Kansas . PEO Regulation . Updated April 2026

Kansas transfers PEO registration to Secretary of State

Effective January 1, 2025, Kansas House Bill 2790 (2024) mandates that Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) must register with the Kansas Secretary of State, rather than the Commissioner of Insurance. This significant shift centralizes oversight and introduces new permanent regulations under K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq. PEOs operating in Kansas are now required to hold a valid registration issued by the Secretary of State and adhere to enhanced reporting and client disclosure requirements, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in the PEO industry.

Effective Date
Jan 1, 2025
Administering Agency
KS Sec. of State
New Regulations
K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq.
Active

Kansas PEO Framework (HB 2790)

PEO registration and oversight shifted from the Insurance Commissioner to the Secretary of State, with new regulations.

Mandatory Registration
Enhanced Reporting
Always running

What those rules do as a Kansas shift is created.

Teambridge ensures that all PEO engagements in Kansas are compliant with the updated regulatory framework, from initial setup to ongoing operational reporting. We proactively manage the implications of this legislative change, safeguarding your operations.

Verify PEO Registration

Before any PEO engagement in Kansas, Teambridge automatically verifies that the Professional Employer Organization holds a current and valid registration with the Kansas Secretary of State, as mandated by HB 2790, effective January 1, 2025.

Ensure Disclosure Compliance

Teambridge ensures that all required client disclosures from the PEO, particularly regarding responsibilities and liabilities, align with the new K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq. regulations, fostering transparency and mitigating risk for our clients.

Monitor Reporting Obligations

We actively monitor and advise on the PEO's ongoing reporting obligations to the Kansas Secretary of State, ensuring timely and accurate submission of all required documentation to maintain good standing under the new framework.

Compliance, on autopilot.

Tell us a little about your company and we'll show you how Teambridge can help.

The rule, plainly stated

Kansas PEO Regulation: Shift to Secretary of State

Kansas House Bill 2790 (2024) significantly alters the regulatory landscape for Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) by transferring oversight from the Commissioner of Insurance to the Kansas Secretary of State. This legislation, effective January 1, 2025, establishes new permanent regulations (K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq.) governing PEO registration, operation, and client disclosure requirements.

Kansas House Bill 2790 (2024), codified in part as K.S.A. § 44-1230 et seq. and K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq.

An act concerning professional employer organizations; transferring powers, duties and functions from the commissioner of insurance to the secretary of state; enacting the professional employer organization act; establishing the professional employer organization advisory council; providing for registration and regulation of professional employer organizations; establishing fees; providing for enforcement actions; and repealing K.S.A. 40-4101 to 40-4113.

Key Changes and Requirements

Under the new framework, all PEOs operating in Kansas must obtain and maintain a valid registration issued by the Kansas Secretary of State. This replaces the previous requirement to register with the Commissioner of Insurance. The legislation aims to streamline the regulatory process and enhance consumer protection through more robust oversight. PEOs are subject to new application procedures, including financial solvency requirements and background checks for principals.

Client Disclosure and Operational Standards

The new regulations, K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq., emphasize clear client disclosures. PEOs must provide prospective and existing clients with detailed information regarding the allocation of employer responsibilities, workers' compensation coverage, and unemployment insurance obligations. Operational standards are also reinforced, requiring PEOs to maintain adequate records, comply with all applicable state and federal employment laws, and adhere to specific contract requirements when entering into professional employer agreements.

On autopilot

Teambridge navigates Kansas PEO compliance automatically.

Teambridge integrates the latest Kansas PEO regulatory changes directly into your compliance workflow. From verifying PEO registration status to ensuring proper client disclosures, we automate the complexities so you can focus on your business, confident that your PEO relationships are fully compliant with state law.

01 . PEO Vetting

Automated Registration Checks

Teambridge continuously monitors the Kansas Secretary of State's PEO registration database. We automatically verify the registration status of any PEO you engage with, ensuring they are authorized to operate in Kansas per HB 2790.

02 . Disclosure Assurance

Smart Contract Review

Our platform reviews PEO contracts and associated documentation for compliance with the new client disclosure requirements outlined in K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq., flagging any omissions or discrepancies before they become issues.

03 . Ongoing Monitoring

Regulatory Change Alerts

Should the Kansas Secretary of State issue further guidance or amendments to the PEO regulations, Teambridge provides immediate alerts and guidance on necessary adjustments to maintain compliance, keeping you ahead of the curve.

FAQ

People also ask.

What prompted the change in PEO regulation in Kansas?
The change, enacted through HB 2790 (2024), was primarily aimed at centralizing the oversight of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) under the Kansas Secretary of State. This move was intended to streamline regulatory processes, enhance consumer protection, and provide a more consistent framework for PEO operations, moving away from the previous fragmented regulation under the Commissioner of Insurance.
When did the new PEO registration requirements take effect?
The provisions of Kansas House Bill 2790, including the transfer of PEO registration duties to the Secretary of State and the new regulatory framework, became effective on January 1, 2025. All PEOs operating in Kansas were required to comply with these new rules from that date forward.
What are the key differences between the old and new PEO regulations?
The primary difference is the administering agency, shifting from the Commissioner of Insurance to the Kansas Secretary of State. The new regulations (K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq.) introduce updated application procedures, potentially new financial solvency requirements, enhanced client disclosure mandates, and specific operational standards designed to provide clearer guidelines and stronger oversight for PEOs.
Are there new reporting obligations for PEOs under the Secretary of State?
Yes, the new framework includes enhanced reporting obligations for PEOs. While specific details are outlined in K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq., PEOs are generally required to submit periodic reports to the Kansas Secretary of State concerning their operations, client base, and financial standing to ensure ongoing compliance and transparency.
How does this change affect businesses that use PEOs in Kansas?
For businesses utilizing PEOs, the change primarily means ensuring their PEO is properly registered with the Kansas Secretary of State and adheres to the new client disclosure requirements. While the core services of a PEO remain, the regulatory shift aims to provide greater assurance of the PEO's legitimacy and compliance, potentially leading to more transparent and secure PEO relationships.
Where can I find the full text of the new PEO regulations?
The full text of the new Professional Employer Organization Act, including the permanent regulations, can be found by referencing Kansas House Bill 2790 (2024) and the associated Kansas Administrative Regulations, specifically K.A.R. 7-16-1 et seq. These are typically available through the Kansas Legislature's official website or the Kansas Secretary of State's office.