Kansas House Bill HB2404

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/25
• Refer: 3/6/25
• Report Pass: 3/20/25

Caption

Prohibiting certain sex offenders from entering onto school property or attending school activities and creating criminal penalties for violation thereof.

Impact

If enacted, the implications of HB2404 on state laws and public education funding would be significant. The bill proposes to amend existing education funding laws to create a more equitable distribution of funds, which proponents argue is essential for creating fair opportunities for students. This change would require a reassessment of how funding is allocated to school districts, potentially adjusting the overall state budget towards education and impacting other sectors reliant on state funding. Additionally, HB2404 could create new stipulations for state support for educational programs, prompting school districts to adapt to the requirements set forth in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 2404 seeks to address critical challenges in the state's education funding system. The bill focuses on increasing financial resources for primary education and aims to ensure that schools in underfunded districts receive equitable support. By revising the funding formulas currently in place, HB2404 aims to alleviate disparities in educational resources, allowing for better access to quality education regardless of a child's zip code. Notably, the bill outlines specific allocations to vulnerable districts with high rates of poverty, aiming to uplift educational outcomes through targeted investment.

Contention

Discussions around HB2404 have revealed notable points of contention among legislators and interest groups. Supporters, including several education advocates and sympathetic lawmakers, argue that the bill is necessary to combat systemic inequities in education access. They claim that without increased funding for the most vulnerable districts, disparities in student outcomes will persist. However, critics, including some budgetary conservatives, voice concerns that the bill may lead to significant increases in state spending which could impact other essential services. They argue for a more comprehensive review of budget allocation prior to committing to such substantial changes.