Below is today’s morning update on published activities in the Kansas Legislature.

If you’ve been diligently reading the daily updates, it’s obvious that there’s a lot of content to cover in a short amount of time. (If you haven’t had the time or fortitude to wade through all of the details, we understand!) We have a decent system in place for retrieving and analyzing bills as they get published, and have received positive feedback about making that information easier to understand. (Thanks!)

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House Bill No. 2065 outlines the appointment and responsibilities of delegates representing Kansas at Article V conventions for proposing U.S. Constitutional amendments. Delegates, appointed by legislative leaders, must be current legislators. The bill forbids delegates from voting on unauthorized amendments, with breaches subject to serious penalties.

Delegates and alternates must take an oath to uphold the U.S. and Kansas constitutions and adhere to legislative instructions. The delegation, led by appointees from the House and Senate, represents Kansas's legislative voice. Delegates are reimbursed for expenses, and violations of set protocols are classified as a felony. [link]

House Bill No. 2066 addresses the prohibition of employing unauthorized aliens by business entities and public employers in Kansas. The legislation also mandates the registration and use of the e-verify program while forbidding the deduction of wages to unauthorized aliens from federal adjusted gross income. The bill outlines provisions for investigation and enforcement of violations, including complaints and penalties for business entities found in violation. [link]

House Bill No. 2067 establishes a grant program and fund to provide feminine hygiene products at no cost to students in Title I schools. The program is funded with $200,000 annually, allocated by the Kansas Department of Education.

The legislation mandates that participating schools offer feminine hygiene products in restrooms and through female staff, such as counselors and teachers. All fund disbursements are subject to appropriation and may include contributions from nongovernmental sources. [link]

House Bill No. 2068 aims to facilitate interstate cosmetology practice by enacting the cosmetologist licensure compact. This compact would allow licensed cosmetologists to practice across member states without the need for additional licenses, promoting mobility and reducing regulatory burdens. The bill also ensures member states maintain the ability to enforce regulations and discipline within their jurisdiction.

The compact establishes a commission to manage the coordinated licensing system, addressing regulatory compliance, information sharing, and dispute resolution. It includes provisions to support military members and their spouses, enhance public health protections, and deter fraudulent activities. The compact will become effective after seven states enact it, maintaining the initiative regardless of changes in member state participation. [link]

House Bill 2069 introduces the school psychologist compact, an agreement enabling school psychologists to practice across state lines within member states. By creating a pathway for equivalent licensure, the compact facilitates mobility for school psychologists, addresses workforce shortages, and ensures the delivery of safe and effective services.

The compact allows states to maintain their licensing authority while promoting interstate cooperation. States participating in the compact may establish fees for granting these licenses and must agree to mutual information exchange and regulatory practices. The establishment of a commission will oversee compact administration and issue rules and guidelines. [link]

The Dietitian Compact aims to improve access to dietetics services by facilitating interstate practice for licensed dietitians. It allows dietitians to practice across state lines without obtaining additional licenses, provided they meet uniform requirements, which reduces the administrative burden on states and professionals.

The compact preserves state authority to regulate dietitians and ensures that states can discipline practitioners as needed. It also supports military families, enhances information exchange among states, and requires participating states to report adverse actions against licensees. [link]

The Help Not Harm Act prohibits healthcare providers from offering gender transition treatments to minors, including surgeries and medications such as puberty blockers and hormone therapies, with certain exceptions. The act also restricts the use of state funds for promoting or subsidizing these treatments and requires professional discipline for healthcare providers who violate the law. Professional liability insurance is prohibited from covering damages related to unauthorized gender transition treatments.

