Communications

(Feb. 27, 2026) – It is hard to believe the halfway point of the Kansas Legislative session, known as "turnaround," is behind us. Last week, most bills needed to pass their chamber of origin to remain alive. Some bills are exempt from this deadline, and any measure that passed its chamber of origin this year or last year remains alive for conference or consideration.

Kansas legislators returned to Topeka this week and are expected to continue their work through March 27. They'll then be back in their districts from March 28 to April 8, a perfect time to meet with your elected officials about hospital issues (hint, hint). The veto session is scheduled to begin on April 9 and conclude on April 11, the end of the 90-day legislative session. We continue to expect legislative leadership to press for an early adjournment to allow lawmakers to begin fundraising for statewide offices and House campaigns.

Earlier this week, KHA distributed a communication to hospital CEOs outlining the unresolved issues. I want to draw your attention to a few actions for which we ask for your support. If you have not yet had the opportunity to take action on the items below, I would request your assistance. Your voice on these issues matters now more than ever.

Thank a legislator for:

• House Bill 2736 – (Defeated in the House) – KHA Opposed
  What it would have done: Required non-disproportionate share hospitals to screen all uninsured patients for charity care before billing or sending accounts to collections. The House rejected the bill 102-20 because of problematic language and potential unintended consequences. If your Representative voted nay, please thank them for recognizing that unfunded administrative mandates won't help their hospitals or community.
• Senate Bill 413 – Tort Reform – KHA Supports
  What it does: Addresses problematic courtroom practices, such as jury anchoring (where attorneys suggest specific non-economic damage amounts to juries), thereby improving predictability and fairness in civil litigation. The bill passed 29-11. If your Senator voted aye, thank them for advancing tort reform and for protecting Kansas' legal climate.

Have a Conversation with a Legislator About:

• Senate Bill 284 – 340B Drug Delivery Protections – KHA Supports
  What it does: The Defense of Drug Delivery Act aims to prohibit manufacturer interference in the distribution of drugs under the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program – specifically protecting contract pharmacy arrangements. Advocates argue the legislation safeguards community access to affordable medications and hospital support. The Senate passed SB 284, but the House has not yet acted. Hospitals and advocates should encourage their Representatives to ask leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote. Note: This topic is sometimes confused with broader PBM reform discussions – but preserving 340B delivery protections is distinct and critical for many communities.

As a reminder, many bills move quickly, so sharing your direct contact information with your local legislator is helpful. You can always find KHA's complete bill list using our Bill Tracker. If you need help drafting messages, inviting legislators to visit, or coordinating advocacy, please use our Advocacy Tool or contact the KHA team anytime.

Thank you for all you do to serve your communities and patients across Kansas!
--Chad Austin