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Kansas Legislative Insights Newsletter | January 27, 2025

Week 3 - Legislature Tackling Taxes, Housing, and Voter Integrity

Kansas lawmakers take steps to address some of the state’s most pressing issues, from property tax relief to election integrity and affordable housing solutions. With legislative committees advancing key bills and engaging in critical debates, this session has the opportunity to reshape the fiscal and social landscape of Kansas.

Property Tax Reductions Top Agenda

Kansas lawmakers seek to advance significant property tax relief measures, with both House and Senate committees currently considering legislation.

The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee last week approved multiple bills, now awaiting full Senate debate:

• SCR 1603: Proposes a constitutional amendment to cap annual property value increases for tax purposes at 3%. If passed by two-thirds of the Legislature, voters would decide its fate in a special election on November 4, 2025. Critics argue it may not significantly lower taxes. Supporters see it as necessary to curb rising property valuations.
• SB 10: Exempts certain personal property from property taxation, including off-road vehicles, watercraft, and trailers. Projected to reduce state revenue by $419,000 annually.
• SB 35: Eliminates the 1.5-mill statewide property tax dedicated to maintenance of state buildings. The $81 million annual revenue loss would be offset through State General Fund transfers and adjusted for inflation.

The House Taxation Committee began reviewing HB 2011, to lower the statewide school property tax levy from 20 to 18.5 mills. Key details include:

• The change would reduce school funding by $823 million over five years, with estimated annual losses ranging from $67.4 million in 2026 to $266.7 million in 2030.
• Advocates including the Kansas Farm Bureau and Kansas Livestock Association support the bill for its broad-based property tax relief.
• Education stakeholders, such as the Kansas Association of School Boards, emphasize the need for “backfill” provisions to maintain stable funding. Without such measures, base state aid per pupil could drop by $100 in 2026 and $169 in 2027.

Both committees grappled with balancing tax relief with impacts on state and local budgets, particularly for education and infrastructure funding. This quest for balance will color debates going forward during the session.

Noncitizen Voting Crackdown

Last week, the House Elections Committee held a hearing and recommended passage of HB 2020, which aims to remove non-U.S. citizens from Kansas voter rolls. Proponents, led by Chair Representative Pat Proctor (R-Leavenworth) and supported by groups like the Opportunity Solutions Project and Heritage Action for America, argue the bill strengthens election integrity by requiring the Kansas DMV to submit quarterly reports on residents with temporary driver’s licenses. The Secretary of State would use these reports to cross-check voter rolls, remove noncitizens, and notify them of reinstatement options upon proof of citizenship.

Critics, including Davis Hammet of Loud Light and the ACLU of Kansas, warned of inaccuracies, privacy risks, and undue burdens on voters. They argue that the process could lead to disenfranchisement as the burden of proof shifts to individuals flagged for removal. Rep. Alexis Simmons (D-Topeka) raises similar concerns about privacy and administrative strain.

Proponents countered the measure simply formalizes practices in place for years, ensuring public trust in elections. In hearing, the Secretary of State reported identifying 171 potential matches between voter rolls and DMV records last year, but many required further review to confirm their accuracy. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between securing elections and protecting voter access and privacy.

Lawmakers Eye Future of Housing Tax Credits

Last week, the House and Senate Commerce committees met twice jointly to assess economic development programs and evaluate the use of tax credits for affordable housing. On Jan. 22, the Department of Commerce delivered updates on its initiatives, emphasizing key accomplishments:

• Economic growth: $3.5 billion in capital investment, 34 new companies through the PEAK program, and $228.2 million in payroll creation.
• Program impact: The HPIP program generated $7.3 billion in economic activity. The Rural Opportunity Zone program expanded to 4,386 members. The Job Creation Fund added $353 million in investments and 693 jobs, yielding a $40.97 return for every dollar spent.
• Apprenticeships: Kansas climbed to 29th in the nation for apprenticeship participation, with 4,479 apprentices enrolled.
• Grants and credits: The Community Development Block Grant Program awarded $13 million in grants. Businesses benefited from $4.1 million in Community Service Program tax credits.