Healthcare providers found in violation of the act face licensure revocation and can be held strictly liable for any harm resulting from unauthorized treatments. Parents and individuals who underwent treatment as minors have a private cause of action for damages against such providers. The act also amends Kansas Statutes Annotated 65-2837 to include violations of this act as unprofessional conduct. [link]

The Art Therapist Licensure Act establishes requirements and standards for the licensing and regulation of art therapists in Kansas. It outlines definitions, qualifications, and processes for obtaining licenses as a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) or Licensed Clinical Art Therapist. The act makes it unlawful to practice art therapy without a license and sets penalties for violations.

Applicants must meet educational and experiential prerequisites, such as completing a master's degree in art therapy and supervised practice, to qualify for licensure. The act also sets rules for provisional licenses, license renewal, continuing education, and disciplinary actions. Additionally, it clarifies the scope of practice, exceptions, and non-disclosure obligations for licensed art therapists. [link]

The bill seeks to amend the state statute governing sales tax, proposing exemptions for essential personal items such as feminine hygiene products and diapers. These exemptions aim to alleviate the economic burden on individuals and families, particularly tackling issues of affordability and necessity. [link]

The proposed bill aims to expand eligibility for the homestead property tax refund to include renters. This expansion is intended to provide financial relief to individuals who are disabled, of certain qualifying ages, or who have low incomes with dependent children, whether they own or rent their homes. This effort seeks to address the financial burdens faced by renters in Kansas while maintaining support for homeowners under the existing framework.

The bill amends several existing Kansas statutes related to the Homestead Property Tax Refund Act. It includes modifications in definitions and eligibility criteria and revises the computation method for refunds. Specifically, renters could begin claiming refunds based on rent constituting property taxes accrued starting from the 2025 tax year. Changes also set income thresholds and conditions under which property tax refunds can be claimed, aiming for a more inclusive and fair approach to tax relief. [link]

House Bill No. 2075 amends the revised Kansas code for the care of children to require that a permanency hearing is held within nine months of a child's removal from their home. The bill mandates that permanency hearings consider a child's reintegration with parents, adoption, or placement with permanent custodians or SOUL family legal permanency custodians, if appropriate.

The bill outlines requirements for evaluating reasonable efforts to achieve permanency, compliance with parenting standards, and preparing older children for transition to adulthood. It establishes specific procedures and considerations for children in qualified residential treatment programs and outlines the necessity of pursuing adoption or permanent custody appointments when reintegration is not viable. [link]

This bill amends the Kansas code for care of children by decreasing the number of days a custodian may place a child in state custody within a secure facility and eliminates the court's authority to extend such placements. The authorization period is reduced to 45 days, and the option for renewals is restricted to two additional periods. This aims to minimize prolonged secure confinement of children to better protect their rights and welfare. [link]

The legislative bill introduces new and amends existing exemptions from sales tax, aiming to support nonprofit organizations. Specifically, animal shelters and rescue network managers are added to the list of exempt entities, aligning with existing exemptions under Kansas state laws. [link]

House Bill No. 2078 establishes the child care contribution tax credit act. It allows for a tax credit starting in 2026 equivalent to 75% of verified contributions made to licensed child care providers or intermediaries. The credit is capped at $200,000 per taxpayer annually, with a total limit of $20,000,000 in credits issued per tax year.

To receive the tax credit, child care providers and intermediaries must apply to participate in the program. Contributions must be used to promote child care services and cannot be linked to any financial interest of the contributor in the provider. Unused credits can be carried forward for six years, and misuse of contributions incurs penalties. [link]

House Bill No. 2079 seeks to amend property taxation practices, specifically focusing on how the valuation of real property is determined. The bill mandates that, for determining fair market value, comparable residential sales should occur within the same subdivision or township, or the closest-located subdivision or township where the property is located. This adjustment aims to ensure that valuations are more reflective of the property's immediate market conditions.

