Better Laws for Kansas Paws TM
One More Chance for Neonate Bill
The Kansas Legislature adjourned 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.
Legislators are home for the next week and a half, and this is the window to reach them. Call them. Email them. Meet with them. Invite them to tour your shelter and see first-hand the level of care required to keep these vulnerable animals alive.Tell your legislators that when they return on April 9, they must speak directly with:
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House Speaker Dan Hawkins (R-Wichita)
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House Ag. and Natural Resources Committee Chair Ken Rahjes (R-Agra)
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Senate President Ty Masterson (R-Andover)
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Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Chair Virgil Peck (R-Havana)
They need to demand that the Agriculture conference committee pass SB 344 in a CCR.
KPA lobbyists have already spoken with legislators who have all been supportive, but leadership will only move if they know this matters to their constituents and voters.
Do not wait. Contact your Senator AND Representative today and tell them: SB 344 is a must-pass bill.
Legislative Action in 2026 KPA Supported TNVR Bill
Kansas Senate Advances Key Animal Welfare Legislation
On March 18, the Kansas HB 2535—a bill clarifying that trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) practices do not violate animal cruelty laws—was debated on the Senate floor, marking an important moment for animal welfare advocates across the state.
The bill was carried by Ron Ryckman (R-Meade), who shared personal stories about his wife’s longtime involvement in cat rescue efforts, underscoring the real-world impact of TNVR programs. Adam Thomas (R-Olathe) added levity to the discussion, helping to highlight the broad, bipartisan support for the measure.
With no opposition or amendments offered during debate, the Senate moved decisively to pass the bill on March 19 by a vote of 39–1. The lone dissenting vote came from Tory Marie Blew (R-Great Bend).
Due to a Senate amendment adjusting the bill’s effective date, HB 2535 now returns to the House for a concurrence vote. If the House agrees to the changes, the bill will advance to Laura Kelly for signature. If not, it will proceed to a conference committee for further negotiation.
Passage of HB 2535 in the Senate represents a significant step forward for humane, community-based approaches to managing free-roaming cat populations. This progress reflects the strong advocacy and engagement of supporters across Kansas who have worked to ensure that TNVR programs are recognized as a responsible and lawful practice.
Legislative Action
Kansas Pet Advocates initiated and secured support for sales tax exemption for nonprofit shelters and rescues. This bill will be reintroduced in the 2025 Kansas legislative session.
In 2022, Kansas Pet Advocates lobbied the legislators to reorganize and increase the operating budget for the Animal Facilities Inspection (AFI) program and effectively achieved the most important objectives it sought through its request for an Executive Reorganization Order (ERO), including the following improvements to the AFI program:
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New vet hired as the Director
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New funding for AFI in the amount of $483,729
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New investigative inspector
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$50,000 of new funding will be dedicated to shelters to compensate them for animal care costs incurred in connection with seizures
In 2021, Kansas Pet Advocates lobbied the legislature to prevent the return of greyhound racing to Kansas by (1) amending the sports wagering bill to exclude greyhound racing from the list of “sporting events” that can receive legal wagers; and (2) amending the Kansas Parimutuel Wagering Act to prohibit greyhound racing in any racing where there are slots or historical racing machines.