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2025 Legislative Session
This Page Includes Current and Summary Information on the 2025 Legislative Session NEW REPORT Bills Becoming Law, Approved or Pending Approval
Bill Tracking for Transferred Topics The following Bill Status Reports update in near real time. High Priority Law Enforcement Related Bills Only Active Law Enforcement Related Bills All Active and Inactive Law Enforcement Related Bills These reports are sorted by general topics located in the column to the far right. The Legislature has adjourned for this session. New Law Effective May 1, 2025
A bill on antisemitism was published in the Kansas Register on May 1 making this new statute effective immediately. SB44 (2025 SL Ch. 83) New Statute. Bill Summary. Effective 5/1/2025 The new law specifically mentions law enforcement agencies. The new law does not appear to create any new civil cause of action or create any crime. It is presented as being a policy statement declaring acts of antisemitism are against the policy of the state ". . .including, but not limited to, the purposes of public educational institutions and law enforcement agencies of this state." The statute adopts a "non-legally binding" definition of "antisemitism" or "antisemitic acts" as: "the same as defined by the international Holocaust remembrance alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, including the contemporary examples, as in effect on May 26, 2016," and further declares “antisemitism” or “antisemitic acts” include: (A) Encouraging, supporting, praising, participating in or threatening violence or vandalism against Jewish people or property; (B) wearing masks to conceal a person’s identity with the intent to harass or discriminate against Jewish students, faculty or employees on school property; and (C) incorporating or allowing funding of antisemitic curriculum or activities in any domestic or study abroad programs or classes. More information on those "working definitions" are available at: https://holocaustremembrance.com/resources/working-definition-antisemitism. The statute further states that "Nothing in this act shall be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the first amendment to the constitution of the United States or the bill of rights of the constitution of the state of Kansas." The text of the new law is now posted on the statute page of my website at: http://www.kansasleo.com/KSAs/antisemitism_2025.htm New Laws Effective April 24, 2025
Two bills passed this session were published in the Kansas Register April 24, 2025, making them effective immediately. SB193 Naloxone and Law Enforcement Agency Requirements Law enforcement is now exempted from having a medical advisor unless the agency is still issuing NNaloxone requiring a prescription, which if you are, you are probably paying more than you need to be. Other components of the statutory requirements are still applicable, including having a written policy, conducting training on proper use, and reporting administration of Naloxone to responding medical personnel. SB193 (2025 SL Ch 73), Amending KSA 65-16,127. Bill Summary. Effective 4/24/25. Updated statute is available on my website at: https://www.kansasleo.com/KSAs/Ch65Art16.htm SB199 Fireworks sales and regulations The bill creates a new authorization for “permanent retailers” to sell fireworks to the public for personal use year-round. Sales by permanent retailers are required to be made from a physical location. Permanent retailers are required to register annually with the State Fire Marshal. Seasonal retailers are those limited to sales during the period of June 20 through July 7 of the calendar year. This is a longer period than in prior law. Seasonal retailers are not licensed by the State Fire Marshal. All retail sales or transfers to consumers must be made by a registered permanent retailer or a seasonal retailer at a physical location. There is nothing in the bill changing existing provisions or creating new provisions relating to the personal use or firing of consumer fireworks. These remain a topic of local ordinances or resolutions under home rule as provided in KSA 31-134 subsection (b). The bill adds three new types of fireworks licenses to the existing list. Licensing is through the State Fire Marshal. The 7 license types in the amended law are: Manufacturer; hobbyist manufacturer; distributor of display fireworks; distributor of articles pyrotechnic; unlimited distributor; display fireworks operator; and proximate pyrotechnic operator. Any violations of the Act by the licensees are civil violations addressed by the State Fire Marshal, they are not criminal violations and not enforceable by law enforcement. If you believe you have a licensee violating the statutes or regulations you should contact the State Fire Marshal. It is unlawful to possess, purchase, sell, or offer for sale fireworks labeled “For Professional Use Only” without a current license issued by the State Fire Marshal. However, the bill does not create a crime category for this “unlawful” act. The only penalties provided are civil penalties under KSA 31-510. Under continuing law (KSA 31-509), fireworks that are stored, possessed, or transported in violation of the Kansas Fireworks Act may be seized by the Fire Marshal or law enforcement. Seizure requires an inventory of seized fireworks provided to the person alleged to be in violation and notice to the State Fire Marshal. More procedural details are in the statutes. The State Fire Marshal also will develop Administrative Regulations relative to these operations. SB199 (2025 SL Ch 80) §3-4, Amended KSA 31-502, 31-503. Bill Summary. Effective 4/24/25. Updated statutes are available on my website at: https://www.kansasleo.com/KSAs/Ch31Art5.htm |
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