By amending K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 79-503a, the bill redefines 'fair market value' to exclude sales outside these local areas as criteria for valuation. Additionally, it specifies that Federal Internal Revenue Code section 1031 exchanges are not to be used as indicators of fair market value. These changes emphasize more localized and precise assessments through generally accepted appraisal standards. [link]

House Bill No. 2080 aims to restrict property taxes on homestead properties for individuals aged 65 and older. The bill stipulates that taxes levied shall not exceed the amount established in their base year, effectively providing tax stability for seniors. If the actual taxes are less than the base year amount, the lesser amount shall be used as the base year for future calculations.

Eligible individuals must have predominantly used the property as their residence in the prior taxable year, and reach the age of 65 before January 1 of the tax year in question. The bill outlines how tax revenues will be distributed among taxing subdivisions and details the application process for homeowners to qualify for this tax limitation. [link]

The bill proposes sales tax exemptions for community pharmacies that cater to2 medically underserved individuals and families, amending sections of the tax code to reflect this change. [link]

This version of the state budget was submitted on behalf of the Office of the Governor. As such, it represents Governor Kelly’s proposed budget for FY2025, FY2026, and FY2027. [link]

House Bill No. 2083 proposes a property tax exemption specifically for new energy storage systems starting from January 1, 2026. The bill excludes these new energy storage systems from the commercial and industrial machinery and equipment exemption that was previously in place. This change is designed to incentivize investment in energy storage technologies by offering tax relief.

The bill aims to foster economic growth and stability within Kansas by promoting advancements in renewable energy infrastructures. Existing energy storage systems that received county approval before January 1, 2026, will not qualify for this new exemption. The bill repeals previous sections and will be enacted upon publication in the statute book. [link]

House Bill No. 2084 introduces a change to Kansas income taxation laws allowing individuals to itemize deductions for wagering losses under specific federal code provisions. This amendment applies to tax years commencing on and after January 1, 2025. The bill also involves repealing the existing section that previously governed these deductions.

This legislative change aligns the state’s tax code with section 165(d) of the federal internal revenue code to permit 100% deduction of wagering losses, which will be added to other itemized deductions like charitable contributions, medical expenses, and property taxes already allowed under Kansas law. [link]

House Bill No. 2085 amends Kansas Statute K.S.A. 65-166a to extend the duration of water pollution control permits issued by the Department of Health and Environment for livestock facilities from five to ten years. It grants the secretary the discretion to issue permits for a shorter period if justified. This change aims to streamline the permitting process and reduce administrative burdens on livestock operators.

Permits are mandatory for confined feeding facilities with capacities between 300 and 999 if deemed necessary by the secretary due to pollution potential, and for those with capacities of 1,000 or more, regardless. The bill also sets maximum fees for permits based on facility size and provides guidelines for truck washing facilities. Any facility with notable pollution potential may still be required to obtain permits. The collected fees will support the water program management fund. [link]

House Bill No. 2086 proposes amendments to the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) regarding the calculation of dividend interest credit for members' annuity savings and retirement annuity accounts. The bill seeks to adjust the investment return threshold criterion for these calculations. Specifically, it modifies the percentage of the average net rate of return above the designated threshold that is used to calculate the dividend from 75% to 80%. Additionally, it lowers the investment return threshold from 6% to 5%.

The amendments affect both member and employer contribution accounts. For each account, the additional interest credit will be posted annually, based on the preceding year's account balance. To qualify for this credit, members must maintain an account balance at the time of posting. The act signifies an effort to increase the potential dividend credit to enhance retirement savings for state employees. [link]

House Bill No. 2087 addresses the regulation of nonadmitted insurers operating within Kansas. It mandates that the commissioner of insurance maintain a list of eligible nonadmitted insurers. These insurers, under specific conditions, are authorized to provide excess coverage insurance on Kansas risks and transact business with vehicle dealers. [link]

The fast-track permits act aims to stimulate economic growth by mandating local governments to expedite their processes for issuing building permits and other essential approvals connected to real estate developments. This act is crafted to lessen the bureaucratic load on individuals, developers, and property owners.

