‘It’s dire’: A closer look at the new anti-trans law in Kansas

What this episode covers

States legislators have advanced a record number of bills attacking LGBTQ rights over the past few years. Many bills include, but aren’t limited to, restrictions on access to health care, forced outings in schools or barriers to accurate IDs. In February, the Kansas legislature passed a new law that invalidated driver’s licenses and criminalizes bathroom use for transgender residents. Trans people in Kansas are worried about living in the state.  In Episode 20, we’ll hear from Kansas Reflector editor-in-chief, Sherman Smith. He and his team have been covering the controversial legislation, which was fast-tracked by the legislature’s GOP majority.   We’ll also look at how the American Civil Liberties Union is responding. The ACLU is tracking almost 500 anti-LBGTQ bills across the country. The Trans Legislation Tracker also notes that over 20 anti-trans bills have been passed in state legislatures.  We’ll hear from Harper Seldin, a senior staff attorney for the ACLU's LGBTQ & HIV Rights Project who has been on the ground fighting these bills, including in Kansas.   Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching. Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer. Click here for the full transcript.  Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  Mapping Attacks on LGBTQ Rights in U.S. State Legislatures in 2026 (ACLU) Trans Kansans struggle with Legislature’s ‘cruelty’ as driver’s licenses are invalidated (Kansas Reflector) Two anti-trans ballot measures will appear on 2026 Colorado ballot (Colorado Newsline) With a new support crew, trans Utahns fight a range of bills in the Legislature (Utah News Dispatch) Mainers to vote on whether to end transgender inclusion in school sports (Maine Morning Star) Got questions? An episode idea? Email us at [email protected] Photo: A group of trans activists pose for pictures on Feb. 6, 2026, at the Kansas Statehouse, advocating against a bathroom bill that eventually passed. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)