvenile justice code. A hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Room 546-S. Testimony welcome!  
• HB 2327: Seeks to establish procedures for the Secretary of Corrections to issue certificates of employability to certain inmates, aiming to facilitate their reintegration into the workforce upon release. 

REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS:

• HB 2216: Mandates the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to create an informational video detailing abortion laws in the state. This initiative aims to inform the public about current regulations and access to services. 

LGBTQ+ ISSUES: 

• SB 76: Introduced by Senator Renee Erickson (R), this bill requires employees of school districts and postsecondary institutions to use names and pronouns consistent with a student's biological sex as stated on their birth certificate, unless parents provide written consent. It also protects individuals from disciplinary action if they refuse to use a student's chosen name or pronouns and permits lawsuits from anyone who overhears such usage. A Senate Committee hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM in Room 144-S.  

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: 

• HB 2299: Seeks to prohibit discriminatory practices based on religion at public educational institutions and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and assess civil penalties under the Kansas Act Against Discrimination. 

With the legislative turnaround deadline fast approaching, significant movement is expected in terms of which bills advance or stall. Staying informed through official legislative channels and reputable news outlets is crucial during this period. 

A note: The ACLU of Kansas has identified several focus areas for the 2025 legislative session: 

• Criminal Legal Reform: Advocating for the elimination of fines and fees for juveniles and supporting bail reform to prevent individuals from being detained pre-trial due to inability to pay.  
• Voting Rights: Advocating for a system of fair and open elections, opposing legislation that disenfranchises eligible voters, and supporting measures that expand access to voting. 
• Reproductive Rights: Vigorously opposing any legislative efforts to erode the state constitutional right to reproductive healthcare and protecting the privacy of individuals making personal healthcare decisions.  
• LGBTQ+ Rights: Opposing legislation that infringes upon the rights of LGBTQ+ Kansans, including bills that restrict the use of chosen names and pronouns in educational settings.