Kansas SR1731: Recommending Barry Ward as the 2026 Kansas State Balladeer

What the bill says

From the enrolled text, March 13, 2026:

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 1731 A R ESOLUTION recommending Barry Ward as the 2026 Kansas State Balladeer. WHEREAS, The State Balladeer is a person who sings and writes ballads that celebrate our state's history, culture and people; and WHEREAS, Barry Ward is an award-winning singer and songwriter and a fourth-generation farmer and stockman from Copeland in southwest Kansas; and WHEREAS, Barry Ward's song, "Harvest in the Fall," which is about his uncle Tommy Ward's last wheat harvest, was featured in the documentary, "The Great American Wheat Harvest"; and WHEREAS, Barry Ward has traveled the country, performing on several stages in the lower 48 states and Alaska, including at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. He has also performed in three foreign countries; and WHEREAS, Barry Ward has been named Male Performer of the Year, been awarded for Song of the Year, and has received multiple CD of the Year awards. He was feted with a Kansas Senate Floor tribute on April 30, 2024, for his many contributions to music and his community; and WHEREAS, Barry Ward has received recognition from several organizations for his musical talents, including the Academy of Western Artists, the Western Music Division of the Country Gospel Music Association, the International Western Music Association and the Rural Roots Music Commission; …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Ronald Ryckman, Ronald (I) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. March 13, 2026: Enrolled on Friday, March 13, 2026
2. March 10, 2026: Adopted without roll call
3. March 10, 2026: Introduced

Common questions

What is SR1731?

SR1731 is a bill in the Kansas Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Recommending Barry Ward as the 2026 Kansas State Balladeer.

What is the status of SR1731?

Passed both chambers as of March 10, 2026. Latest action: Enrolled on Friday, March 13, 2026 (March 13, 2026).

Who sponsored SR1731?

Ronald Ryckman, Ronald (I).

Where is the official record for SR1731?

On the Kansas Legislature website: https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sr1731/