Week 5 Legislative Update: Property Taxes, Election Integrity, and Protecting Kansas Families

Week 5 of the legislative session brought significant discussion, important committee work, and a few developments that will continue to move forward next week.

This week, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed SB 244. The bill would have required that the gender listed on a person’s driver’s license reflect the gender on their birth certificate. It also addressed the use of single-sex restrooms in government-owned buildings. I believe this veto reflects a growing divide between the Governor’s priorities and the concerns many Kansans have expressed. I look forward to voting to override the Governor on this important issue.

The House Committee on Taxation heard HB 2457, legislation that would freeze property taxes on a person’s primary residence beginning at age 65. The bill also removes the property tax exemption for nonprofit medical providers that compete directly with independent for-profit providers. An amendment to exempt hospitals was proposed and received favorable discussion, though additional work remains. I want to thank David for coming to the Capitol to testify in person about the benefits of this proposal.

County treasurers from across Kansas gathered in Topeka this week for training. It was a pleasure to visit with Cherokee County Treasurer Heather Sapp and discuss several issues affecting our area.

Undersheriff Chip Root also traveled to Topeka to testify in support of HB 2762. This bill closes a loophole in current law by clarifying who qualifies as a “person in a position of authority” within a school setting. Schools sometimes utilize contract personnel, such as nurses or school resource officers, who are not technically school employees but do hold positions of authority. This legislation ensures those individuals may be held accountable under the law if unlawful sexual relationships occur.

The House overwhelmingly passed SCR 1615 this week, honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk and recognizing October 14 as “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day.”

The House Elections Committee passed HCR 5021, a proposed constitutional amendment requiring voters to present photographic identification at the time of voting. If it advances through the legislative process, voters will have the opportunity to decide on this amendment on August 4. The resolution seeks to place existing voter identification practices into the Kansas Constitution to reinforce election integrity and maintain public confidence in our electoral process.

There has also been considerable discussion regarding student cellphone use in schools. The Education Committee passed House Substitute for SB 281, which would prohibit students from using personal electronic devices during school hours in public schools. Nonaccredited nonpublic schools would retain the authority to adopt their own policies. This bill is expected to be considered by the full House next week.

The Welfare Reform Committee passed HB 2738 out of committee. Last year, a budget proviso directed the Secretary of Children and Families to request a federal waiver prohibiting the purchase of candy and soft drinks with SNAP benefits. However, that directive is set to expire if a waiver is not granted within a certain timeframe. HB 2738 removes that limitation by requiring the Secretary to continue requesting or updating the waiver annually until approval is granted.

The bill also improves the likelihood of federal approval by adopting a clearer definition of “candy,” modeled after language used successfully by Oklahoma. The updated definition is simpler to administer and still permits baked goods such as cakes, cookies, and brownies to be purchased with SNAP benefits.

Finally, this legislation aligns Kansas with broader national trends. Twenty states — including all neighboring states — have received USDA waivers restricting the purchase of soda, candy, and other nutritionally limited items with SNAP benefits. By modernizing definitions and ensuring ongoing waiver requests, this bill creates a practical and sustainable path toward achieving the state’s policy goals.

This session is moving quickly. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I appreciate the opportunity to serve and represent the 1st District.

In service,
Dale Helwig