Pre-Session Preview: What to Watch

in the Kansas Legislature

January 9, 2026

Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka on Monday, January 12, for start of the 2026 Legislative Session. This session is once again expected to be expedited, with a true 90-day calendar. Legislators will be paid for weekends and holidays with adjournment expected to be set for mid-April. Governor Laura Kelly will release her budget during her last State of the State address on Tuesday, January 13.

Republicans enter the second year of the biennium with expanded supermajorities in both chambers. With all Kansas House seats and statewide offices on the ballot in November, legislators will face budget challenges, a shortened session calendar and election year politics.

Key policy issues

Property taxes. Property tax relief remains a top issue for many in the House and Senate. However, lawmakers remain divided over solutions. Proposals range from targeted relief to structural changes such as a constitutional amendment to cap valuation growth or use a rolling valuation average.

The budget. Governor Kelly has emphasized fiscal stability and continued to focus on her priorities, including early childhood initiatives and long-term water planning. Some Republican lawmakers are pushing for deeper tax cuts and tighter spending. Legislative Leadership has indicated they want more than $200 million of cuts made to the FY 2027 budget.

Water. Water policy has become a statewide issue as aquifer depletion, reservoir sedimentation, and supply pressures intensify. Governor Kelly has called for a strategic, long-term approach, however, concerns have been expressed about multi-year funding commitments.

Early childhood. With passage and reorganization of childcare organizations into the Office of Early Childhood, the focus in 2026 shifts to implementation. Lawmakers will debate governance, accountability and workforce capacity.

Redistricting. Mid-decade congressional redistricting remains uncertain. While Trump Administration and some legislative leaders have expressed interest, others have acknowledged insufficient support, leaving the issue a possibility rather than a certainty this session.

STAR Bonds. After acquiring a commitment from the Kansas City Chief’s to locate in Kansas, the STAR Bonds program is under intense scrutiny. Up for renewal this year, some legislators are weary about economic development incentives and programs in the state, posing a challenging environment to pass renewal of this program.

World Cup. Kanas City will host 6 World Cup matches this summer. Team basecamps have yet to be named, but Kansas could see up to three teams stationed between Kansas City and Lawrence. Transportation, safety, hotel and short-term rental needs are top of mind as international visitors descend on the United States.

Energy policy. Energy policy will again be a top issue for Legislators as Kansas faces infrastructure needs. This comes at a time where large, energy users such, as data centers, look to locate in the state and provide increased investment and job opportunities.

Cell Phone Ban. A bipartisan bill in the Kansas Senate seeks to ban cell phones and other personal communication devices during school hours is a top priority. Lawmakers want to create a "phone-free" environment, where students have space to think, build authentic human relationships, and protect their mental health from constant digital pressure.

Bottom line

The 2026 Kansas Legislature will again be expedited. Budget hearings have already begun in the House and will be the top priority when lawmakers kick off the 2026 Session. Legislators will consider many issues, but passage is dependent on how quickly a proposal can advance. Election year politics will most certainly play a role in legislative debate and the speed in which issues advance.

To follow the 2026 Kansas Legislative Session visit www.kslegislature.org