2026 Will Be the First Year KS and MO Have Simultaneous Bipartisan Smokefree Bills
Contact: ceasekansas@gmail.com
Topeka, KS —The fight for smokefree casinos in Kansas and Missouri is gaining momentum in 2026, as legislatures in both states consider bills to extend smokefree protections to casino workers and patrons.
In Kansas, the issue will be considered this session with two bills currently filed — House Bill 2252 and Senate Bill 176. Both bills have been taken up with committee sponsorship, signaling increased seriousness and legislative interest heading into the 2026 session. Missouri has also seen significant progress in the fight to eliminate secondhand smoke from casinos, with bipartisan smokefree casino bills HB 1901 and HB 1618 pre-filed in the House for the 2026 legislative session.
“This is the first time the Kansas and Missouri legislatures have simultaneously considered bills, with bipartisan backing and growing public support,” said Joseph Hafley, longtime casino worker and founder of Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects (CEASE) Kansas and Missouri. “Kansas is closer than ever to finally giving casino workers the same smokefree protections that nearly every other worker in the state already has. We would never allow smoking in offices, schools, or restaurants — casino workers deserve the same protections. Kansas and Missouri have an opportunity to work in concert to strengthen protections for working people and close this loophole once and for all. Coordinated action across the Kansas–Missouri state line would highlight a regional shift toward modern workplace safety standards. We have a real opportunity to make history on both sides of the state line. We can’t waste it.”
CEASE Kansas and Missouri are urging lawmakers in both states to take decisive action and allow the bills to receive hearings and votes. Workers deserve a clear answer—not more delay. In Kansas, legislators must pass the smokefree bills out of committee with a favorable recommendation and urge the full House of Representatives and Senate to call for a vote immediately. Missouri lawmakers must do the same and take the smokefree bills from pre-filing to a full legislative vote this year. CEASE Kansas and Missouri will be closely watching committee action and floor votes in both states during the 2026 session.
See coverage: Fox 2 Missouri, KHQA Tri-State
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Casino Employees Against Smoking (Harmful) Effects (CEASE) is a group of thousands of casino dealers and other frontline gaming workers that formed after indoor smoking returned on July 4, 2021 in Atlantic City, NJ and has expanded to states around the country. CEASE is fighting to permanently remove smoking from our workplaces.
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