Kansas Bill Aims to Stop 'Shakedown' Lawsuits Against Businesses

SB 462 seeks to restore common sense and fairness to public nuisance laws, protecting responsible companies from frivolous litigation.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:05am

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A new bill in the Kansas legislature, SB 462, aims to reform the state's public nuisance laws that have been exploited by trial attorneys to file lawsuits against businesses not for breaking the law, but for simply selling legal products that later became part of a broader societal problem. The bill would require plaintiffs to show 'special injury' rather than just being part of the general public, and clarify that businesses following the law should not be sued under vague 'public nuisance' theories just because someone doesn't like their product.

Why it matters

This legislation is critical for providing predictability and fairness for Kansas businesses, especially small and medium-sized companies that have faced the threat of 'shakedown' lawsuits that drive up insurance costs and limit their ability to invest and grow. Supporters argue the current system enriches trial lawyers while hurting consumers through higher prices.

The details

SB 462 seeks to address a loophole in Kansas' public nuisance laws that has allowed trial attorneys to sue businesses not for breaking the law, but for selling legal products that later became part of a broader societal problem. The bill would require plaintiffs to show 'special injury' rather than just being part of the general public, and clarify that businesses following the law should not be sued under vague 'public nuisance' theories just because someone doesn't like their product.

  • SB 462 is currently being considered by the Kansas legislature in 2026.

The players

SB 462

A bill in the Kansas legislature that aims to reform the state's public nuisance laws to provide more predictability and fairness for businesses.

Hunter Larkin

A Kansas business owner and developer who wrote an opinion piece advocating for the passage of SB 462.

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What they’re saying

“This bill doesn't protect bad actors. If a developer cuts corners, violates regulations or causes direct harm, they should absolutely be held accountable. But it does ensure that responsible builders are not penalized simply for doing business in a lawful industry.”

— Hunter Larkin, Kansas business owner and developer

“According to the Perryman Group, these excess tort costs result in a staggering loss of billions to the Kansas economy annually. For the average family, that translates to $4400 a year in higher costs for everyday goods and services.”

— Hunter Larkin, Kansas business owner and developer

What’s next

The Kansas legislature is expected to vote on SB 462 in the coming weeks. If passed, the bill would then go to Governor Laura Kelly for signing into law.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to restore common sense and fairness to Kansas' public nuisance laws, protecting responsible businesses from frivolous 'shakedown' lawsuits that have driven up costs for consumers and limited economic growth. Supporters argue it will benefit small and medium-sized companies that have faced the threat of such lawsuits, while still allowing for accountability of businesses that truly cause direct harm.