2026 Kansas Statehouse Insider - Week Seven

Following the Turnaround, the Kansas Legislature’s seventh week quickly shifted to major policy and budget debates. While committees in both chambers began hearing bills from the opposite chamber, the House took up two of the session’s most closely watched issues: the state budget and property tax relief. With the Legislature now in the second half of the session, committees will work through bills that survived Turnaround, and negotiations will intensify on other high-profile measures.After several hours of debate, the House passed its version of the state budget for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. The measure passed with just 68 of the required 63 votes. The Senate has yet to run its version of the budget on the floor, but is expected to do so early next week. Budget discussions remain central to the remainder of the session, particularly as lawmakers weigh spending priorities alongside revenue projections and long-term fiscal stability.In addition, the House advanced a property tax bill that was significantly amended on the floor. The proposal includes changes aimed at limiting future valuation growth and adjusting certain levy and rate calculations, part of a broader effort to respond to concerns about rising property tax burdens on homeowners, businesses, and agricultural producers. The Senate passed SCR 1616, its proposed constitutional amendment, with the required two-thirds majority. The bill would amend the Kansas Constitution to place additional parameters around how property tax valuations are determined and limited, with the intent of providing longer-term structural guardrails.