The Kansas House has passed its version of the fiscal 2026 budget.
60th District Representative Mark Schreiber of Emporia says the overall total is similar to the current-year budget.
Schreiber, 13th District Representative Duane Droge of Eureka and 76th District Representative Brad Barrett of Osage City all voted for the budget. Schreiber and Barrett were pleased the House budget adds funding to the Judiciary, fully funds schools and adds funding for 320 slots on the Intellectual/Developmentally Disabled waiver wait list. Schreiber is disappointed the budget cut back its increase in special education funding from over $70 million to $10 million.
Droge has not commented.
The budget goes to the Senate for its consideration.
Speaking of the Senate, the chamber overwhelmingly passed SB 29, which says government cannot “restrict or prohibit public gatherings” as a First Amendment right to assembly protection. This is a direct connection to the COVID-19 pandemic, where counties, health boards or health officers could limit or halt public gatherings due to health concerns. The bill also lets these entities recommend against public gatherings. They will not be able to mandate quarantines if this bill passes the House and either gets approval from Governor Laura Kelly or overrides a veto.
