Kansas Governor Signs Bipartisan Crime Bill

New law increases penalties for buying sex, misusing laser pointers, and vehicle/gift card theft

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed a bipartisan crime bill that enhances penalties for several offenses, including the illegal purchase of sexual relations, misuse of laser pointers, and theft of vehicles and gift cards. The legislation passed the state House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Why it matters

The new law aims to address public safety concerns in Kansas communities by cracking down on crimes that can enable human trafficking and take advantage of vulnerable residents. The bipartisan nature of the bill's passage also signals a collaborative approach to tackling criminal justice issues in the state.

The details

The crime bill, known as House Bill 2347, creates a new offense for the unlawful use of a laser pointer, allowing individuals to be charged with assault or battery if they knowingly direct a laser beam at law enforcement officers or into the flight path of an aircraft. It also increases the criminal penalties for purchasing sexual relations, raising the offense to a level nine felony with a minimum fine of $2,000. Additionally, the law expands the list of financial cards that can be the subject of illegal obtaining of money, goods, or services to include gift cards. Finally, the bill alters the theft of a motor vehicle statute to target individuals who 'have reason to know' a vehicle is stolen, rather than requiring proof they 'knew' it was stolen.

  • The bill was passed by the Kansas House in January 2026 with a vote of 119-4.
  • The bill was passed by the Kansas Senate in January 2026 with a vote of 39-0.
  • The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2027, requiring individuals convicted of purchasing sexual relations to participate in a treatment program approved by the state attorney general's office.

The players

Gov. Laura Kelly

The Democratic governor of Kansas who signed the bipartisan crime bill into law.

Rep. Dan Osman

A Democratic state representative from Overland Park who supported the bipartisan legislation.

Sen. Kenny Titus

A Republican state senator from Manhattan who said the bill will "reduce the demand for human trafficking and allow for easier prosecution of scamsters using gift cards to take advantage of vulnerable Kansans."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This bipartisan bill takes reasonable steps to ensure that Kansans are safe and that crime is being addressed in our communities. Enhancing public safety is essential to building a Kansas where businesses and families want to put down roots.”

— Gov. Laura Kelly (Kansas Reflector)

“The bill 'will reduce the demand for human trafficking and allow for easier prosecution of scamsters using gift cards to take advantage of vulnerable Kansans.'”

— Sen. Kenny Titus, Republican state senator (Kansas Reflector)

What’s next

The new law will go into effect on July 1, 2027, requiring individuals convicted of purchasing sexual relations to participate in a treatment program approved by the state attorney general's office.

The takeaway

The bipartisan passage of this crime bill in Kansas signals a collaborative approach to addressing public safety concerns, including combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable residents from financial scams. The new law's focus on increasing penalties for specific offenses demonstrates the state's commitment to enhancing community safety through legislative action.