Rep. Linda Featherston

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 2630 allows Kansas counties and cities to levy a 2% additional tax on liquor sales revenue (from retailers, microbreweries, distributors, and other sellers), but only after voter approval via local election. The tax revenue must be used exclusively to reduce the following year's property tax levy by an equal amount. Local governments must hold an election and secure majority voter approval before implementing the tax, with collections starting 60 days after the election. This bill directly affects property taxpayers in participating counties and cities by providing a new funding mechanism for property tax relief.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a new section to the Kansas Constitution that would guarantee the public's right to possess and use cannabis for medical purposes. The amendment includes a clause allowing reasonable laws and regulations to protect public health, safety, and general welfare. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters in the 2026 general election, it would legally enshrine medical cannabis rights at the state level.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution condemns the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its affiliated agencies, asserting state sovereignty against federal overreach. It calls for transparency and accountability, honoring those who have died due to ICE enforcement actions or custody. The resolution highlights concerns about violent, militarized tactics, warrantless entries, and systemic deficiencies in training and oversight that have led to injuries and deaths. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of disapproval and a demand for reform.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryThis House Concurrent Resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform to address issues caused by decades of federal inaction. The bill highlights how the lack of updated laws has negatively impacted states, local communities, and families through workforce shortages, economic instability, and family separation. It specifically calls for modernizing immigration pathways to reduce visa backlogs and ensuring that law enforcement actions are conducted with clear accountability and respect for due process. By requesting federal action, the resolution aims to restore predictability to immigration policy and protect vulnerable populations from the consequences of outdated statutes.

Maddy summaryHB 2656 establishes Kansas' "No Kid Hungry in Schools" program, requiring public school districts with high student poverty rates to provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students. The state reimburses districts for the cost difference between federal meal reimbursements and the federal free-meal rate, covering up to one breakfast and one lunch per student daily. School districts must participate if they qualify under federal poverty thresholds for free meal eligibility, and must offer two federally reimbursable meals per student per day. The bill amends existing school meal funding laws to implement this state-level reimbursement system.

Maddy summaryThis Kansas bill (HB 2707) expands the definition of "abuse" under the Protection from Abuse Act to include intentionally harming, threatening, or causing injury to a pet to control, punish, intimidate, or distress a partner or household member. It also allows courts to include specific orders about pet custody and protection in existing protection orders. The bill directly affects individuals in abusive relationships where pets are used as tools of control, such as when an abuser threatens or harms a pet to coerce a victim. Key mechanisms include adding new provisions to the law defining abuse (Section 1) and creating specific court orders for pet-related safety (Sections 10-11 of K.S.A. 60-3107).

Maddy summaryHB 2670 requires video streaming services operating in Kansas to ensure commercial advertisements are not louder than the main video content they interrupt, effective July 1, 2026. It adopts the federal CALM Act standards (originally for TV broadcasts) to set volume limits for ads. The law applies specifically to internet-based streaming services targeting Kansas consumers, excluding cable operators, broadcasters, and ad-free platforms. It does not create private lawsuits for violations.

Maddy summaryHB 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.