Kansas Local Leaders Question Costs, Enforcement of Bathroom Bill

Proposed law could cost millions to implement, but details on enforcement remain unclear

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Local government leaders in Kansas are raising concerns about a 'bathroom bill' passed by the state legislature that would require people to use restrooms matching their biological sex at birth in government buildings. The bill, which is awaiting the governor's signature, lacks details on enforcement and could cost cities and counties millions of dollars to implement, according to officials.

Why it matters

The bathroom bill has sparked debate over LGBTQ+ rights, privacy, and the role of local governments in enforcing state laws. City and county leaders say the lack of clarity in the legislation creates challenges for them in complying with and enforcing the new requirements.

The details

Senate Bill 244 requires people to use restrooms, locker rooms and other private spaces in government buildings based on their biological sex at birth. Local governing bodies are expected to take 'reasonable steps' to ensure compliance, but officials say the bill provides little guidance on what that means in practice. Changing signage and making facility modifications could cost millions statewide, according to the League of Kansas Municipalities. The bill also lacks details on enforcement procedures, leaving questions about who would investigate potential violations and how hearings would be conducted.

  • The bill is currently awaiting the signature of Gov. Laura Kelly, who has a 10-day deadline to either sign or veto it.
  • The bill originally addressed gender markers on driver's licenses and birth certificates, but the bathroom provision was added later through a legislative maneuver known as 'gut and go'.

The players

Jay Hall

Deputy director and general counsel for the Kansas Association of Counties.

Spencer Duncan

Topeka mayor and government affairs director for the League of Kansas Municipalities.

Daron Hall

City manager in Pittsburg, Kansas.

Laura Kelly

Governor of Kansas, expected to veto the bill.

Kris Kobach

Attorney General of Kansas.

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What they’re saying

“What's the expectation of local governments, and how are they supposed to handle the enforcement? That's not something that we know at this point.”

— Jay Hall, Deputy director and general counsel, Kansas Association of Counties (Kansas Reflector)

“There is a cost associated with this to the tune of millions of dollars across the state for cities.”

— Spencer Duncan, Topeka mayor and government affairs director, League of Kansas Municipalities (Kansas Reflector)

“Regardless of where you come down on the issue, our job at the end of day is to make sure that we are following the laws that the state puts in place. That's harder when they're not as clear as they could have been.”

— Spencer Duncan, Topeka mayor and government affairs director, League of Kansas Municipalities (Kansas Reflector)

What’s next

Gov. Laura Kelly has a 10-day deadline to decide whether to sign or veto the bill. If she vetoes it, the legislature could attempt to override her veto.

The takeaway

The bathroom bill highlights the tensions between state policymaking and local government implementation, as well as the ongoing debates over LGBTQ+ rights and privacy. Without clear guidance and funding, city and county leaders say the new requirements could create significant logistical and financial challenges for local governments.