On Jan. 23, the Legislative Division of Post Audit reviewed a 2022 state tax credit program designed to promote low-income housing development. While the program helps developers reduce costs and offer lower rents by matching federal tax credits, auditors caution it could cost Kansas $250 million over a decade. In 2023, $25.1 million in credits supported 24 projects to create nearly 2,200 affordable housing units. However, at this point, none of the credits have been claimed, as the projects remain under construction.

The Commerce committees debated the challenge of addressing statewide housing shortages without jeopardizing the state’s financial stability. Lawmakers pledged to explore alternatives to balance affordable housing needs with sound fiscal management.

These committee meetings highlighted strides in economic growth and job creation while underscoring the complexity of balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility.

Upcoming Week – Jan. 27-31, 2025

Monday, Jan. 27

*** Last day for individual legislators to request individual legislative bill drafts***

• Senate Judiciary Committee
  Hearing SB 30 – Bill requires the Secretary of Labor to fingerprint and conduct state and national criminal history record checks on any employee in the Internal Revenue Service system.
• Senate and House Commerce Committees Joint Committee Meeting
  Briefing on Kansas’ economic competitiveness, and longitudinal data matters.
• Senate and House Education Committees
  Receive update on Blueprint for Literacy Plan.

Tuesday, Jan. 28

• Senate and House Agriculture Committees
  Presentations on commodities from Kansas Grain Commissions.
• Senate Public Health Committee
  Hearing on SB 63 – Help Not Harm Act related to prohibiting healthcare providers from delivering gender-transitioning care and restricting use of state funds for gender-transition care.
• Senate Transportation Committee
  Presentation on Kansas Department of Transportation from Secretary Calvin Reed.
• Senate Taxation Committee
  Reviews property tax provisions in Kansas Constitution.
• Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs
  Hearing on SB 5 – Bill prohibits the use of federal funds to conduct elections and related activities unless approved by Kansas Legislature.
• Senate Ways and Means Committee
  Hearing on SB 14 – Bill provides that state budgets continue until amended, lapsed, or eliminated by the Kansas Legislature.
• Senate Utilities and House Energy, Utilities and Communications Committees
  Receive updates on rural broadband and oil and gas industry.
• House Water Committee
  Receives update on water from Kansas Geological Survey.
• House Elections Committee
  Hearing on HB 2057 – Bill requires governor to appoint persons to fill vacancies in the offices of US Senator, State Treasurer, and Insurance Commissioner from a list of names approved by the Legislature.

Wednesday, Jan. 29

***Happy Kansas Day --  164th Birthday of State of Kansas ***

• Senate Agriculture Committee
  Confirmation hearing on Christopher Kennedy, Secretary of Department of Wildlife and Parks.
• Senate and House Education Committees
  Presentation for Kansas Teachers of the Year.
• Senate Utility Committee
  Update on municipal utilities.
  Update on broadband in Kansas.
• House Taxation Committee
  Hearing on HB 2013 – Bill discontinues the imposition of sales tax on cable, community antennae, and television services.

Thursday, Jan. 30

• Senate Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee
  Receives presentation on paid family and medical leave.
• Senate Local Government, Transparency and Ethics
  Receives presentation on the work of community-owned electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater utilities in Kansas.
• Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee
  Hearing on SB 38 – Creates the Defend the Guard Act and establishes when Kansas National Guard may be released into active-duty combat.
• Senate Judiciary Committee
  Hearing on SB 61 – Bill requires electric public utility to pay landowner attorney’s fees, if appraisers’ award is appealed and a jury’s verdict is greater than the appraisers’ award in an eminent domain action.
• House Water Committee
  Hearing on HB 2085 – Bill extends expiration of permits issued under water pollution control permit system from five to 10 years.
• Senate Utilities Committee
  Presentation on Kansas State University Research Reactor. Update on Kansas Electric Cooperatives.
• House Education Committee
  Receive Financial Assistance Progress Report, Kansas Department of Education and Kansas Board of Regents.
• House Taxation Committee
  Hearing on HB 2083 – Bill provides a property tax exemption for new energy-storage systems, excluding new energy-storage systems from the commercial and industrial machinery and equipment exemption.

