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- Topeka Buzz: February 10, 2026
Topeka Buzz: February 10, 2026
Charlie Kirk Resolution headed for passage. Also: Right to Repair comes to Kansas.
Jason Anderson
February 10, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
Topeka Buzz 🐝
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Top Stories
Charlie Kirk Resolution Headed for Passage
The House batted down two Democratic amendments to SCR 1615 Monday, clearing the way for a final vote designating October 14 as "Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day" in Kansas. Both failed decisively (35-83 and 33-82) but the crossover votes tell a more interesting story than the margins suggest.
On the first amendment, which would have inserted language from the Kansas Constitution's own Bill of Rights about the responsibility not to abuse free speech through defamation (a pointed nod to Kirk's combative media style without saying so directly) Republican Rep. Kenneth Collins crossed party lines to vote Yes, while Democrat John Carmichael broke with his caucus to vote No. On the second amendment, which would have co-honored Malcolm X as a free speech figure alongside Kirk, Collins returned to the fold, but Democrats Carmichael and Henry Helgerson both voted No with Republicans.
The two amendments were textbook minority-party messaging plays. The defamation language forced a vote on whether Kansas's own constitutional speech principles belonged in a resolution honoring a figure known for inflammatory rhetoric. The Malcolm X amendment—complete with his university speaking career and his own assassination while giving a speech—forced Republicans to vote against honoring a civil rights icon in the same breath as a conservative media personality. Neither had a prayer of passing, but they put votes on the record. The resolution itself, which honors Kirk after his assassination at a Turning Point USA event in September 2025, should clear a final vote without drama.
Right to Repair comes to Kansas
SB 495 landed in the Commerce Committee and could reshape how Kansans get their vehicles fixed. The bill would require automakers to give independent repair shops and vehicle owners the same access to diagnostic tools, repair data, and parts that authorized dealerships enjoy. A new five-member Motor Vehicle Repairs Board under the Attorney General would oversee compliance.
This is a fight playing out in statehouses nationwide, and it pits a broad coalition of independent mechanics, farm operations, and consumer advocates against automakers who argue that opening up vehicle systems creates cybersecurity and safety risks. Kansas's version is notable for its breadth: it covers commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs, which matters in an ag-heavy state where farmers and fleet operators depend on independent shops. The bill includes civil penalties and a private right of action, giving it real teeth if it advances.
Juvenile Justice Overhaul Clears Judiciary Committee
HB 2329 passed out of the Judiciary Committee and would significantly toughen the state's approach to juvenile offenders, particularly those involved with firearms. The bill doubles the cumulative detention cap from 45 to 90 days, allows 12- to 24-month commitments when a firearm is involved in a felony-level offense, and authorizes up to $12 million annually.
The bill tries to thread a difficult needle: getting tougher on violent juvenile crime while also funding the residential placement and crisis services that juvenile justice advocates say are chronically lacking. The statewide target of 40-45 contracted non-foster beds acknowledges that Kansas simply doesn't have enough secure placement options right now. Whether the funding authorization survives the appropriations process will determine if this is a meaningful reform or just longer detention without better outcomes.
New Bills Introduced
Budget & Appropriations
🐝🐝 SB 500: Creates commission to recommend KPERS COLA rates
Civil Rights
🐝🐝🐝 SB 499: New rules curb kid-targeted design, deepfakes, and chatbots
Floor Votes
House (2)
SCR 1615: FAIL (35 Yes, 83 No, 7 Absent). Amendment.
SCR 1615: FAIL (33 Yes, 82 No, 10 Absent). Amendment.
Committee Actions
Appropriations
Bills Reported Out (1)
HB 2555 (bill be passed as amended): Adds legislative oversight for rural health grants
Assessment and Taxation
Bills Referred (1)
SB 498: New $0.05/gal credit for E15 sales; ends vehicle credits
Commerce
Bills Referred (1)
SB 495: Kansas requires carmakers to share vehicle repair data
Education
Bills Referred (1)
SB 496: Mandates annual speech, association, and religion training
Bills Reported Out (3)
Elections
Bills Reported Out (3)
Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
Bills Reported Out (2)
Federal and State Affairs
Bills Referred (2)
Financial Institutions and Insurance
Bills Reported Out (1)
SB 435 (bill be passed): KPERS elects vice chair; new employers pay actuarial rates
Judiciary
Bills Reported Out (4)
HB 2329 (bill be passed as amended): Increases juvenile detention and residential placements
HB 2479 (bill be passed as amended): Allows pretrial electronic monitoring with victim alerts
SB 373 (bill be passed as amended): Limits police pole cameras to 60 days without a warrant
HB 2460 (bill be passed as amended): Restricts public website access to officials' home info
K-12 Education Budget
Bills Referred (1)
HB 2672: Updates outdated disability terms in state law
Local Government
Bills Referred (3)
Senate Select Committee on Veterans Affairs
Bills Reported Out (1)
SB 434 (bill be passed as amended): Expand sales tax exemption for certain disabled veterans
Taxation
Bills Reported Out (3)
Transportation
Bills Reported Out (1)
HB 2579 (bill be passed as amended): Designates part of K-49 as Pvt. Michael E. Gerber Memorial
Ways and Means
Bills Referred (1)
SB 500: Creates commission to recommend KPERS COLA rates
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