SB 518 Hearing Summary – March 4, 2026
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, the Kansas Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on SB 518, which proposes conveying the Shawnee Indian Mission to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The full hearing, including testimony and questions, can be viewed in the recorded video.
Testimony in support of the bill was presented in person by the Potawatomi Chief and virtually by an architect from ARG, the firm contracted in 2022 by the Shawnee Tribe to report on the condition of the Mission buildings.
Testimony in opposition was presented by Patrick Zollner (Kansas State Historical Society Director), Kathy Gates (Shawnee Indian Mission Foundation Chair), Fairway Mayor Melanie Hepperly, Holly Zane (Wyandot Nation of Kansas), David Dickey (former Mission Hills Mayor), and Nathan Nogelmeier (Fairway City Administrator), who shared several reasons for opposing the bill.
The committee did not take a vote following the hearing.
What happens next:
The committee chair may call for a vote, which would either advance the bill to the Senate floor or defeat it. If no vote is called, the bill will expire at the end of the 2026 legislative session.
Committee Chair Randy Alley noted that SB 518 generated more public response than any other bill this session, and committee members are aware of the strong community opposition.
Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.