For inquiries, please email Irma.Faudoa@ks.gov 

This policy agenda outlines the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission’s (KHLAAC) legislative priorities and objectives for the 2026 Kansas legislative session. The agenda reflects the Commission’s commitment to advancing opportunity, and representation for Hispanic and Latino communities across Kansas. While this statement focuses on broad policy principles, it also includes positions on specific legislative proposals. KHLAAC will consider other policy topics as new bills and proposals emerge during the session and welcomes collaboration with legislators and stakeholders to achieve these goals.

Reproductive Rights: KHLAAC supports legislation that safeguards and expands reproductive rights, advocating for policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare services. Protecting these rights is essential to prevent discrimination and eliminate barriers to care. KHLAAC is committed to fostering a just environment where all individuals can exercise their reproductive rights without fear.

Childcare Access: KHLAAC endorses efforts to expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare. Addressing barriers faced by working families empowers parents to pursue economic and educational opportunities, strengthen communities, and ensure a brighter future for all Kansans.

Medicaid Expansion: KHLAAC supports the expansion of Medicaid/KanCare, utilizing budget-neutral funding to enable medical providers to deliver critical services. Expanding Medicaid will increase health coverage, improve access to care, and enhance health outcomes for Kansans.

Voter Access and Participation: KHLAAC supports expanding voter access to the polls, and efforts that promote state election practices and procedures which provide greater opportunity for Hispanic/ Latino political participation and representation.

Public School Funding: KHLAAC supports fully funded public schools to guarantee equal access to quality education for all children, including Hispanic and Latino students. Adequate funding is essential for educational equity and opportunity.

In-State Tuition for DACA Recipients: KHLAAC strongly supports in-state postsecondary tuition for Kansas residents who are Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. These students, educated in Kansas public schools, consider the United States their home. This policy promotes higher education, increases earning potential, and strengthens the state’s economy.

Immigration and Refugee Resettlement: KHLAAC recognizes the vital role of immigrant and refugee labor in the Kansas economy, particularly in Southwest Kansas. The Commission urges the State of Kansas and the federal government to adopt sensible immigration policies that consider economic impacts on employers and communities. KHLAAC supports a pathway to citizenship for immigrants and refugees of good moral character and calls on Congress to enact bipartisan legislation providing a permanent solution for DACA recipients, including a reasonable pathway to citizenship.

Language Access: KHLAAC advocates for the introduction and expansion of language access across all state public services. Language access is essential for belonging, enabling all Kansans to participate fully in civic, social, and economic life. KHLAAC supports the use of interpretation and translation services to ensure immigrant and refugee residents have equitable access to services, information, and civic processes.