Week 11 Update: Key Conversations, Important Overrides, and Progress on Kansas Bills

This week brought several meaningful opportunities to connect with inspiring leaders and engage in important conversations, both inside and outside the Statehouse.

I had the privilege of meeting Rex Hudler, broadcaster for the Kansas City Royals, and hearing his personal testimony. He shared how learning to trust God’s plan—rather than his own timing—has shaped both his life and career. His message served as a powerful reminder that faith, family, and perseverance remain at the center of a fulfilling life. He also shared optimism about the Royals’ upcoming season, which was encouraging to hear.

I also had the distinct honor of hearing from the Ambassador of Taiwan, who addressed both the Republican Caucus and the full legislature on Wednesday. Taiwan’s partnership with Kansas plays a vital role in our shared economic success. Kansas helps supply agricultural products such as beef, corn, soybeans, and wheat, while Taiwan provides critical semiconductor technology. This relationship not only strengthens our economy but also supports Taiwan’s ability to maintain its independence and democratic values.

Back at the Statehouse, it was a busy week of negotiations and collaboration. The House and Senate worked through numerous bills in conference committees, finding common ground and resolving differences. In the coming weeks, I will continue highlighting these measures and what they mean for our communities.

Override of Governor Kelly’s Veto of SB 368

This week, the legislature voted to override Governor Kelly’s veto of SB 368, establishing the Health Care Sharing Ministries Tax Deduction Act.

This measure recognizes the difference between traditional health insurance and health care sharing ministries, which operate as nonprofit, member-driven organizations rather than risk-bearing insurers.

Beginning in tax year 2027, Kansas taxpayers will be allowed to subtract contributions made to a health care sharing ministry from their state taxable income. These contributions, referred to as “shares,” are used to help cover members’ medical expenses.

The deduction is capped at:

• $5,000 for individual filers

• $10,000 for married couples filing jointly

While these contributions are not deductible at the federal level, this legislation provides relief at the state level for those participating in these programs.

Override of Governor Kelly’s Veto of HB 2635

The legislature also overrode the Governor’s veto of HB 2635.

This bill prohibits state agencies and local governments from requiring pregnancy centers or medical pregnancy centers to:

• Offer or perform abortions

• Provide or distribute abortion-inducing drugs

• Refer patients for abortion services

• Counsel in favor of abortion

• Promote or advertise abortion services

This legislation is designed to protect pregnancy centers from being compelled to act against their mission and beliefs. It ensures these organizations can continue serving women and families in a way that aligns with their convictions.

I support this measure as a way to uphold the work of organizations that affirm the value of life and seek to serve others with compassion and purpose.

HB 2158 Advances to the Governor’s Desk

After two years of effort and multiple revisions, HB 2158 has officially passed the legislature and is now headed to the Governor’s desk.

This bill creates a commonsense exemption for certain beekeepers, allowing them to sell packaged honey or honeycomb at retail without needing a state food establishment or processing license, provided they meet specific requirements.

To qualify, beekeepers must:

• Package products on their own property

• Properly label all items

• Ensure products are unaltered and free of additives

• Harvest products within Kansas

• Maintain annual gross sales of $35,000 or less

• Follow Kansas Department of Agriculture sanitary standards

• Keep records available for inspection

This is a significant win for small-scale beekeepers, opening new opportunities for local producers to sell their products more easily while maintaining safety standards.

HB 2587: Strengthening Election Integrity

HB 2587 focuses on strengthening election integrity by incorporating citizenship status into driver’s licenses.

Under this bill, individuals whose licenses indicate noncitizen status may still cast a provisional ballot if they assert they are U.S. citizens. Election officials will then follow established procedures to verify eligibility before counting the ballot.

This measure does not prevent anyone from voting. Instead, it adds a verification step to help ensure that only eligible ballots are included in final election results.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

In service,
Dale Helwig