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HB 2743

Requiring the state board of regents and the state board of education to ensure that no teacher preparation program includes content related to diversity, equity and inclusion and providing an extended period for retired and substitute teachers to complete certain required literacy training as part of the Kansas blueprint for literacy.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Prohibits DEI content in public teacher prep programs and extends literacy-training deadlines for retired and substitute teachers under Kansas’ literacy initiative.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 2743

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Kansas
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Bill: HB 2743
  • Title: Requiring the state board of regents and the state board of education to ensure that no teacher preparation program includes content related to diversity, equity and inclusion and providing an extended period for retired and substitute teachers to complete certain required literacy training as part of the Kansas blueprint for literacy
  • Status: Died in Committee (April 10, 2026)
  • History: Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education on February 6, 2026

Purpose and Intent

HB 2743 directs two state governing boards—the State Board of Regents and the State Board of Education—to modify or constrain teacher preparation and certification programs. The core aims appear to be:
- Prohibiting or avoiding inclusion of content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within teacher preparation programs.
- Extending the timeframe for retired and substitute teachers to complete literacy training requirements tied to Kansas’ literacy initiative (the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy).

The bill seeks to align teacher preparation and ongoing professional requirements with a DEI-averse framework and to broaden access to required literacy training for certain teachers nearing retirement or serving as substitutes.

Key Provisions (as described)

Note: The bill text is not provided here; the summary reflects the described scope and typical legislative approaches. Major elements likely addressed include:

  • Prohibition/Restriction of DEI Content in Teacher Preparation

    • Require that teacher preparation programs offered or approved by public institutions not include content related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    • Potential definitions or clarifications of what constitutes “DEI content” for purposes of compliance.
    • Roles of the State Board of Regents (oversight of teacher preparation programs affiliated with public colleges and universities) and the State Board of Education (oversight of K-12 teaching standards and certification).

  • Literacy Training Extensions

    • Extend the period in which certain educators (retired teachers and substitute teachers) must complete literacy training components under the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy.
    • May adjust deadlines, provide waivers, or establish transitional rules to allow these groups additional time to satisfy literacy-related requirements.
    • Implications for credentialing, licensure renewal, or employment eligibility during the extension period.

Potential Impacts

  • Teacher Preparation Programs

    • Institutions offering teacher preparation may need to revise curricula to remove or avoid DEI-focused content, affecting program design and faculty planning.
    • Possible changes in accreditation or state approval processes for teacher education programs.

  • Retired and Substitute Teachers

    • Retired teachers and substitutes could gain more time to meet literacy training requirements, potentially easing workforce transitions and maintaining classroom staffing during the transition.

  • Kansas Blueprint for Literacy

    • The bill ties into the state’s literacy initiative; changes could influence implementation timelines and compliance for educators required to complete literacy training.

Affected Parties

  • State Board of Regents: Responsible for higher education programs and teacher preparation pipelines.
  • State Board of Education: Responsible for K-12 teacher licensure requirements and professional development standards.
  • Teacher Preparation Programs: Universities and colleges in Kansas offering initial teacher preparation.
  • Retired Teachers and Substitute Teachers: Individuals who would be granted an extended window to complete literacy training.
  • School Districts: Employers of teachers who must ensure licensure compliance and adequate literacy training coverage.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: February 6, 2026
  • Referral: House Committee on Education (February 6, 2026)
  • Status: Died in Committee on April 10, 2026
  • Implication of demise: If not revived in the next session, the bill would not become law; any changes would require new legislative action to implement.

Important Considerations

  • DEI Content Definition: The bill’s impact hinges on how “diversity, equity and inclusion” content is defined and interpreted in practice, and how similar content in existing programs is treated.
  • Legislative Change Process: Since the bill died in committee, notable policy shifts would require new sponsorship and passage in a future session.
  • Implementation Resources: If enacted in any form, implementation would involve coordination between higher education institutions and the two state boards, plus possible adjustments to regulatory or licensure frameworks.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill’s provisions to current Kansas statutes on DEI content in teacher preparation and literacy requirements to highlight exact legal changes and potential gaps.

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

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