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Session Schedule

Understand the Kansas legislative session calendar and key dates that drive the legislative process.

Legislative Calendar

Kansas Legislative Session​

Regular Session​

The Kansas Legislature typically meets:

  • Starts: Second Monday in January
  • Ends: Early-to-mid May (varies by year)
  • Length: Approximately 90 session days

Veto Session​

After the regular session, the legislature may return for a brief veto session to consider vetoed legislation.

Key Session Deadlines​

The Kansas Legislature operates on a structured schedule with important deadlines:

Bill Introduction Deadline​

The last day new bills can be introduced in each chamber. After this date, new legislation can only be introduced through:

  • Committee recommendations
  • Leadership permission
  • Emergency procedures

Turnaround Day​

A critical mid-session deadline:

  • Bills must pass their house of origin
  • Bills that haven't passed "turn around" and die
  • Exceptions for certain bill types

Crossover Day​

When bills must move to the second chamber to remain viable.

First Adjournment​

Regular session typically ends with first adjournment, with legislators returning later for veto session.

Daily Schedule​

During session, a typical day includes:

Morning​

  • Committee meetings (8:00 AM - 10:30 AM typically)
  • Multiple committees meeting simultaneously
  • Public hearings on bills

Floor Session​

  • House convenes (usually 11:00 AM or later)
  • Senate convenes (usually 2:30 PM or later)
  • Debate and voting on bills

Afternoon/Evening​

  • Additional committee work
  • Conference committees (late in session)
  • Extended floor sessions as needed

Weekly Schedule​

Session Days​

The legislature typically meets:

  • Monday through Thursday during peak session
  • Friday sessions less common except near deadlines

Non-Session Days​

Legislators return to districts:

  • Weekends
  • Designated breaks
  • Holidays

Session Calendar in BillBee​

Viewing the Schedule​

  1. Go to Calendar
  2. Session days are highlighted
  3. View session hours and floor schedules

Key Date Markers​

BillBee marks important dates:

  • 📅 Session days
  • ⚠️ Deadlines approaching
  • 🏛️ Veto session dates
  • 🚫 Recess periods

Planning Around the Session​

Early Session (January-February)​

  • Many bills introduced
  • Committees hold initial hearings
  • Good time for early engagement

Mid-Session (March-April)​

  • Turnaround approaches
  • Floor action increases
  • Amendments common

Late Session (April-May)​

  • Conference committees
  • Final votes
  • Most activity compressed

Veto Session (April-May)​

  • Override attempts
  • Final legislative action
  • Short, intense period

Session Status Indicator​

BillBee shows current session status:

  • In Session: Legislature is meeting
  • Between Sessions: Regular work not occurring
  • Veto Session: Override period active
  • Interim: Between regular sessions

Historical Session Data​

View past sessions:

  • Session dates and length
  • Number of bills considered
  • Final outcomes
  • Compare to current session