Under this legislation, local governments are required to either approve or deny applications for building permits within 60 days of submission. If an application is incomplete, the applicant must be informed in writing within 15 days, specifying reasons and allowing an opportunity for rectification. Moreover, applications will automatically be considered approved if no written decision is provided within the stipulated timeframe. [link]

The Consumer Inflation Reduction and Tax Fairness Act aims to prohibit issuers, payment card networks, acquirer banks, or processors from charging interchange fees on the tax or gratuity amounts of electronic payment transactions. Merchants must inform their acquirer banks of tax or gratuity amounts during the authorization or settlement process to avoid such fees.

If merchants fail to report these amounts correctly, they may submit tax documentation within 180 days for a refund. The act imposes civil penalties for violations, including unlawful fee charges, and allows for legal action by aggrieved merchants, the attorney general, or county/district attorneys to seek remedies including injunctions. [link]

House Bill No. 2090 establishes the Kansas Employee Emergency Savings Account Program for taxable years 2025 through 2027. The bill provides income and privilege tax credits for eligible employers who contribute to their employees' savings accounts under this program. It aims to assist employers in recruiting and retaining employees by encouraging savings for emergencies and enhancing financial literacy among employees.

The program allows eligible employers to set up federally insured savings accounts for their employees with initial and optional matching deposits. Employee participation is voluntary, and employers must report participation and deposit details annually. Employers can claim tax credits for a portion of their contributions, with specific credit limits per employee. [link]

Senate Bill No. 64 proposes several amendments to the Kansas public employees retirement system (KPERS). It adjusts internal references and extends the time for filing administrative appeals related to retirement benefits. Additionally, this bill aims to align KPERS provisions with updated requirements under the federal internal revenue code.

This legislation also includes amendments to existing statutes. These changes seek to ensure better compliance and operational efficiency for the management of Kansas's public employee retirement benefits. [link]

Senate Bill No. 65 updates the election processes for directors of irrigation districts. It allows the board of directors to determine the terms for elected board members, which can be two, three, or four years. Furthermore, the bill permits elections to be conducted via mail ballots in both even and odd-numbered years, provided certain conditions are met.

The bill also specifies the requirements for polling places, voter qualifications, and the handling of ballots and elections in these districts, changing the existing procedures outlined in K.S.A. 42-706. These updates aim to streamline and simplify the election process for irrigation districts in Kansas, ensuring the engagement of qualified landowners in the administration of these districts. [link]

Senate Bill No. 66 addresses governmental ethics concerning local officials involved in major development projects. It mandates that local governmental officers with a significant interest in such projects refrain from participating in decision-making or contract processes to prevent conflicts of interest. Additionally, the bill outlines repercussions for unauthorized participation, including potential contract nullification and penalties for non-compliance.

The bill clarifies the definition of substantial interest and prescribes the protocol for ethical oversight. Violations of the bill are prosecutable, and convicted officials will forfeit their positions. The Governmental Ethics Commission will issue advisory opinions and regulate its implementation. [link]

Senate Bill No. 67 addresses regulations concerning the scope of practice for registered nurse anesthetists. It grants independent practice authority to these professionals, allowing them to conduct various anesthesia-related tasks without direct physician oversight, including pre- and post-anesthesia assessments and drug prescription. However, the bill explicitly prohibits registered nurse anesthetists from performing or being involved in any aspect of abortion services, such as performing abortions or prescribing related medications.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that registered nurse anesthetists engage in chart and case reviews for service evaluation as part of a healthcare team directed by physicians or dentists. [link]

The comprehensive bill establishes appropriations and fiscal directives for Kansas state departments and programs for fiscal years 2025 through 2027, focusing on diverse sectors, including health, education, agriculture, transportation, corrections, and public safety. Notable allocations address operating expenditures, capital improvements, and reappropriations for funds across various institutions and agencies, ensuring continuity and strategic financial planning. The bill also delineates provisions for specific initiatives like educational scholarships, health services, and infrastructure enhancements, emphasizing requirements for state agencies to manage federal grants and enforce fund transfer regulations effectively.

