Rep. Alexis Simmons

Maddy summaryThis Kansas House Concurrent Resolution expresses support for ending forced organ harvesting in China, specifically targeting practices involving Falun Gong practitioners, prisoners of conscience, and ethnic minorities. The bill declares opposition to these alleged violations of human rights and encourages the medical community to warn citizens against traveling to China for organ transplants due to these risks. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of the legislature's stance on the issue.

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 2668 requires all Kansas health insurance plans (both individual and group) to create and submit to the Department of Insurance a plan covering non-opioid pain management services, such as non-opioid medications and non-medication options like physical therapy. Insurers must ensure their plans don't unduly favor opioid prescriptions over these alternatives. The law applies to all policies issued or renewed in Kansas starting January 1, 2027, aiming to expand access to non-opioid pain treatment options for policyholders.

Maddy summaryHB 2694, the "opioid patients right to know act," requires healthcare providers to discuss specific risks with patients before prescribing opioid pain medication for acute or chronic pain. Before issuing an initial opioid prescription, providers must explain addiction and overdose risks, dangers of mixing opioids with alcohol or other sedatives, the necessity of the prescription, available alternative treatments, and the specific risks of the prescribed drug. Providers must document this discussion in the patient's medical record. The law does not apply to prescriptions for cancer treatment, hospice/palliative care, long-term facility residents, or medications treating substance use disorders.

Maddy summaryHB 2692 is a Kansas state bill requiring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating within Kansas to follow specific conduct standards. It prohibits agents from wearing facial coverings, mandates clear vehicle markings and identification, and requires judicial warrants for raids in schools, places of worship, hospitals, courts, and daycare centers. The bill also bans door-to-door residential raids and sets a minimum 14-week training standard for agents, matching Kansas law enforcement requirements. This legislation applies directly to federal ICE agents conducting enforcement activities in Kansas.

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 2151 would raise Kansas' state minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour for most hourly workers. The bill amends Kansas law (K.S.A. 44-1203) to establish this new rate and repeals the current minimum wage provisions. It directly affects most employees in Kansas, excluding specific categories like agricultural workers, domestic workers, and certain executive or administrative staff as defined in the law. Employers covered by federal minimum wage law would still follow the federal $7.25 rate, but all other Kansas employers would be required to pay at least $15 per hour.

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 2224 requires Kansas law enforcement officers to be properly uniformed and to knock on the door while announcing their presence before entering a residential property to execute a search warrant. This applies specifically to "dwellings" as defined in the bill - buildings or portions used as homes or residences. The bill amends Kansas law (K.S.A. 22-2510) to add these requirements, replacing the previous standard for residential warrant executions. It does not change when warrants may be executed (any time of day) but adds procedural steps for officer conduct at homes. The law takes effect upon publication in the statute book.