2026 Kansas Legislative session underway; KNEA to testify on four bills
By Timothy R. Graham
KNEA Director of Government Relations
The Kansas Legislature is back in session, and the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) is hitting the ground running.
Several early issues directly impact KNEA members. This week, KNEA is preparing testimony on four pieces of legislation related to student cell phones, clergy in schools and tax policy.
KNEA is digging deeper into two bills concerning electronic devices in school districts.
Senate Bill 302 would prohibit the use of personal electronic communication devices during instructional time. It also prohibits school employees from using social media to directly communicate with students for official school purposes.
KNEA will testify neutral with concerns, identifying red flags and seeking amendments if the bill advances. A Senate Committee on Education hearing on SB 302 is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, in 144-S.
Concerns on Senate Bill 302 include student privacy, implementation timelines, and unclear definitions of instructional time.
House Bill 2421 was originally intended as a companion bill to SB 302. It requires school districts to prohibit the use of personal electronic communication devices during school hours. It also prohibits school employees from using social media to directly communicate with students for official school purposes and requires school districts to report student screen time.
Because of the reporting provision, KNEA will testify in opposition at the first hearing, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Friday in 218-N.
Other bills KNEA is tracking are:
House Bill 2034 Allows clergy to serve in public schools. This is not new legislation. KNEA has previously testified in opposition and will do so again because of concerns about unlicensed instruction and the separation of church and state.
Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616 Proposes a constitutional amendment to cap property tax evaluations. KNEA has opposed this concept in the past and will continue to do so because it would put fiscal strain on local units of government and undermine the primary funding source for public schools.
Beyond these bills, numerous issues are moving through committee this week. One key focus is the state budget, with Gov. Laura Kelly set to release her proposed budget this week.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Gov. Kelly will also deliver her State of the State address, and KNEA will be represented in the gallery by four members.
As always, the Kansas Legislature can shift quickly — from calm to a full-blown storm in minutes. KNEA will continue monitoring developments and keep members informed as the session unfolds.
Timothy R. Graham can be reached at timothy.graham@knea.org.