Scored 7/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Forfeiture & Search Bill
Kansas bill limits bond forfeiture and tightens search warrant rules
Requiring search warrants to be issued only on the statement of facts sufficient to show probable cause made by a law enforcement officer, warrants issued for failure to appear to be provided to a compensated surety, bond forfeiture to be set aside in certain circumstances and remission if the defendant is returned to custody in certain circumstances and prohibiting a compensated surety from making loans for certain portions of the required minimum appearance bond premium.
Good for everyday people ·
If passed, the bill would require police to show clear facts for a warrant and make it harder to lose bail money when a defendant returns to jail.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
Citizens could keep more of their bail money and avoid unfair bond loss, while surety companies may see lower profits; now is the time to speak up before the bill passes both houses.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Warrants must be based only on an officer's statement of facts showing probable cause
- Warrants for failure to appear must be given to a compensated surety
- Bond forfeiture can be set aside in certain circumstances
- Bond remission is allowed if the defendant is returned to custody in certain circumstances
- Compensated sureties cannot make loans for parts of the required bond premium
How they voted
The actual floor vote, and who broke from their own party.
Want to see how your representatives voted on this? Find your reps →
- Angela Martinez (D): voted for it, crossing most Democrats
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the Kansas Bill Book 2026
The best and worst Kansas bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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