Kansas House Bill HCR5005

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/23/25

Caption

Proposing to amend section 6 of article 6 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit the use of elementary and secondary public funds for secular public schools and prohibit public funds from being used for private nonpublic schools.

Vote

For HCR5005 to become law, it must receive approval from two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Following legislative approval, the amendment will be presented to voters at the general election. Should it succeed, the amendment would formally change the Kansas Constitution, affirming the state’s policy regarding educational funding moving forward.

Impact

If approved, this amendment would significantly alter how educational funds are allocated within the state. It would mean that all public moneys appropriated for K-12 educational purposes could only support secular public schools, thereby reinforcing the commitment to separation of church and state in public education. This would effectively eliminate the possibility of funding private religious schools with state dollars, which proponents argue is necessary to maintain educational equity in the state.

Summary

HCR5005, also known as the Protect Public Schools Amendment, proposes to amend section 6 of article 6 of the Kansas Constitution. The amendment seeks to limit the use of public funds appropriated for elementary and secondary education specifically for secular public schools and to prohibit any public funds from being used to support private nonpublic schools. The primary aim of this legislation is to ensure that public funding is dedicated exclusively to secular public education, thereby preventing any financial support or resources from flowing to private educational institutions.

Contention

The amendment is likely to spark debates among legislators and the public. Proponents assert that the resolution addresses concerns regarding the misuse of public funds and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a secular educational system. However, opponents may critique the resolution, arguing that it could discriminate against families seeking alternative educational options for their children, particularly in areas where public schools may be underperforming. This conflict embodies a broader discussion on educational choice and parental rights versus the traditional roles of public education.