Legislative Update

Neonate Bill Delayed, but Still Very Much Alive! One More Chance for Neonate Bill ! The Kansas Legislature adjourned on Friday without passing a conference committee report (CCR) that included SB 344 , the bill that would allow shelters to place neonates in foster homes during the stray hold period. We cannot let this fail! Before lawmakers return for the veto session on Thursday, April 9 , they must hear from their constituents that SB 344 must pass. TAKE ACTION NOW!

Neonate Bill Delayed, but Still Very Much Alive! Your Advocacy Made a Difference! S B 344 was set for debate on Thursday, March 19, with strong support lined up from several legislators. However, the House adjourned unexpectedly before finishing the calendar, and the bill did not receive a vote. While SB 344 is technically “dead,” its provisions are very much alive, and there is still a clear path forward. Our work is far from over. Kansas Pet Advocates is actively wo

Neonate Foster Care Bill Passes House Committee! The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources amended and passed out SB 344 on Tuesday, March 10 ( watch here ). SB 344 allows shelters to place stray neonates in foster homes during the three-day stray-hold period, and to post photos at the shelter and online (if the shelter has a website) during the hold period. After last week’s hearing, KPA learned that a representative was considering an amendment requiri

ACT NOW: Ask your Representatives to Support          ACT NOW! Ask Your Representative to Support SB 344 and Reject Any Amendment to Eliminate Unannounced Inspections  SB 344 and REJ Write your Representative NOW!! On Wednesday, March 4, the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard SB 344 ( watch here ). SB 344, as amended, allows shelters to place stray neonatal puppies

ACT NOW: Ask your Representatives to Support           HB 2535 - TNVR Decriminalization Senate Committee Hearing is set for Monday SB 344 and RE J After last week’s overwhelmingly supportive vote in the House, HB 2535 , decriminalizing trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) for feral cats, is scheduled for a hearing on Monday, March 2, in the Senate Judiciary Committee . KPA lobbyists are meeting with members of the Sena

ACT NO : Ask your Representatives to Suppor 344 and RE Advocacy Efforts Bring TNVR Decriminalization to the Floor for Debate and a Passing Vote! J Your advocacy worked! Representatives received at least 63 emails urging them to contact House leadership to schedule a floor debate for HB 2535 , decriminalizing trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) for feral cats, and to vote YES when it came to a vote. Late Wednesday night, KPA received

ACT N: Ask your Representatives to Suppo and RE Advocacy Efforts Bring TNVR Decriminalization to the Floor for Debate and a Passing Vote! J Spay/Neuter Funding Included in House Budget Recommendations House Chamber Vote Next The House Appropriations Committee finished work on its budget proposal to be voted on by the full chamber. Included in the budget is $50,000 to compensate shelters for caring for animals seized by the Animal Fa

Spay/Neuter Funding Moves Forward J Spay/Neuter Funding in House Budget Recommendations On Monday, House Agriculture and Natural Resources Budget Committee Chair Lisa Moser (R-Wheaton) presented the Kansas Department of Agriculture budget recommendations to the House Appropriations Committee. The Budget Committee’s recommendations for FY2027, starting July 1, 2026 , included $50,000 to reimburse shelters for care provided for animals seized by the Anima

Spay/Neuter Funding Moves Forward J KPA Partners Unite to Support Neonate Bills  On Tuesday, January 27, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard SB 344 , which amends the three-business-day stray hold statute to allow shelters to place neonates in foster homes during the stray hold period. Leavenworth County Humane Society’s Crystal Swann Blackdeer , SEK Humane Society’s Jasmine Kyle , Humane Society of Greater Kansas City’s Sydney

Stray Hold Bill SB344 Hearing Scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. SB 344 , the bill allowing shelters to place neonates in foster homes during the stray hold period, has a hearing on Tuesday, January 27, at 8:30 AM in the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources . The bill clarifies existing state law by explicitly permitting shelters to place newborn puppies and kittens with foster homes during the state-mandated three-business-day stray hold.  Neotates are unwe