KansasHB 25192025–2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Continuing in existence certain exceptions to the disclosure of public records under the Kansas open records act.

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

judiciary

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

12 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 5 mixed.

Child death review records stay confidential

Records the child death review board collects are confidential and cannot be used in court. The board may share information only with listed groups for law enforcement, licensing, approved research, local reviews, grants, or reports, with privacy safeguards. The board must file an annual report by October 1 and operates within the Attorney General’s office with an office in Topeka. The local‑sharing authority ends July 1, 2026 unless extended.

Some reinsurer filings kept private

Many filings from certified reinsurers are confidential and not open records. This covers notices, annual CR‑F/CR‑S forms, auditor reports, audited financials, disputed‑claim lists, and good‑standing certificates. The confidentiality ends July 1, 2026 unless lawmakers extend it.

New standards and public review for reinsurers

The law raises standards for reinsurers that seek Kansas certification. A certified reinsurer must hold at least $250,000,000 in capital and surplus and ratings from two or more agencies; an accredited reinsurer must keep at least $20,000,000 in surplus unless the commissioner approves another level. Collateral is tied to ratings: 0% for Secure 1, 10% for Secure 2, 20% for Secure 3, 50% for Secure 4, 75% for Secure 5, and 100% for Secure 6. The department posts applications online and waits at least 30 days before a final decision; approved companies and their ratings are published.

Stronger reinsurance collateral and trusts

The law sets firm rules for reinsurance trusts and letters of credit that secure insurer recoveries. Trusts must at least match U.S.‑ceded liabilities, keep a $20,000,000 surplus for a single insurer (groups include $100,000,000), use fair‑market values, and cap related‑party investments at 5%. Ceding insurers can withdraw cash for returned premiums, paid claims and benefits, and to secure credit; assuming insurers may withdraw only if they replace assets or keep the trust at least 102% funded. Letters of credit must be clean, irrevocable, unconditional, run at least one year with a 30‑day evergreen notice, state governing rules, and be payable at a qualified U.S. bank; extension‑to‑draw and agent rules apply. If an LOC is ending and obligations remain, a ceding insurer can draw funds 10 days before termination and hold them in a separate account. Insurers can reduce reported liabilities using qualifying trusts or unencumbered U.S.‑held funds, and credit is allowed where another jurisdiction requires reinsurance; contracts must include insolvency, jurisdiction/ADR, and intermediary clauses. The commissioner’s powers are unchanged if a trust omits a named beneficiary.

Easy way to update driver emergency contacts

The Division of Vehicles posts forms online so you or your authorized agent can add, change, or remove emergency contacts. You can submit online or send a paper form. The forms follow the law’s privacy and consent rules.

Private emergency contacts on licenses

When you apply for a Kansas license or ID, you can list up to two emergency contacts. The Division keeps this contact info confidential. It may share it only with police to report your injury or death, with you or your agent, or as allowed by law. This privacy rule ends July 1, 2026 unless continued.

Stronger elder abuse response teams statewide

The Attorney General appoints a coordinator to help run elder and dependent adult abuse teams. Each team includes the county sheriff, local prosecutors, and key state agencies. Teams must meet at least once every three months and can sign MOUs with partners. Team meetings are not open to the public. Team documents and talks are confidential and not public records until July 1, 2026, unless the Legislature renews this. The Attorney General reports to the Legislature before each regular session on how these teams are used.

New rules and fees for alcohol shippers

Fulfillment houses that ship alcohol to Kansas residents must get a license for each location and pay $50 per license. Each license lasts two years. They may only warehouse, pack, and ship alcohol that belongs to a special order shipping licensee. Out-of-state licensees appoint the Kansas secretary of state to receive legal papers. All packages must show the shipper’s name, address, and license number and say “SIGNATURE OF PERSON AGE 21 OR OLDER REQUIRED FOR DELIVERY.” Shipments must go by a common carrier under Kansas law. Licensees must keep detailed shipment records for three years and file monthly electronic reports. Willful failure to file can bring a civil fine up to $100 and license denial or revocation after notice and a hearing. The secretary of revenue issues rules for these requirements.

Many records stay closed to the public

The law keeps in place the confidential record exceptions reviewed in 2014 and listed in subsection (k). The listed statutes remain closed to public disclosure.

Public shipping reports, names hidden until 2026

Monthly reports from alcohol fulfillment houses are open public records. The recipient’s name and address must be blacked out. This privacy rule ends July 1, 2026, unless lawmakers renew it.

Public-record exemptions: sunset and renewals

New or expanded public‑record exemptions now expire on July 1 five years after enactment unless the Legislature renews them. An expansion is “substantial” only when it covers more records; narrowing an exemption is not. Some exemptions are not reviewed this way, including those required by federal law, those for the Legislature or courts, some previously reviewed items, and CISA audit reports. The law also keeps in place the specific exemptions listed in the act by their K.S.A. numbers.

Several Kansas statutes are repealed

The law repeals K.S.A. 8-2,158; 40-221b; and 41-353 and K.S.A. 2025 Supp. 22a-243; 45-229; and 75-782. These statutes no longer exist in Kansas law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 160 • No: 2

House vote • 4/23/2026

Yea: 40 Nay: 0

Yes: 40 • No: 0