Rep. Tom Sawyer

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 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 House Resolution strengthens the sister-state relationship between Kansas and Taiwan by reaffirming their shared democratic values and celebrating 37 years of partnership. The bill highlights existing academic exchanges and trade ties, such as drone industry visits and Mandarin language programs, while expressing support for future bilateral investment agreements. It also formally endorses Taiwan's participation in international organizations like the World Health Organization and the United Nations, arguing that such inclusion benefits global health and safety.

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.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution honors the life and public service of Representative Robert Tomlinson, who recently passed away. It recognizes his decades of work as an educator, city council member, state legislator, and executive official in Kansas. The document formally acknowledges his career achievements and personal legacy without proposing new laws or policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution from the Kansas legislature formally strengthens the existing sister-state relationship between Kansas and Taiwan, celebrating 36 years of partnership since 1989. The document highlights current cooperation in trade, education, and student exchanges, noting that Taiwan is a significant partner for Kansas imports and exports. It expresses support for expanding these ties through a bilateral trade agreement and the signing of a double taxation avoidance treaty to encourage investment. Additionally, the resolution advocates for Taiwan's participation in international organizations such as the United Nations and the International Civil Aviation Organization.