Rep. Melissa Oropeza

Maddy summaryHB 2600 establishes the "Affordable Healthcare for Kansans" program to expand Medicaid eligibility in Kansas. It would extend coverage to non-pregnant adults under 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, directly affecting low-income Kansans currently ineligible for Medicaid. The key provision raises the income threshold for Medicaid eligibility to match the federal standard, effective January 1, 2027. This change requires the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to administer the program and inform potential applicants. The bill aims to align Kansas Medicaid eligibility with the federal expansion program under federal law.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of K-5 highway in Wyandotte County (from the junction of K-5 and N. 18th Street west to N. 38th Street) as the "Representative Marvin S. Robinson II Memorial Highway." It also redesignates a portion of Interstate 635 (from the Kansas-Missouri border south to its junction with K-5 highway) as the "Harry Darby Memorial Highway." The bill requires the Kansas Secretary of Transportation to install highway signs marking both routes, following standard procedures. This is a procedural memorial designation with no substantive policy changes to transportation law.

Maddy summaryHB 2074 amends Kansas' Homestead Property Tax Refund Act to allow renters of their primary residence to qualify for the same tax refunds previously available only to homeowners. The bill explicitly includes renters in the eligibility criteria for three groups: individuals aged 55 or older, people with disabilities, and low-income households with dependent children. This change, effective for tax year 2025, updates the definition of "homestead" to cover rented properties and revises related terms in the law to reflect expanded access to the refund program.

Maddy summaryHB 2278 increases the property tax exemption for residential property owners in Kansas. Starting in 2026, the exemption rises from $75,000 to $110,000 of a home's appraised value, reducing the taxable amount for eligible homeowners. Beginning in 2027, the exemption amount will adjust annually based on the 10-year average change in statewide residential property values (capped at zero if values decline). This bill directly affects Kansas homeowners with residential properties, lowering their school property tax burden under the statewide school levy.

Maddy summaryHB 2123 increases Kansas' minimum wage for tipped employees from $2.13 to $6.15 per hour. It requires employers to pay this base rate, and if the employee's tips plus this base rate total less than $7.25 per hour (the standard minimum wage), the employer must cover the difference. This directly affects restaurant workers, servers, and other service employees in Kansas who rely on tips as part of their income. The bill amends Kansas law to ensure tipped workers earn at least the full minimum wage when combining tips with their base pay. It does not apply to workers covered by federal minimum wage rules under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Maddy summaryHB 2296 requires most health insurance plans in Kansas to cover diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer exams without out-of-pocket costs for insured individuals. This means patients won’t pay deductibles, co-pays, or coinsurance for these exams when medically necessary to evaluate abnormalities (diagnostic) or screen high-risk individuals (supplemental), as defined by national cancer guidelines. The bill applies to plans issued or renewed before January 1, 2026, and exempts health savings account plans until after meeting the deductible for non-preventive care. It specifically covers exams like mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds used in these scenarios.

Maddy summaryHB 2073 would exempt feminine hygiene products (such as tampons and pads) and diapers from Kansas' state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing these essential items would no longer pay the state sales tax at checkout. The bill amends Kansas' sales tax law (K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 79-3606) to add these products to the list of tax-exempt items. It directly affects all Kansas residents who buy these products, making them more affordable without changing other tax rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution that honors the life and public service of Representative Melody McCray-Miller, who passed away in February 2026. It recognizes her decades of work in education, business, and government, including her roles as a teacher, restaurant owner, county commissioner, state representative, and community leader. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions to Kansas families and communities but does not create new laws or change any policies. Its only effect is to officially celebrate her legacy within the Kansas House of Representatives.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors the life and public service of Representative Harold Lane, a former Kansas state representative from Topeka. The bill formally recognizes his contributions to local governance, his business career, and his legislative work on committees such as Appropriations and Energy and Environment. It serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes and honors the life and public service of Representative John Resman, who represented Kansas's 121st District. The resolution highlights his extensive background in law enforcement, including service in the U.S. Army, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, before his election to the state legislature. It commemorates his legislative work on committees related to corrections, federal affairs, and public safety, as well as his advocacy for fiscal responsibility and education. The resolution concludes by expressing condolences to his family following his passing in March 2026.