SB 488 proposes phasing out property taxes in Kansas over three years: limiting mill levies to 50% of 2025 levels in 2026, 25% in 2027, and eliminating them entirely for all property starting in 2028. To offset lost revenue for local governments, it creates a new "Kansas fair share purchase surcharge" on retail transactions (7.6% for purchases under $20 or $1.60 flat for $20+), with the collected funds distributed to school districts, counties, cities, and other taxing subdivisions via revenue replacement grants. The bill requires voter approval of a constitutional amendment in 2026 for the tax changes to take effect. It also establishes a "property tax freedom reserve fund" to manage these transition funds and provides for "freedom dividend rebates" to residents.
HB 2715 changes when property tax applies to new vehicles in Kansas. It shifts the tax due date from vehicle registration (at purchase) to 12 months after a new vehicle is bought or acquired. This directly affects new vehicle owners, who will now pay the property tax when renewing registration after their first year of ownership. The bill amends Kansas law to require this tax payment at registration in the tax year following the 12-month period, rather than at the time of purchase.
HB 2745 requires Kansas counties and cities to obtain voter approval before increasing property taxes above a set limit, directly affecting local governments seeking tax hikes beyond this threshold. It establishes a property tax relief fund and provides funding transfers to jurisdictions that keep tax increases within the new limit. The bill also creates a new property tax limit for budget planning and allows voters to challenge proposed increases by signing a petition with at least 10% of eligible voters within 30 days, which would force the local government to revert to the previous tax level.
HB 2678 would establish Kansas' first legal medical cannabis program, allowing licensed businesses to cultivate, process, and sell cannabis products for medical use to qualifying patients. It requires the state to expunge past cannabis-related criminal records and imposes an excise tax on sales, with funds directed to child care, economic development, mental health, low-cost housing, and property tax rebates. The bill creates new licensing systems for cultivators, processors, and dispensaries, while exempting medical cannabis use from certain drug possession laws. It directly affects patients with qualifying medical conditions, licensed cannabis businesses, and the state's criminal justice and social service funding mechanisms.
HB 2679 would establish a legal framework for the regulated sale and use of cannabis by adults 21 and older in Kansas. The bill creates licensing requirements for cannabis businesses (including growers, manufacturers, retailers, and testing facilities), mandates the clearing of past cannabis-related criminal records, and imposes an excise tax on cannabis sales. Revenue from this tax would fund child care, economic development, mental health services, low-cost housing, and property tax rebates through a new "cannabis business regulation fund." The law would replace existing cannabis laws and require businesses to follow specific safety, labeling, and operational standards.
HB 2643 allows Butler County to impose a countywide sales tax to provide property tax relief for residents. The bill amends Kansas tax law to authorize Butler County commissioners to seek voter approval for this tax, with revenue dedicated solely to reducing property tax burdens. If approved by voters, the tax would generate funds specifically to lower property taxes for homeowners and businesses within Butler County. This follows similar provisions for other counties but is tailored to Butler County's local property tax relief needs.
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.
HB 2632 raises eligibility thresholds for Kansas seniors (65+) and disabled veterans to qualify for property tax refunds. It increases the household income limit from $50,000 to $75,000 and the homestead appraised value limit from $350,000 to $500,000 for tax years starting in 2026. The bill also adds an automatic cost-of-living adjustment to the income threshold each year. This change directly affects more Kansas residents aged 65+ or disabled veterans who previously earned too much or owned homes exceeding the old value limits.
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.
HB 2644 requires Kansas county appraisers to adjust property values or obtain an independent appraisal if residential or commercial property values increase by more than 5% annually for five years following a successful valuation appeal. It directly affects property owners who previously won appeals reducing their assessed value, particularly those with appeals finalized on or after January 1, 2026. The key mechanism gives appraisers two options: adjust values based on the prior appeal’s evidence or order a new appraisal by a certified appraiser. This applies only to increases not caused by new construction, changes in use, or classification. The bill aims to prevent excessive annual value jumps after appeal-driven reductions.
