Mandy
Kansas lawmakers are set to gather Monday afternoon in Topeka as the 2026 legislative session officially gets underway.
House leadership has already outlined priorities expected to shape debates throughout the year, with state spending, property tax relief, and cell phone use in schools leading the agenda.
Republican House Speaker Dan Hawkins said lawmakers are entering the session with growing concern over Kansas’ financial direction.
Budget Cuts Top the Priority List
According to Hawkins, cutting the state budget is one of the most urgent issues facing lawmakers. He warned that Kansas is currently spending more money than it brings in, which could threaten long-term financial stability if left unaddressed.
Reducing expenses, he said, will be a central focus of House Republicans as they review agency budgets and spending commitments during the session.
Property Tax Relief Remains a Key Challenge
Another major topic lawmakers will tackle is property tax relief. While the issue remains popular with voters, Hawkins acknowledged that real reform is difficult because local governments control much of property taxation, limiting what state lawmakers can directly change.
Despite those limitations, legislators say they will continue searching for ways to ease the burden on homeowners across Kansas.
Kansas Pushes Toward Statewide Cell Phone Ban in Schools
One of the clearest policy goals this session is a statewide ban on cell phones in schools. Hawkins said lawmakers expect to leave Topeka this year having approved legislation that restricts student phone use during the school day.
Supporters argue that removing phones from classrooms will help students stay focused and improve learning outcomes. Phone-free schools advocate Katie Longhauser compared focus to a muscle that weakens when constant digital distractions are present.
Missouri Model Influences Kansas Proposal
The proposed Kansas legislation mirrors a Missouri school phone ban passed last year, which prohibits student cell phone use until the end of the school day.
While some Missouri parents initially worried about contacting children during emergencies, Kansas lawmakers say law enforcement feedback tells a different story.
Kansas Sen. Chase Blasi said emergency responders report that cell phones can interfere with crisis response, slowing down law enforcement and creating confusion during real emergencies.
Bill Filed, Senate Action Expected First
A bill has already been introduced that would require school districts to adopt cell phone restriction policies. Lawmakers expect the measure to advance first in the Senate when the session begins in January, with strong expectations it will pass sometime in 2026.
As the 2026 Kansas legislative session begins, lawmakers are signaling a clear agenda: rein in state spending, pursue property tax relief, and implement a statewide ban on cell phones in schools.
While challenges remain—especially around local tax control—the session is expected to bring significant policy changes that could affect families, schools, and taxpayers across Kansas.