Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SR1731

Introduced
3/10/26  
Passed
3/10/26  
Enrolled
3/13/26  

Caption

Recommending Barry Ward as the 2026 Kansas State Balladeer

Summary

Senate Resolution 1731 is a ceremonial resolution recommending Barry Ward of Copeland, Kansas, as the 2026 Kansas State Balladeer. The resolution describes Ward as an award-winning singer and songwriter, a fourth-generation farmer and stockman, and a performer whose music reflects Kansas history, culture, and rural life. It highlights his song "Harvest in the Fall," his performances across the United States and abroad, and his recognition by multiple music organizations and the Kansas Cowboy Hall of Fame. The resolution does not create or amend state law, change agency duties, or appropriate funds. Its effect is limited to an honorary recommendation and formal recognition by the Kansas Senate, with copies of the resolution to be sent to Senator Ryckman. The practical impact is symbolic, elevating Ward’s profile and affirming the state’s interest in honoring artists who celebrate Kansas heritage. The overall sentiment around the resolution is strongly positive and celebratory. The bill text is written in commendatory language, emphasizing Ward’s accomplishments, community ties, and contributions to music and western heritage. No votes, committee testimony, or recorded opposition are provided in the available context, suggesting the measure was noncontroversial and likely treated as a routine honorary resolution. There is no notable policy contention in the available record because the resolution is purely honorary. Any discussion would likely center on whether Ward is an appropriate representative of Kansas music and culture, but the text itself presents him as a widely recognized and well-qualified choice. The sponsor, Senator Ron Ryckman, appears to have advanced the resolution as a tribute rather than as a substantive legislative proposal.

Impact

SR 1731 has no direct effect on Kansas statutes, regulations, or public programs. It is a ceremonial Senate resolution that formally recommends Barry Ward for the honorary title of Kansas State Balladeer, thereby recognizing his musical career and his connection to Kansas heritage. Its legal impact is limited to legislative commendation and the transmission of enrolled copies of the resolution; it does not impose obligations on state agencies or private parties.

Sentiment

The sentiment is overwhelmingly favorable. The resolution praises Barry Ward’s musical achievements, rural background, and contributions to celebrating Kansas history and culture. Because the measure is honorary and there is no recorded opposition, committee debate, or vote history showing controversy, it appears to have been a consensus recognition measure rather than a contested policy item.

Contention

No substantive contention is evident in the available materials. The resolution is a ceremonial honor, so there are no competing policy positions, fiscal concerns, or legal objections reflected in the text or context. If any disagreement existed, it is not captured in the provided record; the measure appears to have been advanced as a straightforward tribute to Barry Ward’s artistic and community contributions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SR1702

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

KS SCR1602

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

KS HB2002

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

KS SR1703

Recognizing November 14, 2024, as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

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 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 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 SB2

Eliminating the income limit to qualify for the subtraction modification exempting social security benefits, increasing the income tax credit amount for household and dependent care expenses, establishing the veterans' valor property tax relief act providing for an income tax credit or refund for eligible individuals, citing the increased property tax homestead refund claim section as the homeowners' property tax freeze program, decreasing the normal privilege tax rate, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district; providing for certain transfers to the state school district finance fund, reducing the state rate of tax on sales of food and food ingredients and modifying the percent credited to the state highway fund from revenue collected.

KS HR6002

Providing for assignment of seats in the House of Representatives for the 2024 special session of the Legislature.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.