Steve Brunk is a Republican state representative from Kansas House District 85 who returned to the seat in 2025 after being appointed and is seeking election on November 3, 2026.[1][2]A real estate broker, he previously represented the district from 2003 to 2016.[1]
Steven Brunk served in the U.S. National Guard from 1970 to 1975 and graduated from South High School.[1]In a Ballotpedia survey, he described himself as a small business owner who works as a real estate broker, business broker and property manager, with earlier work as a cost estimator, production scheduler and sales and marketing executive.[3]He said he is a lifetime member, elder and teacher at Central Christian Church in Wichita and a board member of Campus Ministry Network and City Elders of Kansas, and that he founded the Spina Bifida Association of Kansas.[3]
Brunk represented Kansas House District 85 from 2003 to 2016.[1]The Sedgwick County Republican Party appointed him to the seat on May 28, 2025, to replace Patrick Penn, and he assumed office on June 24, 2025.[1]In the survey, he said he chaired the Commerce and Labor and Federal and State Affairs committees and the Joint Committee for State Building and Construction and served as majority whip.[3]
Brunk said in the survey that property taxes are "suffocating us" and that Kansas should consolidate local units of government and services where that makes sense.[3]He also said economic growth comes from a low-tax state with a non-invasive regulatory environment rather than from expanding government.[3]Mackenzi Truelove is the Democratic candidate for the seat in the November 2026 general election.[1][2]
Their recorded votes on bills that divided the chamber (unanimous votes left out), grouped by topic. A bill can sit under more than one topic. "With" and "against" compare each vote with how most Republicans voted. How topics are assigned
›Jobs & cost of living101 with · 5 against106 votes
Lets voters petition against local budgets whose property tax revenue exceeds last year's plus inflation (capped at 3 percent). If 10 percent of registered voters sign, the budget is disapproved and limited to prior-year property taxes. Moves the school budget deadline to October 1.
Mar 27, 2026 · Passed 63–59 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Feb 26, 2026: Makes supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for later fiscal years for state agencies, authorizing certain transfers, capital improvement projects, and fees.
Feb 25, 2026 · Failed 52–64 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Limits the ban on prepayment penalties more than six months after signing to home loans made for personal, family or household purposes, which lets lenders charge prepayment penalties on business-purpose home loans.
Mar 26, 2026 · Passed 74–51 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Repeals the Mail Ballot Election Act and all provisions authorizing elections conducted exclusively by mail ballot, without changing advance voting by mail in primary, general, or special elections.
Feb 19, 2026 · Passed 72–50 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Mar 26, 2026: Requires lawsuits claiming a statewide election law violates the U.S. or Kansas Constitution to be heard in Shawnee County district court, and, if a court blocks mail-ballot signature checks, limits mail voting to voters who are away, ill, disabled, religiously unable or working the polls.
Feb 19, 2026 · Passed 74–48 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires a warrant, not a summons, for felony complaints, and bars release on a defendant's own recognizance for bonds set on a warrant issued for failing to appear after a summons.
Mar 28, 2026 · Passed 72–48 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Directs the children and families secretary to request a federal waiver barring purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits, to re-request it yearly if denied, and to implement it within six months if granted.
Feb 19, 2026 · Passed 72–50 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires public school districts to give elementary students 30 minutes of organized recess daily from 2027-28, bars withholding recess as discipline unless a student is an immediate threat, and requires an annual state physical fitness test for grades 1 through 12.
Apr 11, 2026 · Passed 74–47 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires nursing school faculty to hold a nursing degree at least one level above the degree of the program they teach, bars the Board of Nursing from requiring more advanced credentials, and lets the Board grant exemptions to schools with hiring hardships.
Mar 18, 2026 · Passed 81–43 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Mar 17, 2026: Has Kansas elect to take part in the federal tax credit for contributions to scholarship granting organizations for tax years after 2026, and raises the aggregate cap on the state's low-income scholarship tax credit program.
Feb 12, 2026 · Passed 70–49 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires public school districts to give elementary students 30 minutes of organized recess daily from 2027-28, bars withholding recess as discipline unless a student is an immediate threat, and requires an annual state physical fitness test for grades 1 through 12.
Apr 11, 2026 · Passed 74–47 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires nursing school faculty to hold a nursing degree at least one level above the degree of the program they teach, bars the Board of Nursing from requiring more advanced credentials, and lets the Board grant exemptions to schools with hiring hardships.
Mar 18, 2026 · Passed 81–43 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Limits the ban on prepayment penalties more than six months after signing to home loans made for personal, family or household purposes, which lets lenders charge prepayment penalties on business-purpose home loans.