Bill Introductions

SENATE BILLS

General Business Concerns

SB 56: Alcoholic Beverage. This bill, requested by Mike O’Neal on behalf of Walmart, Inc., and sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Senator Mike Thompson (R-Wichita), would authorize the delivery of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages by licensed retailers, drinking establishments, and third-party delivery services to patrons. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson.

Agriculture

SB 58: Water/Multi-Year Flex Accounts. This bill, requested by Sen. Kenny Titus (R-Wamego) and sponsored by the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources chaired by Sen. Virgil Peck (R-Havana), would modify the requirements for and authorized allocations from multi-year flex accounts. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and will be heard on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 8:30 a.m.

Appropriations

SB 68: Appropriations/2025-2027. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Sen. Rick Billinger (R-Goodland), concerns the budget for state agencies and would authorize certain transfers, capital improvement projects and fees, impose certain restrictions and limitations and direct or authorize certain receipts, disbursements, procedures and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill is parallel to HB 2082. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Banking, Financial Institutions & Insurance

SB 42: Insurance/Motor Vehicles. This bill provides for the establishment of web-based online insurance verification for the verification of evidence of motor vehicle liability insurance. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance chaired by Sen. Brenda Dietrich (R-Topeka).

Education

SB 44: Education/Promise Scholarship Program. This bill relates to the Kansas Promise Scholarship program and would expand the postsecondary institutions eligible to participate in such program. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita).

SB 50: Education/State Board of Regents. This bill relates to the Board of Regents and would establish uniform rate provisions for scholarship programs that include repayment obligations as a condition of receiving a scholarship; would authorize the Board to recover the costs of collecting such repayment obligations and to charge fees for the costs of administering scholarship, grants, and other financial assistance programs; and would require eligible students to enter into an agreement with the Board instead of a postsecondary educational institution as a condition to receiving a grant under the Adult Learner Grant Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita).

Elections

SB 65: Elections/Irrigation Districts. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Wichita), would specify when elections of members of the board of directors of irrigation districts may be conducted by mail ballot and would authorize the board of directors to set the term for such elected members. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

Judiciary

SB 53: Judiciary/County Law Libraries. This bill, requested for introduction by Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia) on behalf of the Kansas District Judges Association, concerns county law libraries and the board of trustees thereof and would provide that the attorney members of the board in counties other than Johnson, Sedgwick, and Douglas shall be appointed by the chief judge of the judicial district, as opposed to being elected by a majority of the attorneys residing in the county and would allow the board to authorize the chief judge to use certain fees for the purpose of facilitating and enhancing functions of the district court. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood) and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m.

SB 54: Judiciary/Code of Civil Procedure. This bill, requested for introduction by Eric Stafford on behalf of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, relates to the funding of litigation by third parties and would limit discovery and disclosure of third-party agreements and would require reporting of such agreements to the judicial council and a judicial council committee to study such third-party agreements; would require the clerk of the Supreme Court to develop a form for such reports; and would exempt these reports from the Open Records Act. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood).

SB 60: Judiciary/Code of Civil Procedure & Habeas Corpus. This bill, requested by the Attorney General and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would prohibit second and successive motions in certain circumstances; would prohibit claims of ineffective counsel; and would provide for appeals to the Kansas Supreme Court as a matter of right in claims filed by inmates sentenced to death. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

SB 70: Open Records Act/Open Meetings Act. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would provide for reasonable fees for electronic copies of records; would exempt from disclosure formally closed investigations with no found violations; would require district attorneys to file reports of violations with the attorney in December instead of January; would determine the membership calculation of subordinate groups; would require public bodies or agencies that livestream meetings to ensure that the public is able to observe; and would provide for a five-minute deviation to resume an open meeting at the conclusion of executive sessions. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Local Government

SB 66: Governmental Ethics/Local Government Officials. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Wichita), relates to actions of certain local governmental officials affecting the development, construction, and operation of major development projects and would require such local governmental officials to disclose substantial interests in such projects; and would prohibit such local governmental officials who have a substantial interest from acting on matters relating to such projects. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics chaired by Sen. Elaine Bowers (R-Concordia).

