Week 10 Legislative Update: Key Bills, Property Tax Reform & Final Steps
This week marked a major milestone in the legislative session, as it was the deadline for passing bills out of both the House and Senate. With that deadline behind us, lawmakers will now move into Conference Week, where both chambers work together to reconcile differences in legislation that has been passed in each.
The pace will continue to accelerate in the coming days. Bills must be finalized and sent to the Governor’s desk by Wednesday to allow time for potential vetoes and overrides. While legislation can still be passed later in the week, any bill vetoed after that point would not have an opportunity for override, effectively ending its path this session.
SB 254 – Public Benefits and Lawful Residency
This week, the House agreed with the Senate on SB 254 after working through final details in conference committee.
This bill ensures that individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States are not eligible to receive state or local public benefits. It also removes provisions that previously allowed individuals without lawful immigration status to qualify for in-state tuition at Kansas public colleges and universities.
In simple terms, this legislation is about making sure taxpayer-funded benefits are directed toward U.S. citizens and those who are lawfully present in our country. I was proud to support this bill as a step toward responsible stewardship of public resources.
HB 2468 – Expanding Educational Opportunities
HB 2468 authorizes Kansas to participate in a federal tax credit program that encourages individuals to donate to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
It is important to note that this is not a voucher program. Instead, it provides tax credits to individuals who choose to make voluntary contributions. Those organizations can then provide scholarships that support educational opportunities for students.
The bill also increases the annual cap for the Kansas Tax Credit for Low-Income Students Scholarship Program (TCLISS) from $10 million to $15 million beginning in tax year 2026. This expansion allows for greater participation and support for students and families across Kansas.
SCR 1603 – Property Tax Valuation Reform
One of the most impactful proposals this session is SCR 1603, a proposed constitutional amendment focused on property tax valuation reform.
If approved, this amendment would be placed on the November general election ballot, giving Kansas voters the opportunity to decide.
The proposal would set a property’s taxable value at the lower of:
Its current fair market value, or
A rolling six-year average of its fair market value
This approach is designed to bring stability and predictability to property taxes by smoothing out sudden increases caused by market fluctuations.
Additionally, the amendment allows the Legislature to provide targeted relief for qualifying seniors by potentially freezing or limiting property valuations on certain residential properties.
Because the House amended the original bill, it must return to the Senate. If it receives a two-thirds majority there, it will move forward to the ballot for voter consideration.
SB 408 – Supporting Families and Child Independence
SB 408 brings together key provisions aimed at supporting both children and military families.
The bill clarifies that children engaging in appropriate independent activities—such as walking to school, playing outside, or staying home for a reasonable period—are not considered neglected, provided those activities are suitable for their age and do not put them in danger.
It also reinforces that parents are not negligent simply for allowing independence, unless they knowingly place a child in a harmful situation.
In addition, the bill strengthens support for military families by requiring coordination between the Kansas Department for Children and Families and military family advocacy programs. This ensures families connected to military service have access to additional support and resources when needed.
SB 408 is a thoughtful approach to balancing child safety, parental rights, and family support.
Closing Thoughts
As the regular session begins to wind down, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out, share concerns, and stay engaged throughout this process.
Your input plays an important role in shaping the decisions made in Topeka, and it is truly an honor to represent the people of Southeast Kansas.
If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
In service,
Dale Helwig
Kansas State Representative, District 1
