WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 5005

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.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas constitutional amendment prohibiting public education funds from supporting private schools and restricting funds to secular public schools only.

Died in Committee
#constitutionalamendments(kansas) #resolutions #schools
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 5005

Legislative bill overview

HCR 5005 proposes a constitutional amendment to Kansas that would restrict how elementary and secondary public education funding is used. The bill aims to limit public funds to secular public schools only and explicitly prohibit their use for private nonpublic schools, which would require amending the state constitution.

Why is this important

This amendment would have significant implications for school choice policies and education funding in Kansas. It directly addresses ongoing debates about voucher programs, education savings accounts, and other mechanisms that currently or potentially allow public funds to support private school attendance, affecting both policy options available to the state and families' educational choices.

Potential points of contention

  • School choice restrictions: The amendment would eliminate or prevent future voucher programs and education savings accounts that allow public money to follow students to private schools, conflicting with school choice advocates' policy goals.
  • "Secular" school definition: The language limiting funds to "secular public schools" raises questions about what constitutes secular education and could create disputes over funding certain public school programs or curricula.
  • Constitutional amendment threshold: As a constitutional proposal, this requires legislative supermajority approval and voter ratification, making it a high-bar policy change that reflects fundamental disagreement about education funding principles.

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

Sign in to ask a question.