Rep. Tim Johnson

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to amend the Kansas Constitution to create a new "Freedom from Taxes Fund" and a temporary Citizens Freedom Review Board. The fund would be divided into three parts to pay for the elimination of motor vehicle taxes, state property taxes, and state income and privilege taxes. Additionally, the bill establishes a board with the power to review existing tax exemptions and decide whether to keep or remove them. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, these changes would legally end the specified taxes and allow the state to use the new fund to cover the resulting budget shortfalls.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution urges the Kansas Turnpike Authority to waive tolls for personal vehicles displaying special license plates that recognize military service, injury, or valor. The bill specifically targets drivers holding plates for disabled veterans, prisoners of war, Purple Hearts, Medal of Honor recipients, and other qualifying military honors. It proposes that the Turnpike Authority modify its existing cashless tolling system to automatically exempt these vehicles from fees. The resolution cites similar toll exemption laws in Oklahoma, California, and Texas as examples of other states providing such benefits to veterans.

Maddy summaryHB 2687 prohibits state and local government agencies from regulating or banning the takeoff, landing, or operation of aquatic aircraft (like seaplanes and floatplanes) on Kansas waters where vessels are permitted. It specifically blocks agencies from requiring permits, fees, or imposing restrictions on these aircraft operations. The bill directly affects aquatic aircraft operators and owners by removing regulatory barriers on state waters. This policy change ensures that such aircraft are not subject to the same permitting requirements as traditional vessels.

Maddy summaryThis Kansas House resolution expresses support for Israel and affirms the historical, biblical, and legal significance of the territories known as Judea and Samaria. The measure rejects the use of the term "West Bank," stating that it originated during a past occupation and obscures Jewish historical connections to the land. Additionally, the resolution directs state agencies to stop using "West Bank" in official documents and instead refer to the area as Judea and Samaria.

Maddy summaryHB 2625 requires Kansas rural water districts to use public bidding for contracts exceeding $25,000 related to building, installing, or replacing water infrastructure like pipelines, pump stations, or facilities. Districts must provide 20 days' notice via newspaper or posted notices in the service area before awarding such contracts. Exceptions include emergency repairs (based on public health/safety), professional services, and insurance purchases. This directly affects rural water districts' procurement process for major capital projects.

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 2664 creates a legal framework for private energy campuses - such as large data centers, manufacturing facilities, or hydrogen plants - located on contiguous private property to generate and sell electricity exclusively to businesses on the same site. It exempts these private energy sales from standard public utility regulations and net metering requirements, while allowing campuses to connect to the broader grid for emergency backup or energy exports through voluntary agreements with electric utilities. The bill requires utilities to approve these agreements (with state commission oversight for regulated utilities), but keeps utility rates and terms for private campus-to-campus power sales outside regulatory jurisdiction. This directly affects large industrial and data center enterprises seeking self-sufficiency, without altering service for residential or small commercial customers.

Maddy summaryHB 2517 would allow Leavenworth County to impose a countywide sales tax on retail purchases, subject to voter approval, to fund the equipment, improvements, and maintenance of emergency management operations. The bill amends Kansas law to specifically grant Leavenworth County this authority, aligning it with existing provisions for other counties using such taxes for public safety purposes. This tax would require voter approval through a petition signed by 10% of county voters or resolutions from cities within the county, as per current law. Revenue generated would be dedicated exclusively to emergency management needs, such as emergency response equipment and facility upkeep.

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 2599, known as the "Kansas lemonade stand law," exempts minor-owned businesses (operated solely by individuals under 18) from paying state sales tax and local taxes, licenses, or permits on the first $10,000 of annual sales of goods. It specifically applies to small, seasonal or intermittent businesses like lemonade stands, where minors make under $10,000 yearly in gross sales. The law removes both state-level sales tax obligations and local government fees for qualifying businesses. This policy directly supports young entrepreneurs by reducing startup costs for small-scale, temporary ventures.