Rep. Melissa Oropeza

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.

Maddy summaryHB 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.

Maddy summaryHB 2629 increases Kansas income tax standard deduction amounts for 2024 and beyond. It raises the standard deduction to $3,605 for single filers, $8,240 for married couples filing jointly, and $6,180 for heads of household in 2024, with further increases scheduled for 2026. This bill directly affects Kansas residents who claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing deductions on their state income tax returns. The change reduces taxable income for qualifying filers, lowering their overall tax liability under Kansas law.

Maddy summaryHB 2689 creates a child care cost-sharing program in Kansas where eligible employers, employees, and the state each cover one-third of approved child care costs for qualifying families. It directly affects low-to-moderate income parents (household income ≤325% of federal poverty level) with children not yet kindergarten age, licensed child care providers, and participating employers. The Kansas Office of Early Childhood administers the program, verifying eligibility, collecting contributions, and disbursing funds to providers while maintaining confidentiality of participant data. The program aims to increase child care affordability and availability by reducing out-of-pocket costs for working families through this shared funding model.

Maddy summaryHB 2432 imposes a tax on large Kansas employers (those averaging 500+ employees annually) equal to the value of certain federal benefits their employees receive. These benefits include SNAP food assistance, school meals, housing subsidies, and Medicaid coverage. The bill also prohibits employers from asking job applicants about whether they receive these benefits. Employers must pay this tax to the state, with all revenue going directly to the state general fund. The law targets employers who benefit from federal support programs for their workers.

Maddy summaryHB 2421 requires Kansas school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to prohibit students from using personal electronic devices (like phones or tablets) during school hours, with exceptions for students with individualized education plans (IEPs) or medical needs approved by a licensed healthcare provider. It also bans school staff from using social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Snapchat) to communicate directly with students for school purposes, allowing only public, one-way communications. Schools must report the average screen time for kindergarten and grades 1-4 students during a typical school day, starting September 2026, using aggregate data without personally identifiable information. The law applies to in-person schools but excludes virtual schools and does not restrict school-issued devices like tablets.

Maddy summaryHB 2431 establishes statutory protections against religious coercion and discrimination in Kansas public schools, directly affecting students and parents. It defines prohibited actions like school-sponsored prayer, religious displays, or forced participation in religious activities, while allowing objective academic study of religion. The bill creates a legal cause of action for students or parents to sue if schools violate these protections. Key provisions clarify terms like "religious activity" and require school officials to avoid endorsement of religion in official capacities. This bill aims to strengthen existing constitutional separation of church and state in education, building on Supreme Court rulings like *Engel v. Vitale* and *McCollum v. Board of Education*.

Maddy summaryHB 2436 allows anyone providing medical assistance during an opioid overdose to use an expired emergency opioid antagonist (like naloxone) up to 10 years past its expiration date. This directly affects bystanders, first responders, and community members administering overdose reversal drugs. The bill amends Kansas law to explicitly include expired antagonists in the definition of "emergency opioid antagonist," ensuring they can be legally used in emergencies. This change increases access to life-saving treatment by removing expiration barriers during urgent situations. The law also maintains existing immunity protections for people seeking help or administering aid during overdoses.

Maddy summaryHB 2598, the Kansas Paid Family Leave Act, creates a state-run program providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible workers in Kansas to bond with a new child (birth, adoption, or foster placement), care for a family member with a serious health condition, recover from their own serious health condition, or address military family needs. It covers most full- and part-time employees who worked 26 weeks (20+ hours/week) or 175 days (less than 20 hours/week) in the prior year, plus self-employed individuals who opt into the program. Benefits will equal 67% of an employee's average weekly wage (capped at $1,000/week starting in 2028), funded through payroll deductions of employee premiums beginning January 2027. The program launches for eligible workers on July 1, 2027, with benefits paid from the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund.

Maddy summaryHB 2597 requires all Kansas employers to provide employees with paid sick leave starting January 1, 2027. Employees earn at least two hours of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year, which can carry forward annually. The bill allows use for personal illness, caring for sick family members, addressing domestic violence, or handling emergencies like school closures due to weather. It applies to most employees but explicitly excludes independent contractors, with rules to be implemented by the Kansas Secretary of Labor.