Patrick
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the calendar turned to 2026, a new set of laws officially went into force in both Missouri and Kansas.
These measures introduce notable updates to minimum wage rules, school safety requirements, property taxes, and licensing regulations, affecting workers, schools, homeowners, and seniors across the region.
Missouri: Minimum Wage Increase and School Safety Updates
Missouri Raises Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour
Under House Bill 567, Missouri’s minimum wage has increased from $13.75 to $15 per hour. Unlike previous years, future wage adjustments will no longer follow automatic annual increases.
Instead, any increases or decreases will now be linked directly to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), tying wage levels to inflation.
In addition, this law broadens coverage by extending minimum wage requirements to public employers statewide, ensuring government workers are included under the same pay standards as private-sector employees.
Mandatory “Stop the Bleed” Training in Missouri Schools
Another Missouri law now in effect focuses on school safety. Approved through House Bill 266, the legislation requires every school district in the state to implement the “Stop the Bleed” program.
Under this requirement, at least one school staff member or a school nurse must be trained to respond to severe bleeding emergencies using approved blood control kits, improving readiness for medical crises on school campuses.
Kansas: Property Tax Reform and License Changes
Kansas Eliminates Statewide Education Property Taxes
Kansas lawmakers enacted significant changes to how education and state institutions are funded. Statewide property tax levies for education and institutions have been eliminated and replaced with direct funding transfers from the state’s general fund.
This shift is designed to reduce the property tax burden on residents while maintaining funding for essential public services.
New Limits on Local Property Tax Growth
The new Kansas law also introduces caps on property tax growth for local governments. Budget increases are now limited based on:
- Inflation rates
- New construction
- Bond payment obligations
These limits aim to control rapid tax increases while allowing communities to grow responsibly.
Updates to Kansas Hunting and Fishing Licenses
Several changes also affect outdoor recreation licenses in Kansas. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks now offers discounted senior combination passes for residents aged 65 and older.
Additionally, the state has:
- Increased the maximum qualifying age for kids’ lifetime combination licenses
- Removed expiration dates from those licenses
These updates make long-term licensing more accessible and cost-effective for families and seniors.
Additional Laws Now in Effect
State officials noted that other laws effective this week address a broad range of topics, including voting procedures, domestic beer regulations, and insurance-related changes, further shaping policy across both states as 2026 begins.
The new laws taking effect in Missouri and Kansas mark a significant policy shift as 2026 begins. From higher wages and improved school safety in Missouri to property tax reforms and expanded licensing benefits in Kansas, these changes are set to impact daily life for millions of residents.
Together, the measures reflect a broader effort to balance economic relief, public safety, and long-term fiscal responsibility across both states.