Public Health &Welfare

SB 63: Children and Minors. This bill, requested for introduction by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita) and sponsored by the Committee on Public Health and Welfare chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R- Eurdora), would enact the Help Not Harm Act, which prohibits healthcare providers from treating a child whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child’s sex; would authorize a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatment; would restrict the use of state funds to promote gender transitioning; would prohibit professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children; would require professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment adding violation of the act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Public Health and Welfare and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 8:30 a.m.

SB 67: Health Professions and Practices/Nursing & Abortions. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Public Health and Welfare chaired by Sen. Beverly Gossage (R- Eurdora), would authorize independent practice authority and the prescribing of drugs by registered nurse anesthetists; and would prohibit the performance of an abortion or prescribing of drugs for an abortion thereby. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Public Health and Welfare.

Public Utilities

SB 57: Communications & Video Service Facilities/Roads and Highways. This bill, requested for introduction by Blaine Finch on behalf of Charter Communications Operating, LLC and sponsored by the Committee on Utilities chaired by Sen. Michael Fagg (R-El Dorado), would require that when certain state agencies, counties, cities, and political subdivisions order the relocation of communications and video service facilities, the organization issuing the order is required to reimburse the owner or operator of any such facilities for the costs associated with modifying or relocating such facilities. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Utilities.

SB 61: Electric Public Utilities/Eminent Domain. This bill, requested by Claudia Hissong on behalf of the Kansas Farm Bureau and sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Sen. Kellie Warren (R-Leawood), would require an electric public utility to pay a landowner’s attorney fees when a party appeals the award of the court-appointed appraisers and the landowner prevails. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Taxation

SB 51: Sales Taxation/Data Centers. This bill relates to economic development and would provide a sales tax exemption for the construction or remodeling of a qualified data center in Kansas, the purchase of data center equipment, eligible data center costs, and certain labor costs to qualified firms that commit to a minimum investment of $250,000,000 and meet new Kansas jobs and other requirements. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield) and will be heard on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 1:30 pm.

SB 52: Income Tax Credit/Film Production. This bill, requested for introduction by Stuart Little on behalf of Grow Kansas Film, would enact the Kansas Film and Digital Media Production Development Act and would establish an income tax credit and sales tax exemption program to be administrated by the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of developing a film, video, or digital production in Kansas. This bill is parallel to HB 2038 and has been referred to the Committee on Commerce chaired by Sen. Larry Alley (R-Winfield).

SB 59: Sales Tax/Exemptions. This bill, requested for introduction by Reily Goyne on behalf of Kansas Pet Advocates and sponsored by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would provide a sales tax exemption on certain purchases and sales to animal shelters and rescue network managers. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.

SB 69: Income Tax/Rural Opportunity Zones. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would extend the time period for eligibility for the loan repayment program and the income tax credit related to Rural Opportunity Zones. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.

SB 72: Income Tax/Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would provide for the transferability of credits from the year that the credit was originally issued. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.

SB 73: Property Tax/Certifications and Tax Statements. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), would modify deadlines for mailing tax statements to taxpayers and certification of levies to the director of property valuation to be earlier than the current deadlines; and would provide for the county clerk's use of the previous year's budget when a taxing subdivision fails to timely file its budget. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation.

Senate Concurrent Resolutions

SCR 1603: Constitutional Amendment/Property Tax. This concurrent resolution, requested for introduction by Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker) and others, relates to property taxation and proposes an amendment to section 1 of article 11 of the Kansas Constitution to limit valuation increases in real property and for personal property classified as mobile homes used for residential purposes. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Assessment and Taxation chaired by Sen. Caryn Tyson.

