This bill restores eligibility for renters to claim property tax refunds under Kansas' homestead program. Previously excluded, renters meeting income, age, or disability criteria can now qualify for the same tax refunds previously available only to homeowners. The key change modifies the definition of "homestead" to explicitly include rented properties starting in tax year 2026, aligning with the program's existing eligibility categories for qualifying individuals. It directly affects low-income renters in Kansas who meet the income and household requirements outlined in the law.
SB 490 allows Kansas municipalities to impose a 1% privilege tax on the sale of alcoholic beverages, food, and tobacco within designated community improvement districts. This tax, collected by sellers from consumers and remitted to the municipality, funds specific community projects like infrastructure improvements. The tax rate can be set in 0.10% or 0.25% increments, expires after 22 years or when project bonds are paid, and revenue is distributed to qualifying municipalities. It applies only to businesses operating in these designated districts and does not affect existing sales taxes.
This bill ratifies and extends a state disaster emergency declaration for Douglas, Johnson, and Wyandotte counties until July 30, 2026. The measure directly affects these three counties by authorizing state resources to manage public safety and infrastructure challenges related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Key provisions include activating the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate with federal partners and support local jurisdictions during the event. The declaration aims to address expected increases in visitors, traffic, and public gatherings in the region.
This Kansas House resolution urges the U.S. Congress to fulfill its original promise to fund 40% of the average per-student costs for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The bill directly affects state and local school districts, which currently must cover the remaining costs because the federal government has never paid its promised share. By requesting this federal funding, the resolution aims to relieve the financial burden on states and localities, which often leads to cuts in other educational programs or tax increases. The text does not create new laws but serves as a formal request to the federal government to meet its existing funding commitment.
HB 2780 authorizes soil-based decomposition (terramation) of unembalmed human bodies in Kansas as an alternative to burial or cremation. It requires all terramation facilities to be licensed, comply with building and environmental standards, and use specific containers designed for the process. Operators must obtain authorization forms signed by a legal agent and a coroner’s permit, and hazardous medical implants must be removed before processing. This law directly affects funeral service providers, mortuary operators, and individuals choosing this disposal method by establishing new regulatory requirements.
HB 2628 creates a refundable Kansas income tax credit for residents paying tuition and fees at eligible colleges or universities. It allows qualifying taxpayers to claim up to $300 per year toward these costs for themselves or their child, with any unused portion refunded if the credit exceeds their tax bill. The credit applies to Kansas residents who paid for attendance at institutions meeting state-defined standards under K.S.A. 72-3222. This policy directly supports families and individuals covering higher education expenses, making the credit accessible even if they owe no state income tax.
This Kansas House Concurrent Resolution expresses support for ending forced organ harvesting in China, specifically targeting practices involving Falun Gong practitioners, prisoners of conscience, and ethnic minorities. The bill declares opposition to these alleged violations of human rights and encourages the medical community to warn citizens against traveling to China for organ transplants due to these risks. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of the legislature's stance on the issue.
SB 515 allows Kansas nonpublic schools to permit students enrolled in nonaccredited private elementary or secondary schools to participate in school activities like sports, clubs, and events. To qualify, students must be Kansas residents, meet age and eligibility requirements set by the activities association, and pay any fees required of all participants. The bill prohibits nonpublic schools from denying participation based on a student's enrollment status in a nonaccredited school and ensures these students have the same rights and responsibilities as other participants. This policy change removes barriers for nonaccredited private school students seeking to join extracurricular activities at nonpublic schools.
HB 2620 increases Kansas' earned income tax credit (EITC) by raising the state credit percentage from 17% to 18% of the federal EITC amount for tax years 2010-2012, then maintaining 17% for all subsequent years. It directly affects low-to-moderate-income Kansas residents who qualify for the federal EITC and claim it on their state tax returns. The bill modifies how the state credit is calculated (based on the federal credit amount) and ensures any excess credit beyond state tax liability is refunded to the taxpayer. This change updates Kansas law to align with the federal credit percentage, effective upon publication in the statute book.
HB 2642 removes an outdated reference to "global intangible low-taxed income" (GILTI) from Kansas's tax code, which was a federal tax provision repealed in 2017. The bill amends Kansas Statute 79-32,117 to eliminate this obsolete mention when calculating Kansas adjusted gross income for taxpayers. This change affects all Kansas individual taxpayers subject to state income tax but does not alter tax rates, deductions, or actual tax liability. The bill simply updates the state code to align with current federal law, removing a reference that no longer applies.
HB 2621 would create a new property tax exemption in Kansas for real estate owned by nonprofit organizations that provide affordable housing. This exemption would be added to Kansas tax law (K.S.A. 79-201), specifically applying to properties used exclusively for housing meeting state affordability standards. It directly affects nonprofits developing or managing affordable housing projects by eliminating their property tax burden on qualifying properties. The bill amends existing tax exemption categories, which currently include religious buildings and schools, to include affordable housing nonprofits. This policy change would reduce operating costs for qualifying housing developments without altering current affordability definitions.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to Kansas that would explicitly state men and women possess equal natural rights starting from conception. The key provision adds the phrase "life from conception" to the state's existing equal rights clause in the bill of rights. If approved by the legislature and voters, this change would legally define the beginning of protected life at conception for both genders. The measure requires a two-thirds legislative vote to place it on the 2026 ballot for public approval.