Mar 26, 2026 · Passed 74–51 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Proposes a constitutional amendment, from tax year 2028, taxing residential, commercial, industrial and farm-building property at the lesser of fair market value or average fair market value, and letting the Legislature set valuation limits for property classes.
Apr 11, 2026 · Failed 59–62 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Apr 10, 2026: Bars cities and counties from adopting or enforcing local rules that stop landlords from refusing housing-voucher payments, restrict tenant screening criteria, cap security deposits, or require a right of first refusal for tenants; voids such rules adopted before July 1, 2026.
Mar 18, 2026 · Passed 75–49 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Bars cities and counties from enforcing building codes, ordinances, or permit and license requirements against non-public registered agritourism locations: working farms of 160 acres or less with an agricultural education facility, open to the public by invitation only.
Apr 10, 2026 · Passed 71–49 · against most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Deems a pesticide label to satisfy state health or safety warning requirements if it matches the most recent federal health assessment or EPA carcinogenicity classification, without barring claims unrelated to warnings or labeling.
Jan 29, 2026 · Passed 81–36 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Authorizes the state health department to adopt proposed permanent rules KAR 28-31-10 and 28-31-10b, covering hazardous waste monitoring and permit application fees.
Mar 27, 2026 · Passed 69–52 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires driver's licenses to list citizenship status and lets a person whose license lists them as a noncitizen but who claims to be a citizen obtain a provisional ballot.
Feb 12, 2026 · Passed 77–41 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Lets local authorities lower residence district speed limits from 30 to 25 mph without an engineering and traffic investigation, and lets cities allow golf carts on sidewalks beside streets where golf carts are banned.
Mar 25, 2026 · Passed 89–35 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
As passed by the House, creates a PBS Kansas distinctive license plate available from January 1, 2027, with a $25 to $100 royalty for use of the logo set by Kansas Public Telecommunications Service, Inc.
Enacts the SAVE Act, barring compensation for referring a veteran to others, and for services on claims filed within one year of active-duty release unless the veteran signs a waiver; requires written fee agreements before services.
Feb 18, 2026 · Passed 81–43 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Expands veteran's preference in government hiring to certain National Guard and reserve members and eligible spouses, creates a Capitol kiosk listing Kansas military members killed in service, creates a Kansas Military Affairs Commission, and limits fees for help with veterans benefits claims.
Declares the World Health Organization, United Nations and World Economic Forum have no jurisdiction in Kansas and bars the state, its agencies and local governments from enforcing any of their rules, fees, taxes, policies or mandates.
Jan 15, 2026 · Passed 85–35 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Limits online voter registration to .gov websites or sites approved by the Secretary of State under data-protection criteria, and makes running an unapproved voter registration website a crime.
Feb 10, 2026 · Passed 86–36 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Requires public school districts, and permits accredited nonpublic schools, to adopt policies banning student cell phone use during the school day, with phones turned off and stowed, sets enforcement procedures, and provides indemnity for lost or damaged devices.
Feb 17, 2026 · Passed 75–48 · against most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
On the version voted Mar 24, 2026: Establishes a Statewide Conduit System for fiber optic broadband run by the Department of Transportation, a Kansas Broadband Revolving Fund, and a fee schedule for entities installing or using the system, with annual reports to the Governor and legislative committees.
Feb 19, 2026 · Passed 116–5 · with most RepublicansOfficial record ↗
Voted against most of their party on 5 of 167 party-divided votes on file.
Most often on: Jobs & cost of living (3), Climate & energy (1), Housing & rent (1)
Senate Substitute for HB 2111 by Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources - Exempting certain registered agritourism operations from local code and regulation enforcement.
A yes vote adopted the conference committee report on Senate Substitute for HB 2111, the agritourism bill, accepting the compromise text negotiated between the House and Senate. (AI-written)
What it does: Bars cities and counties from enforcing building codes, ordinances, or permit and license requirements against non-public registered agritourism locations: working farms of 160 acres or less with an agricultural educa…
Voted no · most Republicans voted yes · Democrats 0–33, Republicans 71–16
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
A yes vote adopted the conference committee report on HB 2513, the state budget bill, which adjusts FY 2026 spending, sets about $26.8 billion in FY 2027 spending for state agencies, and funds the new Office of Early Childhood. (AI-written)
What it does: On the version voted Apr 10, 2026: Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new…
Voted no · most Republicans voted yes · Democrats 2–33, Republicans 65–20
Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to value residential real property, commercial and industrial real property and mobile homes personal property based on the fair market value or average fair market value and providing that the legislature may provide by law for the freezing of property tax valuations for owner-occupied residential property of qualifying seniors.
