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The Kansas Senate reached its “Turnaround” deadline Thursday, marking the halfway point of the 2026 session. Lawmakers spent two long days debating and passed more than 53 bills before the deadline. The Legislature is recessed until February 24 so staff can prepare Senate bills for consideration in the House. Most bills must pass their chamber by Turnaround to stay in play. The session is scheduled to end April 11, with the state budget still the main constitutional duty left to complete.

Bills passed this week covered a wide range of issues, including criminal justice reforms, pharmacy regulations, health care, housing, consumer protections, elections, veterans benefits, utilities, wildlife, and financial oversight. Several measures passed unanimously, while a few drew closer votes. One bill raising the county bid threshold failed after a floor amendment was added. Lawmakers also overrode the governor’s veto of SB 244, establishing statutory definitions of sex in Kansas law.

In addition, the Senate confirmed several state appointments and recognized two student pages who served at the Capitol.