Next Thursday, House Bill No. 2599 will be heard at the Kansas House in Topeka.

This legislation, often referred to as the Kansas Lemonade Stand Law, would create a clear statewide framework for minor-owned businesses by:

• Exempting the first $10,000 in annual sales from state sales tax
• Removing unnecessary local license and permit barriers
• Providing clarity for families and communities supporting youth entrepreneurship

A full copy of the bill text is available for review.

While the nickname “lemonade stand law” sounds simple, this bill represents something much bigger.

Across Kansas, children are building real businesses. They are designing products, pitching ideas, managing inventory, serving customers, tracking expenses, and learning from mistakes. They are developing communication skills, financial literacy, responsibility, and resilience.

Entrepreneurship is not just a business activity. It is leadership in action.

When a child sets up a booth, creates a website, or delivers a pitch, they are practicing public speaking. When they calculate costs and pricing, they are applying math in a real-world setting. When they solve customer problems, they are building critical thinking and empathy.

House Bill No. 2599 costs the state nothing. It simply removes unnecessary barriers and provides clarity so young people can safely operate small, age-appropriate businesses while developing real-world skills.

This legislation was shaped right here in our local community, but its impact could reach families and students across Kansas.

If you believe children should have the opportunity to learn through real-world experience, now is the time to act.

We are encouraging community members, educators, business leaders, and families to consider submitting a brief letter of support before next week’s hearing. Even a few sentences explaining why youth entrepreneurship matters can make a meaningful difference.

Kansas has an opportunity to lead.

Not by lowering standards.
Not by adding bureaucracy.
But by trusting young people with responsibility and giving them space to grow.

Children are not just leaders someday.

They are leaders now.

For more information or to request a sample letter template, contact:
Leah Ellis
Executive Director, Society of Child Entrepreneurs
leah@soceict.org
www.SoCEICT.org