SCR 1605: Constitutional Amendment/County Home Rule. This concurrent resolution, requested for introduction by Sen. Brad Starnes (R-Riley) and sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Sen. Mike Thompson (R-Wichita), would amend article 9 of the Kansas Constitution and add a new section concerning the power of home rule for counties. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

HOUSE BILLS

Appropriations

HB 2082: Budget. This bill, requested by Rep. Troy Waymaster (R-Bunker Hill) on behalf of the governor and sponsored by the Committee on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Waymaster, concerns the budget for state agencies and would authorize certain transfers, capital improvement projects and fees, imposing certain restrictions and limitations, and directing or authorizing certain receipts, disbursements, procedures and acts incidental to the foregoing. This bill is parallel to SB 68. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Appropriations.

Banking/Financial Institutions

HB 2089: Electronic Payments. This bill, requested by Dan Murray on behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business and introduced by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwell), concerns electronic payment transactions and would exempt the portion of a credit card transaction constituting a tax or gratuity from assessment of the fee charged by the credit issuer. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Financial Institutions and Pensions chaired by Rep. Nick Hoheisel (R-Wichita).

Elections

HB 2053: Elections/Political Signs. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City), would eliminate the restriction on municipal regulations of political signs during certain periods of time around election days. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth).

HB 2054: Elections/Campaign Contribution Limits. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would increase the limits on certain campaign contributions and eliminate such limits on contributions to party committees. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m.

HB 2055: Elections/Filling of Vacancies. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require the appointment of a person of the same political party as the incumbent and would require Senate confirmation of such appointment when filling the vacancy in the offices of the State Treasurer and the Commissioner of Insurance. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections.

HB 2057: Election/Vacancies in the Office of the United States Senator; State Treasurer; and the Commissioner of Insurance. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Elections chaired by Rep. Pat Proctor (R-Fort Leavenworth), would require the appointment of a person of the same political party as the incumbent; would require the legislature to nominate three persons for consideration for such appointment and that the governor must appoint one of the nominated persons; and would establish the joint committee on vacancy appointments. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Elections and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m.

Employment

HB 2066: Employment/Unauthorized Aliens. This bill, requested for introduction by the Office of the Attorney General and sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita), would prohibit the employment of unauthorized aliens by business entities and public employers; would require use and registration of the e-verifying program; and would prohibit the deduction of certain wages and remuneration to unauthorized aliens. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Federal and State Affairs.

Insurance

HB 2042: Insurance/Title Insurance. This bill, introduced and sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), would require title agents to make their audit reports available for inspection upon request by the Commissioner of Insurance instead of submitting such reports annually; would require the amount of surety bonds filed with the Commission to be $100,000; and would eliminate the controlled business exemption in counties with a population of fewer than 10,000. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. Sutton (R-Gardner) and will be heard Monday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

HB 2043: Insurance/Unfair and Deceptive Acts or Practices. This bill, requested by Eric Turek on behalf of the Kansas Insurance Department and sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), would require agents and insurers to respond to inquiries from the Commissioner of Insurance within 14 calendar days and would authorize certain rebate pilot programs to exceed one year in duration. This bill is parallel to SB 22. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. Sutton (R-Gardner) and will be heard Monday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

HB 2044: Insurance/Third-Party Administrators. This bill, requested by Eric Turek on behalf of the Kansas Insurance Department and sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner) would require that third-party administrators maintain separate fiduciary accounts for individual payers and not contain funds collected or held on behalf of multiple payors and disclose to the Commissioner of Insurance any bankruptcy petition filed by or on behalf of such administrator pursuant to chapter 9 or chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code. This bill is parallel to SB 21. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. Sutton (R-Gardner) and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m.