A yes vote adopted the conference committee report on SCR 1603, which would ask voters to amend the Kansas Constitution to limit yearly growth in taxable assessed value of most real property to 9 percent starting in tax year 2027. (AI-written)
What it does: On the version voted Apr 9, 2026: Proposes a constitutional amendment, starting in tax year 2028, letting the Legislature limit valuation increases for any classes or subclasses of property. Needs two-thirds of each c…
Voted no · most Republicans voted yes · Democrats 1–34, Republicans 58–29
Expanding the scope of practice of naturopathic doctors, specifying continuing education requirements, increasing the required amount of professional liability insurance and modifying certain provisions relating to the licensure and regulations of naturopathic doctors.
What it does: Expands naturopathic doctors' scope of practice to include prescribing prescription-only drugs and testosterone, sets prescribing and recordkeeping rules, and adds them as covered providers under the Health Care Stabi…
Voted no · most Republicans voted yes · Democrats 9–26, Republicans 49–32
House Substitute for Substitute for SB 281 by Committee on Education - Requiring school districts to prohibit the use of personal electronic communication devices during school hours, prohibiting any employee of a school district from using social media to directly communicate with any student for official school purposes.
What it does: Requires public school districts, and permits accredited nonpublic schools, to adopt policies banning student cell phone use during the school day, with phones turned off and stowed, sets enforcement procedures, and p…
Voted no · most Republicans voted yes · Democrats 6–30, Republicans 69–18
Substantive votes concern legislation or nominations; procedural votes concern how the chamber considers them. A Yes vote applies to the motion shown, which may not be final passage.
HB 2763 · KS HOUSE
Requiring school districts to provide elementary students with a certain amount of daily recess, prohibiting limiting or withholding recess for disciplinary reasons, requiring a Kansas state fitness test and designating required recess time as part of the school term.
YesVOTED
Motion: Conference Committee Report was adopted
A yes vote adopted the conference committee report on HB 2763, the elementary school recess bill, accepting the compromise text negotiated between the House and Senate. (AI-written)
Requires public school districts to give elementary students 30 minutes of organized recess daily from 2027-28, bars withholding recess as discipline unless a student is an immediate threat, and requires an annual state physical fitness test for grades 1 through 12.
Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to value residential real, commercial and industrial real property and mobile homes property based on the fair market value or average fair market value of the residential portion and providing the legislature the authority to establish valuation limits for any classes or subclasses of property.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to concur with amendments failed
A yes vote agreed to the Senate's amendments to HCR 5008, the constitutional amendment on valuing residential, commercial and industrial property. (AI-written)
Proposes a constitutional amendment, from tax year 2028, taxing residential, commercial, industrial and farm-building property at the lesser of fair market value or average fair market value, and letting the Legislature set valuation limits for property classes.
Providing that certain portions of the crime of cruelty to animals do not apply to any person who catches a feral cat to provide vaccination, spaying or neutering and returns such cat back to the location where such cat is caught.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to not adopt Conference Committee Report passed; (Bill is killed)
As rewritten by the conference report voted on, lets Butler, Labette and Leavenworth counties ask voters to approve extra countywide sales taxes for property tax relief, fire departments and emergency management, and keeps the current city-county sales tax sharing formula through 2027.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto prevailed; Line item veto 88(k), 88(m) overridden
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item veto of two provisions in the state budget bill (HB 2513) creating a school-district penalty process for student walkouts and setting education program spending. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto prevailed; Line item veto 26(a), 53(b), 54(w) overridden
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item vetoes in the budget bill (HB 2513), including a provision letting state employees and legislators park in ungated state lots from 5 to 11 p.m. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto failed; Line item veto 37(e) sustained
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item veto of the budget bill's aviation loan program, which authorizes loans to airport authorities and aircraft maintenance firms funded by up to $50 million. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto prevailed; Line item veto 54(u), 54(y) overridden
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item vetoes of two budget provisions: performance-metric requirements for state-funded program applicants, and unlimited access to state accounting systems for legislative fiscal auditors. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto prevailed; Line item veto 15(b), 15(c) overridden
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item vetoes in the budget bill (HB 2513) of the Board of Nursing's nurse fair treatment and recovery fund and a $500,000 transfer into it. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto prevailed; Line item veto 37(a) overridden
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item veto of the State Treasurer's $3 million pregnancy compassion awareness program (formerly the alternatives to abortion program) in the budget bill. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2026 and appropriations for fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030 for various state agencies, authorizing certain capital improvement projects and fees, authorizing certain transfers.
YesVOTED
Motion: Motion to override line item veto prevailed; Line item veto 72(l), 74(p) overridden
A yes vote overrode the governor's line-item vetoes of two budget provisions requiring spending to implement the CDC immunization schedules in effect July 1, 2026, including Medicaid coverage. (AI-written)
Sets state agency spending for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, including about $27.8 billion in fiscal year 2026 and $26.8 billion in fiscal year 2027 from all funds, and funds a new Office of Early Childhood.