The document underscores the reappropriation of unencumbered balances, strategic fund allocations for critical programs, and repeals certain statutes, setting the plan's execution upon publication in the Kansas register. It encompasses both operational support and capital improvements, enhancing institutional capabilities and fostering state-wide economic development. In addition, the flexibility in fund usage, especially surrounding federal grants and unrestricted funds, allows for responsive adaptation to emergent fiscal needs. [link]

Senate Bill No. 69 is an act concerning economic development via the Rural Opportunity Zones program. It extends the eligibility period for both the loan repayment program and the income tax credit to January 1, 2032, for counties designated as rural opportunity zones. These zones can participate in the student loan repayment program for residents with higher education degrees. The state and the participating counties agree to evenly split the repayment of qualified residents' student loan balances over five years, with a maximum repayment of $15,000 per individual.

The bill also extends the period during which qualified individuals can claim an income tax credit for relocating to a rural opportunity zone within Kansas. Residents must have lived outside the state for at least five years and meet specified income criteria to claim these credits, which can be utilized for up to five consecutive years. Participation by counties is subject to annual appropriation acts, and the program will require annual reporting to the appropriate state committees. [link]

Senate Bill 70 introduces amendments to the Kansas open records and open meetings acts. It establishes procedures for fair fees on electronic records, exempts certain closed investigations from public disclosure, and adjusts the timeline for district attorneys’ reporting of violations to the attorney general. Further, it mandates public bodies using live streams to ensure the observability of meetings and allows a brief resumption period after executive sessions.

Additionally, the bill revises how subordinate group memberships are calculated and tasks the state treasurer with remitting fees collected by state agencies. It repeals existing sections affected by these changes, streamlining the framework of public accessibility and transparency. [link]

Senate Bill No. 71 focuses on regulating crimes against public morals, specifically targeting the activities related to commercial sexual exploitation. The bill seeks to establish a framework where offenders are mandated to complete educational or treatment programs, which are to be approved by the attorney general in collaboration with the office of judicial administration.

Additionally, the bill aims to enhance penalties for buying sexual relations by instituting a range of fines. It also removes the provision for counting prior convictions towards penalty enhancements. Furthermore, the bill mandates the approval and monitoring of educational programs related to commercial sexual exploitation by July 2026. [link]

Senate Bill No. 72 modifies the Kansas housing investor tax credit by allowing its transferability starting from the year the credit was originally issued. This bill aims to enhance the flexibility of housing credits and is applicable to tax years from 2022 onwards.

The bill lays out specific limits on tax credit amounts based on county population sizes and caps the total tax credits issued per year at $13 million. Furthermore, the bill specifies conditions under which the tax credit can be transferred between investors, ensuring ease of application and compliance with regulatory standards set by the secretary of revenue. [link]

Senate Bill No. 73 proposes revisions to the property taxation process by modifying deadlines for mailing tax statements to taxpayers and the certification of tax levies to the director of property valuation. These deadlines will be set two weeks earlier than currently scheduled. Additionally, the bill allows the county clerk to use the previous year's budget if a taxing subdivision fails to file its budget on time.

The bill amends K.S.A. 79-1806, K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 79-2001, and 79-2930. These amendments involve earlier submission dates to ensure accurate and timely processing of property taxes, with comprehensive guidelines for handling delinquent filings. The aim is to enhance efficiency and accountability in property tax management. [link]

Senate Bill No. 74 offers a refundable tax credit to Kansas residents for purchasing lockable gun and ammunition storage. For tax years 2025 through 2027, individuals can claim credit equal to 25% of their expenditures on such storage, with a maximum credit of $250 per year. Any excess credit beyond a taxpayer's liability will be refunded. This financial incentive aims to promote safer gun storage practices through economic benefits. [link]

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