Kansas HB2518 increases criminal penalties for privacy violations

Kansas HB2518 increases criminal penalties for privacy violations

Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact - Interstate Practice Privileges

Kansas HB2533 was enrolled on April 9, 2026, enacting the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact to provide interstate practice privileges. The bill enables licensed occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants to practice in compact member states without obtaining separate state licenses. The legislation passed the House 121-0 and Senate 38-2 with bipartisan support.

Respiratory Care Interstate Compact

Kansas enacted HB2534 establishing the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact, enabling licensed respiratory therapists to obtain practice privileges in other compact member states through a coordinated licensure verification process. The bill passed with strong legislative support (House 121-0, Senate 39-0 on conference report) and awaits the Governor's signature to become law. Healthcare facilities and respiratory therapists should prepare for interstate practice opportunities under the compact framework.

Property Sale Authorization for Kansas State University

The Kansas State Legislature passed HB2560, authorizing the State Board of Regents to sell and convey certain real property located in Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas, on behalf of Kansas State University. The bill received unanimous support in both chambers (124-0 House, 40-0 Senate) and was enrolled on April 9, 2026. This is a specific property disposition authorization for a state university system.

Financial Institution Reporting Authority for Elder Financial Exploitation

Kansas HB2591 was enrolled on April 9, 2026, authorizing financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of adult account holders to designated agencies. The bill passed unanimously through both chambers (124-0 in House, 40-0 in Senate) and provides safe harbor protections for institutions acting in good faith.

Child Abuse Registry Bill Establishing Administrative Registration and Expungement Process

Kansas HB2601 establishes a child abuse and neglect registry to be maintained by the Secretary for Children and Families, creating registration and expungement processes with administrative hearing and appeal provisions. The bill passed unanimously through both chambers and was enrolled on April 9, 2026.

Highway Naming - Brig Gen George H Wark Memorial Highway

The Kansas House passed HB2615 designating a portion of U.S. Highway 75 as the Brig Gen George H Wark Memorial Highway and redesignating another portion as the Purple Heart/Combat Wounded Veterans Highway. The bill received unanimous approval in both chambers and was presented to Governor Kelly on April 9, 2026.

Fiber Optic Broadband Conduit Authorization

Kansas HB2647 has been enrolled and awaits Governor signature. The bill authorizes the Kansas Department of Transportation to establish a statewide conduit system for fiber optic transmissions supporting broadband connections. The legislation passed the Senate unanimously (40-0) and the House with overwhelming support (116-5, conference committee 120-1).

Kansas Digital Right-to-Repair Act

Kansas HB2700, the Kansas Digital Right-to-Repair Act, has been enrolled and presented to the Governor. The bill establishes the legal right for purchasers of digital electronic equipment to obtain authorization, documentation, and parts from original equipment manufacturers to diagnose, maintain, and repair their equipment. The legislation passed both chambers overwhelmingly, with final House vote of 123-2 on March 26, 2026.

Naming Kansas bridges after Tomlinson, Snyder

The Kansas State Legislature enacted SB321, designating a bridge on US-69 and 18th Street Expressway in Johnson County as the Representative Robert M. Tomlinson Memorial Bridge, and a bridge on I-135 in Sedgwick County as the Don Snyder Memorial Bridge. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers with no dissenting votes.