Senate Update from Senator Elaine Bowers
SENATE HIGHLIGHTS – Week 9
The Kansas Senate continued advancing legislation this week as the 2026 session moves toward its First Adjournment deadline of March 27. Senate committees are finishing their review of House bills, while the full Senate continues debating and voting on legislation affecting communities across Kansas.
As bills move forward, we will also begin voting on Conference Committee reports. A Conference Committee is a small bipartisan group of House and Senate members who work to resolve differences between the two chambers’ versions of a bill. Once an agreement is reached, the compromise version returns to both chambers for a final vote before being sent to the Governor.
PROTECTING KANSAS AGRICULTURE
Two important bills passed this week aimed at protecting Kansas farmers and ranchers from costly rural crime.
HB 2413 strengthens penalties for the theft of livestock such as cattle or horses and for theft of agricultural equipment including tractors and other implements of husbandry. The bill also allows forfeiture of equipment used in committing these crimes.
HB 2422 establishes stronger criminal penalties for large-scale theft of grain or hay, recognizing the significant financial losses these crimes can cause Kansas producers. Both measures passed the Senate unanimously, and I voted yes on both bills.
SENATE FLOOR ACTION
The Senate voted on 32 bills and resolutions this week, addressing issues including education, public safety, tax policy, government transparency, workforce development, health care oversight, and judicial procedures.
Measures considered included legislation related to school safety drills, judicial transparency, ethanol and education tax credits, protections for pregnancy centers and student free expression, electronic monitoring in domestic violence cases, opioid overdose assistance protections, rural health program oversight, wildlife and parks regulations, water diversion notifications, and requirements that elected officials remain residents of the districts they represent.
The Senate also approved HB 2605, designating a portion of U.S. Highway 36 in Phillips County as the Undersheriff Brandon Gaede Memorial Highway, honoring the service and sacrifice of a dedicated law enforcement officer.
Readers who would like to review full bill language, supplemental notes, vote totals, and individual legislator votes may visit: www.kslegislature.org Bills can be searched by number under the “Bills & Laws” section. For the full newsletter with links to the bills and votes - visit www.elainebowers.com and sign up for email updates.
BOYS STATE AND GIRLS STATE
The American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State program will be held May 31 through June 5 at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Girls State is a non-partisan leadership program that teaches young women about civic leadership, government, and public service. More information is available at www.ksgirlsstate.org.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas will be held May 31 through June 6 at Kansas State University in Manhattan. Boys State is a hands-on program where students learn about elections, political parties, and leadership through a simulated government experience. Applications are available at https://ksbstate.org/apply.
THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with calls, emails, and letters regarding legislation before the Kansas Legislature. I truly appreciate hearing your thoughts and concerns, and I encourage you to stay informed about the issues under consideration.
Committee schedules, bill text, voting records, and other helpful information can be found at www.kslegislature.org, where you can also watch live sessions or review past committee meetings and floor proceedings.
Your engagement in the legislative process is important and always welcome.
Senator Elaine Bowers
Kansas State Capitol – Room 223-E
300 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66612
elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov
785-296-7389
www.elainebowers.com
www.kslegislature.org