HB 2045: Insurance/Board Membership. This bill, requested by Eric Turek on behalf of the Kansas Insurance Department and sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), would reduce the number of board members appointed by the Commissioner on certain insurance-related boards and would also reduce the frequency of committee meetings on surety bonds and insurance. This bill is parallel to SB 20. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. Sutton (R-Gardner) and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m.

HB 2047: Insurance/Motor Vehicles. This bill, requested by Eric Turek on behalf of the Kansas Insurance Department and sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner), would establish web-based online insurance verification for the verification of motor vehicle liability insurance. This bill is parallel to SB 42. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. Sutton (R-Gardner) and will be heard Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m.

HB 2048: Insurance/Reports & Definition of Person. This bill, requested by Eric Turek on behalf of the Kansas Insurance Department and sponsored by the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. William Sutton (R-Gardner) would eliminate the requirement that the Commissioner of Insurance submit the annual report to the governor regarding the general conduct and condition of insurance companies and would also remove certain entities from the definition of “person” for the purpose of enforcing insurance law. This bill is parallel to SB 27. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Insurance chaired by Rep. Sutton (R-Gardner) and will be heard Monday, Jan. 27 at 3:30 p.m.

Judiciary

HB 2061: Judiciary/Crime Punishment – Critical Infrastructure. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Judiciary chaired by Rep. Susan Humphries (R-Wichita), would define a critical infrastructure facility used for telecommunications and video services to include aboveground and belowground lines, cables, and wires, and concerns the crimes of trespassing and criminal damage to critical infrastructure facilities. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

Local Government

HB 2025: Local Government/Planning & Zoning. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Federal and State Affairs chaired by Rep. Tom Kessler (R-Wichita), relates to planning and zoning and would eliminate the authority of a city to adopt planning and zoning regulations for land located outside of such city. This bill is parallel to SB 37. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City).

HB 2088: Housing/Fast Track Permits. This bill, requested by Andrew Wiens on behalf of Opportunity Solutions Project and introduced by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwell), would require local governments to meet specific deadlines for issuing building permits and other required approvals for real estate development. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Local Government chaired by Rep. Emil Bergquist (R-Park City).

Public Health and Welfare

HB 2002: Health and Healthcare. This pre-filed bill introduced by the Legislative Post Audit Committee amends the Lay Caregiver Act and would require the Department of Health and Environment to audit hospital compliance with such Act and report the audit results to the legislature. This bill is a parallel bill to SB 3. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado).

HB 2071: This bill, requested by Rep. Ron Bryce (R-Coffeyville), and introduced by the Committee on Health and Human Services chaired by Rep. Will Carpenter (R-El Dorado), would enact the Help Not Harm Act, which prohibits healthcare providers from treating a child whose gender identity is inconsistent with the child’s sex; would authorize a civil cause of action against healthcare providers for providing such treatment; would restrict use of state funds to promote gender transitioning; would prohibit professional liability insurance from covering damages for healthcare providers that provide gender transition treatment to children; would require professional discipline against a healthcare provider who performs such treatment, adding violation of the Act to the definition of unprofessional conduct for physicians. This bill is parallel to SB 63. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services and will be heard Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 1:30 p.m.

Public Utilities

HB 2040: Corporation Commission/Transmission Line Siting Permits. This bill, introduced and sponsored by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang (R-Wichita), would extend the time from 120 days to 180 days in which the Corporation Commission shall make a final order on an electric transmission line siting application. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang and will be heard Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9:00 a.m.

HB 2041: Corporation Commission/Transmission Line Siting Permits. This bill, introduced and sponsored by the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang (R-Wichita), would require an electric public utility to include that a competitive bid process was completed for a proposed electric transmission line in an application for a siting permit and would require the Corporation Commission to issue an order whether a competitive bid process was completed for a proposed electric transmission line to permit such line. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications chaired by Rep. Leo Delperdang.

Taxation

HB 2038: Income Tax Credit/Film Production. This bill, sponsored by the Committee on Commerce, Labor and Economic Development chaired by Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stillwell) would enact the Kansas Film and Digital Media Production Development Act and would establish an income tax credit and sales tax exemption program to be administrated by the Secretary of Commerce for the purpose of developing a film, video, or digital production in Kansas. This bill is parallel to SB 52 and has been referred to the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan).

