Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB261

Introduced
2/11/25  

Caption

Authorizing the director of alcoholic beverage control to issue certain licenses to persons convicted of certain felonies if such conviction is more than 10 years old.

Impact

The impact of SB261 is significant as it revises the criteria under which individuals can obtain licenses to operate businesses related to alcoholic beverages, potentially increasing the pool of applicants. This could lead to a more competitive environment for licensing in Kansas, as individuals who previously faced barriers due to felony convictions will now have the opportunity to secure such licenses. The bill's provisions are designed to foster economic growth and employment opportunities for a demographic that has historically been marginalized in the industry.

Summary

Senate Bill 261 aims to amend the Kansas liquor control act and the club and drinking establishment act related to the eligibility for certain liquor licenses. Specifically, it allows the director of alcoholic beverage control to issue licenses to individuals who have felony convictions provided that such convictions occurred more than ten years prior to the application date and that the individual demonstrates sufficient rehabilitation. This change is arguably a step towards inclusivity, aiming to reintegrate individuals with past felony convictions into the workforce, particularly within the alcohol industry.

Contention

Despite its positive intentions, the bill has egged some contention among stakeholders. Critics have raised concerns regarding public safety and the potential for licensing individuals who may have histories of damaging or illegal behaviors associated with alcohol. Supporters, however, argue that the rehabilitative approach taken by SB261 recognizes the capacity for change in individuals and acknowledges the unjust barriers that a felony conviction imposes on reintegration into society. The legislation reflects an evolving perspective on justice and rehabilitation in Kansas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2838

Authorizing the director of alcoholic beverage control to issue licenses for the sale of alcoholic liquor to persons convicted of a felony if such conviction is more than 10 years old.

KS HB2677

Authorizing the sale of wine by cereal malt beverage retailer licensees.

KS HB2032

Allowing persons with felony drug convictions to receive benefits under the food assistance program.

KS HB2068

Modifying how certain prior convictions are counted for the special sentencing rule related to possession of a controlled substance and providing concurrent or consecutive sentencing for persons convicted of new crimes while on release for a felony.

KS SB492

Repealing the prohibition on transportation of alcoholic beverages in opened containers and on drinking or consuming alcoholic liquor inside vehicles while on the public streets, alleys, roads or highways.

KS SB253

Authorizing home delivery by licensed retailers, licensed clubs and drinking establishments and restaurants and third-party delivery services.

KS HB2059

Exempting charitable raffle prizes of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages from the Kansas liquor control act, the club and drinking establishment act and the Kansas cereal malt beverage act; amending the spirits, wine and beer distributors law regulating samples; requiring monthly remittance of gallonage taxes regarding special order shipping of wine; allowing businesses to sell cereal malt beverage by the drink on Sundays without requiring that 30% of the gross receipts of such businesses be derived from the sale of food; permitting food establishments to allow dogs in outside areas on the premises and food establishments that are microbreweries to allow dogs in outside and inside areas on the premises notwithstanding certain provisions of the Kansas food code; amending the common consumption area law to permit rather than require roads be blocked and allowing designation of such areas by signage.

KS HB2113

Prohibiting denial of a petition for expungement due to the petitioner's inability to pay outstanding costs, fees, fines or restitution, providing that the waiting period for expungement starts on the date of conviction or adjudication and authorizing expungement of a juvenile adjudication if the juvenile has not committed a felony offense in the previous two years.

KS HB2602

Authorizing the court to grant expungement of a juvenile adjudication if the person has not been convicted or adjudicated of an offense in the past two years.

KS HB2431

Allowing vessels that operate upon the Perry reservoir to be licensed as clubs and drinking establishments.

Similar Bills

KS HB2838

Authorizing the director of alcoholic beverage control to issue licenses for the sale of alcoholic liquor to persons convicted of a felony if such conviction is more than 10 years old.

KS SB15

Authorizing the director of alcoholic beverage control to issue licenses for the sale of alcoholic liquor to persons convicted of a felony if such conviction is more than 10 years old.

NJ S1316

Renames Division of Purchase and Property; revises certain aspects of State procurement process; repeals MacBride principles certification requirement.

NJ A5611

Renames Division of Purchase and Property; revises certain aspects of State procurement process; repeals MacBride principles certification requirement.

NJ S3745

Renames Division of Purchase and Property; revises certain aspects of State procurement process; repeals MacBride principles certification requirement.

HI SB1119

Relating To Motor Vehicles.

HI HB938

Relating To The Motor Vehicle Industry Licensing Act.

OK HB2803

Alcoholic beverages; termination of distribution agreements; requirements; arbitration; inventory; effective date.