NOTE: For 2026, the Topeka Buzz is free and open access to all thanks to the support of Civic Clarity, our new 501c(3) non-profit. If you’d like to make a tax-deductible contribution, consider donating to the founding campaign.
Topeka Buzz 🐝
Friday, January 16, 2026
Table of Contents
Top Stories of the Day
🐝🐝 HB 2452: Move local elections to even-numbered years
Local city, school, community college and many special district elections would shift from odd years to even years starting in 2028, with August primaries and November general elections. Some 2027 terms are extended to January 2029 and local terms must be 2 or 4 years.
🐝🐝 SCR 1617: Require simple majority for Article V votes
If approved by voters, Kansas would let its Legislature ratify U.S. constitutional amendments or ask Congress for an Article V convention with a simple majority in each chamber instead of the current two-thirds rule.
🐝🐝 HB 2453: Moves Kansas voting deadlines earlier
This bill shifts several voting deadlines earlier: mail ballot requests must be filed 14 days before election day, in-person advance voting ends at noon the Sunday before, and voter registration closes 23 days before most elections.
New Bills Introduced
Budget & Appropriations
Business & Commerce
Civil Rights
Education
Elections & Government
🐝🐝 HB 2449: Remove voters who get out-of-state driver's licenses
🐝🐝 HB 2447: Sets March presidential preference primary every 4 years
🐝🐝 HB 2451: Stops officials from using public assets for ballot advocacy
🐝🐝 SB 336: Creates statewide March presidential primary
🐝 HB 2450: Keeps campaign accounts open if funds or debts exceed $1,000
Energy & Environment
Healthcare
Housing
🐝🐝 HB 2454: Landlords must accept partial rent and count income
Infrastructure
Public Safety
🐝🐝 HB 2448: Require citizenship status on driver's licenses
Taxation
🐝🐝🐝 HB 2457: Cap seniors' homestead taxes; narrow nonprofit exemptions
🐝🐝 HB 2458: Require voter or elected approval for property taxes
🐝🐝 HB 2456: Allows cities/counties to set 0% local food sales tax
🐝🐝 HB 2466: Extend angel investor tax credit to 2031
🐝 SB 332: Exclude buyer's premiums from auction sale price
🐝 HB 2464: Extend aerospace tax credit sunset to 2036
Floor Votes
HB 2204: PASS (85 Yes, 35 No, 5 Absent). Prohibits Kansas state and local governments from enforcing or implementing any rule, fee, tax, policy, or mandate from the World Health Organization, United Nations, or World Economic Forum. May limit use of international guidance in public health and other programs.
HB 2332: PASS (120 Yes, 0 No, 5 Absent). Establishes the Kansas House official seal, gives the Speaker custody, lets members use it on official or personal communications (but not campaigns), and bans use that implies an official House position.
Committee Actions
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Bills Referred (1)
SB 317: Requires 25‑year water supply for water grants
Assessment and Taxation
Bills Referred (3)
Commerce, Labor and Economic Development
Bills Re-referred (1)
HB 2011: Cuts statewide school levy, raises home tax exemption
Federal and State Affairs
Bills Referred (2)
Financial Institutions and Insurance
Bills Referred (3)
Judiciary
Bills Referred (2)
Public Health and Welfare
Bills Referred (3)
Transportation
Bills Referred (3)
Have any ideas or feedback, just let us know!
Much of what BillBee offers is free for all. If you’re a “power user” who wants to unlock even more features, consider a paid subscription—and use promo code BEEFRIEND to get 50% off the first year. It’s our way of thanking all of you for continuing on this journey with us!
