Legislature Failed to Pass SB 344! Kansas Pet Advocates Legislative Update April 14, 2026
- Reily Goyne
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Legislature Failed to Pass SB 344!
 During the veto session, the legislature did not advance legislation to allow shelters to place neonates in foster homes during the stray-hold period. Unfortunately, leadership failed to prioritize the passage of this legislation, despite unanimous Senate support and overwhelming support from Representatives. SB 344 died on the last day, when the House abruptly adjourned, allowing 21 bills already scheduled for debate to die. Had it gone to the floor for debate and a vote, an overwhelming majority of Representatives indicated they would have voted yes. Kansas Pet Advocates will continue working with stakeholders to advocate over the summer to reintroduce this bill and pass it into law. Your Advocacy Made a Difference Shelters, rescues, and other organizations shared KPA’s message and direct action links on social media and in newsletters. Thanks to this advocacy, hundreds of Kansans connected directly with their legislators and urged them to support the bill. Lawmakers across the state heard you. KPA is especially grateful to the bipartisan group of legislators who understood the urgency of this issue and lobbied leadership to advance this critical legislation. What’s Next KPA is laying the groundwork to pass pet-friendly legislation in 2027. The end of the 2026 legislative session marks the beginning of the midterm election season. All 125 House of Representatives seats will be up for election. KPA will reach out to all candidates who file for office and begin an educational campaign for legislative candidates. KPA will keep the pet advocate community informed about candidates running for office and how you can educate and support pet-friendly candidates. |
Governor Signs TNVR Decriminalization Bill
On Thursday, April 9, Governor Laura Kelly signed HB 2413 into law. HB 2413 incorporates provisions from several bills, including HB 2535, which decriminalizes trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) for feral cats. This law goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
Kansas Pet Advocates worked closely with TNVR organizations, shelters, rescues, and animal control officers to pass this legislation. While some organizations are already doing TNVR, others will not participate in TNVR programs under the existing animal cruelty statute.
Many lawmakers were aware of feral cat issues in their districts. They spoke favorably of the legislation and the need to decriminalize TNVR to provide an optional tool for feral cat management. The support and excitement for HB 2535 were on display when the House and Senate took final action on the bill. As instructed: “All those in favor, meow!”
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