Nursing Instructor Education Requirements for State Approval

Kansas enacted SB334 requiring nursing schools seeking state approval to employ instructors meeting specified education levels. The bill passed with emergency status through both chambers and was signed into law on April 9, 2026, facilitating nursing workforce development in the state.

Kansas Firearm Hold Agreement Immunity and Municipal Preemption

Kansas enacted SB356 granting civil immunity to federal firearms licensees who return firearms to owners at termination of firearm hold agreements. The law preempts municipalities from imposing additional regulations or terms on such agreements and provides that firearm hold agreements do not create inferences regarding an owner's legal capacity or fitness to possess firearms.

Competency Evaluation Procedures for Defendants Charged with Serious Offenses

Kansas SB374 establishes new requirements for competency evaluation and treatment procedures during competency proceedings for defendants charged with the most serious offenses. The bill passed both chambers with strong bipartisan support and was enrolled on April 9, 2026, after receiving unanimous Senate approval (39-0) and near-unanimous House approval (121-0) on the Conference Committee Report.

Conservator Notification Duty for Court Orders Regarding Conservatee Assets

Kansas SB412 was enrolled on April 9, 2026, imposing a new duty on conservators to notify certain entities and persons when a court issues an order regarding the performance or safekeeping of a conservatee's estate assets. The bill passed the Senate 40-0 and House 122-0, with final conference committee adoption receiving 125 and 39 votes respectively. The bill has been presented to the Governor for signature.

Estates of Absentees and Nonresident Fiduciary Agent Requirements

Kansas SB480 was enrolled on April 9, 2026, after passing both chambers unanimously (Senate 40-0, House 124-0). The bill revives repealed statutes related to estates of absentees and requires nonresident fiduciaries to appoint an agent residing in Kansas.

Kentucky HB281 signed, food donation liability protection

Kentucky HB281 signed, food donation liability protection

Vehicle Wheel Rubber Strip Requirement

Kentucky HB293 enacts a new section of KRS Chapter 189 requiring vehicles operating on highways with iron, steel, or wooden wheels to be equipped with rubberized strips on the wheel portion contacting the road surface. The bill establishes penalties of $20 to $100 per offense for violations. An exception is provided for certain animal-drawn vehicles.

HB312 concealed carry provisional licenses ages 18-20

Kentucky HB312, which would have created a provisional concealed carry license for persons aged 18-20, was vetoed by the Governor on April 3, 2026. The bill passed the House 73-17 and Senate 30-7 before being vetoed. The legislation would have authorized the Kentucky State Police to issue provisional licenses and created a pathway to convert to a standard license upon turning 21.

Alternative High School Diplomas

Kentucky Governor signed HB562 on April 3, 2026, establishing an alternate high school diploma and a modified high school diploma. The Kentucky Board of Education must promulgate administrative regulations for these new diploma pathways. The Department of Workforce Development is required to publish a list of employers willing to hire individuals with alternate diplomas.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund Income Tax Refund Designation

Kentucky enacted SB69 creating an income tax refund designation option for contributions to the Autism Spectrum Disorder Trust Fund, effective for taxable years beginning January 1, 2026. The Department of Revenue must print the designation on individual income tax forms and transfer designated funds to the trust fund administered by the Advisory Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders.