New Laws Take Effect in Kansas for 2026

TOPEKA, Kan. – Kansas ushered in several new laws on Jan. 1, 2026, addressing everything from child welfare and voting rules to marriage age requirements and vehicle fees. Here are just a few.

Standards for Childcare Operations

Legislators have established the Kansas Office of Early Childhood, to combine childcare and early education programs by 2026. Created by House Bill 2045, the law updates standards for childcare centers, adjusts staffing ratios, and improves oversight of early learning providers. This updated long-outdated guardianship and conservatorship laws.

Background Checks for Guardians

Guardianship and conservatorship statutes also got an overhaul. Lawmakers enacted new requirements for reporting, background checks, and oversight of guardians of minors and adults with guardianship. Proponents say it protects vulnerable Kansans, especially seniors and people with disabilities.

Election Reform

On voting, a notable change is the new deadline for returning advance voting ballots. Senate Bill 4 now requires all advance ballots to be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day, eliminating the previous grace period that allowed ballots to be counted even if delivered after the election. Proponents argue this will boost election security.

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Marriage Age Requirement

Kansas now requires all individuals to be at least 18 years old to consent to marriage, closing prior loopholes that permitted exceptions for minors under certain circumstances.

Vehicles

Other changes include increased annual fees for hybrid and electric vehicles just like traditionally-fueled vehicles. It “increases the annual license fees paid at vehicle registration of electric vehicles and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and establishes license fees for all-electric motorcycles and electric trucks and truck tractors with gross weights of 12,000 pounds or less.”   Another new law attempts to address motorists who operate cars illegally without insurance. It institutes an online verification process.

Newly established license plate designs include the Kansas FFA Foundation, Route 66 Association, a blackout plate, a Hunter Nation plate and a fee to replace old plates when their condition makes them unreadable to law enforcement.

Lawmakers also passed measures to strengthen security around Kansas military bases by limiting foreign ownership and certain drone use.

Kansas lawmakers say these laws reflect a focus on child protection, stronger election rules, and fiscal responsibility. Still, some residents and advocacy groups plan to watch closely to see how the changes play out in practice.

–Lee Hartman | Metro Voice