Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2616

Introduced

2/2/26

Refer

2/2/26

Caption

Providing that the law enforcement officers memorial advisory committee may receive requests from a Kansas law enforcement agency for the Kansas highway patrol and the Kansas bureau of investigation to provide temporary personal and other assistance in support of funeral services honoring law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in the service of the state.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2616 will likely have a significant effect on the current state laws governing the operations of the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Advisory Committee. By expanding the committee's responsibilities, the bill will enable more effective coordination between law enforcement agencies and support services. This change aims to provide law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to honor and support their members and their families appropriately, thus instilling a greater sense of community and respect for service members who dedicate their lives to public safety. It is also an important step in strengthening the bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Summary

House Bill 2616 is designed to enhance the support for funeral services honoring law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in Kansas. The bill proposes that the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Advisory Committee will now have the authority to receive requests from law enforcement agencies for temporary personnel and other forms of assistance during such funeral services. This move is aimed at acknowledging the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and ensuring that their families receive appropriate support during their time of loss. The legislation formalizes the committee's role in these situations, reinforcing the state's commitment to honor and memorialize those who serve in law enforcement.

Contention

While there is general support for the overarching goals of honoring law enforcement personnel, some concerns might be raised regarding the funding and resource allocation needed to implement these expanded responsibilities effectively. Additionally, the capacity for local law enforcement agencies to request support could lead to varying interpretations of need and prioritization. It is essential for the state to establish clear guidelines on how requests will be evaluated and fulfilled to ensure equitable support across all jurisdictions in Kansas. This bill could also prompt discussions about the long-term funding for such initiatives, ensuring that the state does not overextend its commitments without adequate resources.

Notable_points

The bill showcases a collective acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the state, reflecting a growing recognition of their service amidst ongoing discussions about police reform and community relations. By formalizing the committee's role and increasing support for funeral services, HB 2616 not only honors fallen officers but also emphasizes the importance of memorializing their contributions to community safety and well-being. The bill is expected to stimulate further dialogue on how to balance honoring fallen officers with addressing contemporary issues in law enforcement practices.

Latest KS HB2616 Activity

View All Events: KS 2025-2026 Regular Session HB2616

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2002

Expanding medical assistance eligibility and enacting the cutting healthcare costs for all Kansans act.

KS SR1702

A resolution honoring the life, career and trailblazing achievements of Kansas icon Ed Dwight.

KS SB1

Modifying income tax rates for individuals, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax, increasing the Kansas standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, increasing the income tax credit amount for household and dependent care expenses, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, excluding internal revenue code section 1031 exchange transactions as indicators of fair market value for property tax valuation purposes, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, providing for certain transfers to the state school district finance fund and abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund.

KS SCR1604

Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit property tax valuation increases for real property and personal property mobile homes.

KS SCR1602

Approving the creation of a port authority in Wyandotte County Kansas.

KS HB2001

Authorizing the secretary of commerce to enter into agreements with major professional sports franchises to establish STAR bond projects for a major professional sports complex, providing for additional revenue sources, expanding the powers and discretion of the secretary and making other changes to the STAR bonds financing act to facilitate such projects, limiting the secretary’s authority to approve such projects to one year unless extended by the legislative coordinating council, authorizing the Kansas development finance authority to issue STAR bonds for such projects, transferring funds under certain circumstances from the state gaming revenues fund to the attracting professional sports to Kansas fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and, if approved by the legislative coordinating council, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

KS SCR1603

Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit property tax valuation increases for residential property.

KS SB7

Authorizing federally licensed firearm dealers, in addition to county sheriffs, to receive applications for concealed carry licenses and forward such applications to the attorney general, prohibiting sheriffs from assessing any fee related to application services and allowing dealers to assess a fee related to application services not to exceed $20.

KS SCR1601

Informing the Governor that the two houses of the Legislature are organized and ready to receive communications.

KS HB2003

Establishing the veterans' valor property tax relief act providing for an income tax credit or refund for eligible individuals, modifying the definition of household income and increasing the appraised value threshold for eligibility of seniors and disabled veterans related to increased property tax claims and citing the section as the homeowners' property tax freeze program, providing property tax exemptions for certain personal property including watercraft, marine equipment, off-road vehicles, motorized bicycles and certain trailers, excluding internal revenue code section 1031 exchange transactions as indicators of fair market value, providing for certain exclusions from the prohibition of paying taxes under protest after a valuation notice appeal and providing four prior years' values on the annual valuation notice.