Kansas HB2431: Enacting the student secular bill of rights to establish statutory protections against religious coercion and discrimination in public schools

What the bill says

An act concerning education; enacting the student secular bill of rights; establishing statutory protections against religious coercion and discrimination in public schools; providing a cause of action for students and parents for violations thereof.

From the introduced text, January 12, 2026:

AN ACT concerning education; enacting the student secular bill of rights; establishing statutory protections against religious coercion and discrimination in public schools; providing a cause of action for students and parents for violations thereof. WHEREAS, The separation of religion and government is a cornerstone of American jurisprudence recognized foremost in the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and in all fifty of the states' constitutions; and WHEREAS, Protecting religious freedom and conscience rights serves students of all faiths and none, ensuring that no student is compelled to participate in religious exercises against their beliefs or nonbeliefs; and WHEREAS, In 1802, President Thomas Jefferson, an original supporter of the First Amendment, alongside primary author James Madison, described the First Amendment as "building a wall of separation between church and state"; and WHEREAS, In 1947, the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Everson v. Board of Education declared that, "The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach"; and WHEREAS, In the same case, the Supreme Court also declared that the Establishment Clause means "at least" the following: "Neither a state nor the Federal Government can set up a church. Neither can pass laws which aid one religion, aid …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Heather Meyer (D) · primary sponsor
• Melissa Oropeza (D)
• Susan Ruiz, Susan (I)

Latest actions

1. April 10, 2026: Died in Committee
2. January 12, 2026: Referred to House Committee on Education
3. January 12, 2026: Introduced
4. January 12, 2026: Prefiled for Introduction on Friday, January 9, 2026

Common questions

What is HB2431?

HB2431 is a bill in the Kansas Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Enacting the student secular bill of rights to establish statutory protections against religious coercion and discrimination in public schools.

What does HB2431 do?

In its own words: An act concerning education; enacting the student secular bill of rights; establishing statutory protections against religious coercion and discrimination in public schools; providing a cause of action for students and parents for violations thereof.

What is the status of HB2431?

In committee as of April 10, 2026. Latest action: Died in Committee (April 10, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2431?

Heather Meyer (D), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2431?

On the Kansas Legislature website: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2431/