Ratifying and providing for the continuation of the state of disaster emergency declaration issued on February 9, 2026, for Douglas, Johnson and Wyandotte counties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Croft

Ratifies and extends the Feb 9, 2026 disaster emergency in Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties, authorizing continued emergency powers and responses there.

Died on Senate General Orders

#emergenciesanddisasters #resolutions

Overview

HCR 5031 is a Kansas concurrent resolution proposed in the 2025-2026 session to ratify and provide for the continuation of a state disaster emergency declaration issued on February 9, 2026, for three counties: Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte. The measure is procedural in nature, aimed at validating and extending the current emergency declaration for these specific counties.

Main purpose and intent

Ratify the February 9, 2026 state disaster emergency declaration covering Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties.

Provide for the continuation (extension) of the emergency protections, authorities, and responses in those counties as authorized by the declaration.

Ensure the declaration remains in effect within the affected counties for the period specified by state law and emergency management guidelines.

Key provisions and changes

Formal ratification: The bill would officially recognize and approve the February 9, 2026 disaster emergency declaration by the state.

Continuation authority: It would authorize continued use of emergency powers and procedures available under Kansas law for disaster response and recovery in the three named counties.

Scope limitation: The extension applies specifically to Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties, not statewide.

Legislative action requirement: The measure reflects the legislative body's ongoing oversight and consent for extended emergency actions, consistent with Kansas constitutional and statutory processes for emergencies.

Who or what would be affected

Residents and businesses in Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties: Potentially affected by ongoing emergency-related measures such as deployment of state resources, emergency management directives, or supports tied to disaster response.

Local and state agencies: Entry and coordination for emergency services, public health, safety, and infrastructure resilience would continue under the declared authority.

Legislative process: Provides the Legislature’s formal ratification and oversight of the emergency declaration and its extension.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced February 17, 2026; referred to Committee of the Whole.

Emergency action: Emergency final action held February 13, 2026, with adoption reported (Yea 121, Nay 2, Absent 2) prior to normal floor consideration.

Committee activity: The measure moved through the Committee of the Whole, including a “passed over and retain a place on the calendar” step on February 18, 2026.

Final status: Died on Senate General Orders on April 10, 2026, indicating it did not advance to final passage in the Senate during that session.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Chris Croft.

Notes for readers

As a concurrent resolution, HCR 5031 is a procedural affirmation rather than a bill that creates or funds new programs. It seeks legislative ratification and continued authorization for the emergency declaration already in effect.

The bill’s fate (dying on Senate General Orders) means the formal ratification and continuation did not become law in that session, which could affect whether the emergency measures continue without alternative statutory or executive action.

If you’d like, I can summarize the specific emergency powers and resources typically available under Kansas disaster emergency declarations to give more context on what continuation would entail.