HB2644 property appraisal bill signed by Kansas Governor

HB2644 property appraisal bill signed by Kansas Governor

DUI Sentencing Criminal History Score Calculation

Kansas HB2747 was signed into law on April 9, 2026, establishing criteria for courts to evaluate whether prior law violations are comparable to driving under the influence crimes when calculating criminal history scores under the Kansas sentencing guidelines act. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers with 124 House votes and 40 Senate votes.

Fort Dodge Historical Preservation Authorization

Kansas HB2781 was signed into law authorizing the State Historical Society to acquire the junior officers' quarters at Fort Dodge. The legislation establishes state authority for the use, preservation, improvement, control, and maintenance of the historical site.

Occupational Licensing Reform - Legislative Approval Requirements

Kansas Governor vetoed SB30 on April 9, 2026, preventing the bill from becoming law. The legislation would have required state agencies to obtain legislative approval via joint resolution before adopting new occupational licensing requirements or making material changes to existing licenses. The bill passed both chambers with strong support but did not survive the veto process.

Aliens Public Benefits Prohibition (Vetoed)

Kansas Senate Bill 254, which sought to prohibit aliens unlawfully present in the United States from receiving state or local public benefits in accordance with federal law, was vetoed by the Governor on April 9, 2026. The bill had passed both chambers after conference committee reconciliation but was returned to the Senate without enactment.

Senior Hunting and Fishing License Discount

Kansas Governor signed SB364 into law on April 9, 2026, requiring the Department of Wildlife and Parks to offer a discounted resident senior combination hunting and fishing license to Kansas residents aged 65 or older. The bill also increases the maximum age for Kansas kids lifetime combination hunting and fishing licenses, decreases the maximum fee for such licenses, and removes the expiration date on kids licenses.

State Health Planning and Development Agency Amendment

Hawaii HB2319 amends Chapter 323D HRS to modify the functions and responsibilities of the State Health Planning and Development Agency. The bill adds a definition of "health care," increases the bed change exemption threshold to 30% of existing licensed bed types, and exempts the Department of Health from certificate of need requirements.

Hawaii HB2297 Updates Adult Education Framework

Hawaii passed HB2297 on March 10, 2026, updating the state's statutory framework for adult and community education programs. The bill, sponsored by Representative Nadine Nakamura, aligns state programs with federal funding requirements and incorporates current best practices. The legislation becomes effective July 31, 2055.

Human Trafficking Awareness Training for Transient Accommodations

Hawaii HB1960 was passed by the House on March 10, 2026, requiring the Department of the Attorney General to develop a Human Trafficking Awareness Training Program for workers in the transient accommodations sector. Transient accommodations employers and third-party contractors must provide periodic training to employees, maintain training records, post signage, and implement human trafficking prevention policies with reporting procedures. Penalties are established for non-compliance.

Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program Codification

The Hawaii House of Representatives passed HB1574, formally codifying the Healthcare Education Loan Repayment Program into state law. The bill requires participants who receive new awards on or after July 1, 2027, to remain and work in Hawaii for a specified number of years based on the amount of financial assistance received. The measure passed the House with 48 aye votes and no opposition, then cleared the Senate committees on EDU, HHS, and WAM before final passage.