Statehouse Shorts: Cell phone bill headed to Gov. Kelly’s desk
Voucher bill passed by senate; likely moving to conference committee
By Timothy R. Graham
Director of Government Relations
Several education-related bills saw movement Monday, March 9, and Tuesday, March 10, as the Kansas Legislature begins its descent toward adjournment, now roughly a month away.
Senate Sub. for HB 2299, the latest version of legislation addressing student cell phone use in schools, was concurred by the House and is now headed to Gov. Laura Kelly for her signature. The measure establishes statewide policy guidance on student cell phone use in schools. Kelly is expected to sign the bill. KNEA remained neutral on the legislation.
SB 387, a bill requiring school districts to verify the household income of students receiving free meals under the National School Lunch Program, was passed out of the House Committee on Education with several amendments. Supporters say the changes are intended to ensure the proposal complies with federal law and program guidelines.
KNEA opposed the original bill and hasn’t seen amendments that resolve those concerns or change the organization’s position.
The measure previously passed the Kansas Senate on Feb. 11 with 22 votes, five votes short of the number required to override a gubernatorial veto. Because the House committee adopted amendments, the bill will likely move to a conference committee where House and Senate negotiators will work out differences between the two chambers.
Several additional education-related proposals were also adopted by the Kansas Senate this week.
HB 2468, a voucher-related proposal expanding the state’s tax credit scholarship program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations and opting Kansas into the new federal tax credit voucher program, was debated and passed by the Senate.
KNEA opposed the bill in both committee hearings. The measure previously passed the House on Feb. 12 with 70 votes, 14 votes short of the number required to override a potential veto by Kelly. Because the Senate adopted changes, the bill will likely move to a conference committee, where negotiators from both chambers will attempt to reconcile differences.
SB 263, legislation establishing standards for how active shooter drills are conducted in Kansas schools, also passed the Senate. KNEA testified neutrally on the bill during the 2025 session. The measure must still pass the House before it could become law.
The Senate also approved SB 419, legislation addressing expressive activity and free speech protections at public postsecondary institutions. The bill must still pass the House before it could become law.
SB 339, which changes Kansas law regarding recess in public schoos,failed on a final action vote in the Senate with only 17 votes in favor. However, after a motion to reconsider, it passed 24-15. KNEA did not testify on the bill.
Lawmakers raised concerns during debate that the proposal interfered with local control and was unnecessary.
Also on Tuesday, Conference committees began negotiations on the final version of the state budget. Budget conference committees typically include leadership and senior members of the appropriations committees from both chambers and are responsible for reconciling differences between the House and Senate spending plans.
Legislative activity is expected to continue accelerating as lawmakers work remaining bills ahead of key deadlines later this month.
Visit Under The Dome at www.ksutd.org for continuing coverage of legislative activity affecting public education. The site includes bill tracking, legislative updates and additional member resources designed to help educators stay informed and engaged during the session.
Timothy R. Graham can be reached by email at timothy.graham@knea.org.