HB 2058: Income Tax/Credits. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would increase the amount of income for eligibility of individuals for the Selective Assistance for Effective Senior Relief credit. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.

HB 2059: Income Tax/Adjusted Gross Income. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide a subtraction modification for amounts paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year as a member of a health care sharing ministry. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.

HB 2074: Property Tax/Homestead Property Tax Refund. This bill, introduced and sponsored by Rep. Sawyer Clayton (D-Overland Park) and others, would include homestead renters as eligible to participate in certain property tax refund claims. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan).

HB 2078: Income Tax/Credits. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide an income tax credit for contributions to a childcare provider or intermediary. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.

HB 2079: Property Tax/Valuation of Real Property. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would require residential sales to occur within the subdivision or township or the closest-located subdivision or township where such property is located. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.

HB 2083: Property Tax/Exemptions/Energy Storage. This bill, introduced by the Committee on Taxation chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan), would provide a property tax exemption for new energy storage systems; and would exclude new energy storage systems from commercial and industrial machinery and equipment exemption. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Taxation.

Kansas Legislative Insights is a publication developed by the government affairs & public policy law practice group of Foulston Siefkin LLP. It is designed to inform business executives, human resources and government relations professionals, and general counsel about current developments occurring in current Kansas legislation. Published regularly during the Kansas legislative session and periodically when the legislature is not in session, it focuses on issues involving healthcare, insurance, public finance, taxation, financial institutions, business & economic development, energy, real estate & construction, environmental, agribusiness, and employment. Bill summaries are by necessity brief, however, for additional information on any issue before the Kansas Legislature, contact Foulston Siefkin’s government affairs & public policy law practice group leader, C. Edward Watson, II, at 316.291.9589 or cewatson@foulston.com. Learn more about the authors below:

C. Edward Watson, II

Editor and Government Affairs & Public Policy Law Team Leader
316.291.9589
cewatson@foulston.com | View Bio

As a partner at Foulston Siefkin, Eddie represents clients in matters before state regulatory commissions, courts, and local government bodies. He has built and maintained relationships with key individuals – including lobbyists, elected and appointed officials, and staff members – that prove valuable in advancing clients’ interests and issues. Drawing on his experience as a regional government affairs attorney for AT&T in Chicago, he helps clients navigate the maze of federal policies and agencies, advises on how processes work in Washington, and provides introductions to those who can help them accomplish their goals.

Susan (Sue) Peterson, PhD

Contributing Author and Government Affairs Consultant
785.341.6717
speterson@foulston.com | View bio

Sue, a government affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s government affairs & public policy practice group, is a strategic advocate, advisor, and connection to the Kansas Legislature, government agencies, and elected officials. She has built a robust and well-established network of state and federal lawmakers, corporate/academic leaders, and policymakers nationwide. She earned a Bachelor of Science in political science from Kansas State University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas, and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from KSU. Before joining Foulston, Sue served as Kansas State University’s chief government relations officer for 34 years; her experience also includes staff positions in Kansas’ executive and legislative branches.

Eric L. Sexton, PhD

Contributing Author and Government Affairs Consultant
316.371.7553 
esexton@foulston.com | View bio

Eric, a government affairs consultant to Foulston Siefkin’s government affairs & public policy practice group, has nearly 30 years’ experience providing strategic direction and government relations services. As Wichita State University’s governmental relations leader for 18 years, Eric developed lasting relationships at the local, state, and federal government level around Kansas. Eric holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Kansas and a Masters in Public Administration from Wichita State University, complementing his undergraduate business degree from Wichita State.                          

This update has been prepared by Foulston Siefkin LLP for informational purposes only. It is not a legal opinion; it does not provide legal advice for any purpose; and it neither creates nor constitutes evidence of an attorney-client relationship.