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HB 2491

Requiring state agencies to make quarterly reports to the secretary of state with the names and addresses of noncitizens receiving public benefits.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas requires state agencies to report quarterly to the Secretary of State names and addresses of noncitizens receiving public benefits, creating a centralized tracking database.

Died in Senate Committee
#secretaryofstate
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Bill Summary · HB 2491

Legislative bill overview

HB 2491 requires Kansas state agencies to compile and submit quarterly reports to the Secretary of State listing the names and addresses of noncitizens receiving public benefits. The bill would create a systematic data collection and reporting mechanism focused on identifying recipients of state assistance programs who lack U.S. citizenship.

Why is this important

This bill would establish the first statewide tracking system for noncitizen benefit recipients in Kansas, creating a database that could inform policy decisions about eligibility and spending. The data could be used to identify individuals for potential legal action, immigration referrals, or benefit program modifications, significantly affecting thousands of residents and the agencies that administer benefits.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data security concerns: Creating centralized lists of vulnerable populations raises questions about data protection, potential misuse, and whether such information could be accessed by federal immigration authorities without consent
  • Administrative burden and cost: State agencies would need new systems to track and verify citizenship status for benefit recipients, potentially increasing bureaucratic complexity and expenses
  • Access to benefits and public health: Uncertainty about data handling might discourage eligible noncitizens (including legal permanent residents and visa holders) from accessing emergency services, healthcare, or nutrition assistance, creating public health risks
  • Definitional questions: The bill's scope regarding which "public benefits" trigger reporting and how agencies verify citizenship status remains unclear

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

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