2025 Kansas Legislative Session Preview

Lawmakers return to Topeka for the start of the 2025-2026 biennium Kansas legislative session on Monday, January 13.

Republicans still hold strong supermajorities in both chambers. There are 88 Republicans and 37 Democrats in the House, and 31 Republicans and 9 Democrats serving in the Senate this year.

The Governor’s State of the State address will be on Wednesday, January 16 at 6:30 p.m., when she will outline her administration’s policy priorities for the year. She will also unveil her budget to the Legislature the following day.

However, this will be the first year that the Legislature is taking the budget into their own hands and will be crafting their own budget bill from scratch rather than using the Governor’s plan as a base for amendments.

On the campaign trail, high property taxes were the top issue of concern heard from constituents. Candidates promised to expand on the efforts taken during the 2024 Special Session, but that most don’t think went far enough. Expect the new legislative budget committee propose significant cuts to spending to allow for reforms that lower property and possibly income tax rates as well.

Other headliner issues to watch include water plan funding and conservation, foreign land ownership, judicial selection, and school choice/vouchers. Medicaid expansion and medical marijuana are also on the administration’s agenda once again.

With 31 newly elected Legislators, new Republican and Democrat leadership in both chambers, and some significant reshuffling in committee chairs and assignments, it could be a slow start to the week as new faces settle into new roles.

After that, it will be off to the races to stay on schedule with this year’s condensed session calendar. Rather than a typical three-week spring break in April, Sine Die final adjournment after Veto Session is scheduled for April 12.

As we start a fast and furious 2025, we are thankful for the opportunity to represent your interests in Topeka and will keep you informed as these issues and more unfold throughout the session.