Directing the capitol preservation committee to develop and approve plans for a registry kiosk of Kansas military forces killed in action or who died of wounds incurred during active duty to be placed within the state capitol, enacting the safeguarding American veteran empowerment (SAVE) act to limit compensation for assisting in veterans benefits matters, establishing the Kansas military affairs commission and prescribing the powers and duties thereof, expanding veterans preference in government employment to include current members of the national guard and such members' eligible spouses and permissive preference in private employment to include current servicemembers and such members’ eligible spouses.

2025-2026 Regular Session

HB 2626 expands Kansas government hiring preferences to active National Guard members and eligible spouses, broadening access beyond separated veterans.

Enrolled and presented to Governor on Monday, March 30, 2026

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Legislative bill overview

HB 2626 expands Kansas's veterans preference in government employment to include currently serving National Guard members and their eligible spouses, not just veterans who have already separated from service. Currently, veterans preference typically applies only to those who have completed their military service and received discharge papers.

Why is this important

Veterans preference in government hiring is a long-standing policy designed to prioritize those with military service experience. This expansion would allow active National Guard members—who balance civilian employment with part-time military duties—to access these hiring preferences immediately, potentially affecting hundreds of state government job applicants and creating new eligibility pathways for military families.

Potential points of contention

Fairness concerns: Extending preference to active-duty National Guard members (who haven't yet sacrificed career continuity) may be viewed differently than those who separated after serving, raising questions about whether the policy's original intent is preserved

Spouse eligibility criteria: The bill's reference to "eligible spouses" lacks specificity—unclear whether this applies to all spouses, surviving spouses only, or spouses of deceased service members, which could create implementation ambiguity

Government hiring impact: Expanding the preference pool could affect hiring competition for non-military applicants and state budget considerations for government positions