March 21, 2025
It was a difficult week in the legislature. Over 80 bills were worked on the Senate floor. It was intense and made for a long week. There were too many bills to discuss in this update. All the legislation is posted at www.KSLegislature.gov.
Property Taxes are a concern for most Kansans. The Senate Tax Committee held hearings on the House position of limiting taxable valuation increases in House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 5011 and repealing part of the Truth in Taxation, Revenue Neutral notices, in House Bill (HB) 2396. The Committee didn’t support the House averaging over several years to limit tax values and instead supported the 3% tax value limit passed in Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 1603, 28 to 12 on February 5th. So, the Committee voted to put the same language in 1603 into 5011. The Senate then passed 5011 on a bipartisan vote of 30 to 10. I voted Yes.
The Tax Committee also rejected repealing Revenue Neutral notices, but did move forward on a protest petition that would block local governments from increasing their property tax revenues (i.e. taxes). The Senate lowered the threshold to 3% or an inflation index, whichever is lower, plus new construction and voted on bonds. If the local government unit increases property taxes greater than that amount, voters could block the increase by signing a protest petition. Some of the logistics still need to be worked out, but it is being considered. One thing that most of us can agree on is that the current system is taxing people out of their homes and needs attention.
Slowing State Government Growth by passing SB 259, automatic income tax reductions would be set in place based on taxes collected the previous year. For years Kansas taxpayers have been paying more, growing the beast that is big government. SB 259 would trigger a personal income tax cut for the next year when taxes collected are greater than inflation until the personal income tax bracket is 4.5%. Once 4.5% is reached, the trigger would be used to decrease corporate and privilege taxes until comparable reductions are reached. The bill passed 30 to 10. I voted Yes.
Illegals Voting in Kansas elections would be exposed if HB 2020 becomes law. It would require the Department of Revenue to notify the Secretary of State of any noncitizens drivers licenses issued. The Secretary would then be required to investigate any names on the noncitizen list with voter registrations and direct county clerks to remove the registered voter from the voter rolls. The bill passed 32 to 8. I voted Yes.
Special Elections that often increase taxes will only be held in April, August, or November if HB 2022 becomes law with the Senate changes. A recent election in Sedgewick County cost taxpayers $136,000. If it would have been on the August or November ballot, there wouldn’t have been an extra expense. I voted yes. It passed 24 to 16.
Artificial Intelligence generated visual sexual images of children will be a sex crime if HB 2183 becomes law. It passed the Senate unanimously.
Prayers for those who have lost loved ones. It was a difficult week in the Kansas Senate, as a few senators lost loved ones. It is one of the hardest things we face in life. For all who have lost a loved one, their life was a gift from God and may their memory continue to bless you.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn