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SB 261

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 261 allows Kansas liquor licenses for felony convictions older than 10 years, balancing criminal justice reintegration with regulatory discretion.

Died in Committee
#alcoholicbeverages
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 261

Legislative bill overview

SB 261 would allow Kansas's alcoholic beverage control director to issue liquor licenses to individuals with felony convictions if the conviction occurred more than 10 years ago. Currently, Kansas law appears to categorically prohibit or severely restrict license issuance to anyone with a felony record, regardless of time elapsed.

Why is this important

This bill addresses criminal justice reintegration and economic opportunity for people who have served their sentences and rehabilitation periods. Liquor retail and hospitality are significant employment and business sectors; blocking access based on old convictions can perpetuate recidivism cycles. The policy reflects broader debate over how long conviction histories should impact professional licensing.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety vs. rehabilitation: Opponents may argue liquor license holders require public trust, while proponents counter that 10+ years demonstrates rehabilitation and that blanket bans prevent employment
  • Discretion concerns: Granting the director discretionary authority (rather than automatic eligibility) allows case-by-case judgment but may introduce inconsistency or subjective denial
  • Felony definition: The bill says "certain felonies" without specifying which crimes are excluded—violent offenses, fraud, or DUI-related convictions might warrant continued restrictions, but the bill's scope is unclear

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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