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Bill

SB 256

Enacting the back to work act to require all full-time state employees to perform such employees' duties in their assigned office, facility or field location, provide for certain exceptions by agency heads and require certain reports regarding such exceptions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 256 requires Kansas state employees to work in-person at assigned locations with agency-head-approved exceptions and mandatory reporting on remote work arrangements.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 256

Legislative bill overview

SB 256 mandates that all full-time Kansas state employees work in-person at their assigned office, facility, or field location, with limited exceptions granted by agency heads. The bill requires agencies to report on any exceptions they grant, creating accountability for remote work arrangements.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects working conditions for thousands of state employees and could influence state recruitment and retention capabilities. The outcome may impact employee satisfaction, productivity metrics, operational costs, and the state's competitiveness in attracting talent—particularly for roles that have successfully operated remotely since the pandemic.

Potential points of contention

  • Remote work effectiveness: Evidence varies on whether remote work decreases productivity; some roles function effectively remotely while others require in-person collaboration, making a blanket mandate controversial.
  • Employee retention and recruitment: Forcing in-office work may disadvantage Kansas in competing for skilled workers with private employers offering flexible arrangements, particularly in specialized fields.
  • Disability and accommodation concerns: The bill's exception process may face legal challenges under disability rights laws if accommodations for remote work aren't adequately protected.
  • Agency autonomy: Transferring decision-making power to individual agency heads creates inconsistent policies across state government and potential for favoritism in exception-granting.
  • Implementation costs: Increased office space utilization, parking, and commuting may create unexpected expenses offset by potential savings elsewhere.

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

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