SENATE HAPPENINGS
Feb. 10, 2025
Topeka
This week, Senate standing committees continued to hold hearings and advance legislation for placement on General Orders, where the full Senate will debate and vote.
As the Legislature wrapped up its fourth week, the pace is accelerating in anticipation of Turnaround Day on February 20.
Tax relief and the state budget remain top priorities, with discussions on potential budget cuts to provide meaningful tax relief for Kansans.
In the coming weeks, we expect a flurry of bill hearings, budget recommendations, and tax debates as we work to meet key deadlines. So far, over 250 bills have been introduced in the Senate since the legislative session began on January 13, 2025.
This week, the Senate passed eight bills to the House of Representatives, where they will undergo further committee hearings and debate. Additionally, one bill has been sent to the Governor’s desk, awaiting her approval or veto.
SENATE FLOOR ACTION SB10 - Would exempt personal property tax on snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, motorcycles manufactured for off-road use, golf carts, motorized bicycles, electric-assisted bicycles, electric-assisted scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices, or motorized wheelchairs, airplanes, helicopters, and watercraft (boats) and trailers having a gross weight of 15,000 pounds or less. The bill passed 37-3. I voted yes.
SB35 – Would eliminate all of the state’s portion of the mill levies for the Kansas Education Building Fund and the State Institutions Building Fund and off-set these dollars to the State General Fund. The bill passed 38-2. I voted yes.
SB63 – also known as Help Not Harm Act - would restrict the use of state funds for gender transition care to those under the age of eighteen. The bill would also prohibit health care providers from performing transition care such as gender transition surgeries and prescribing puberty blockers. It would create civil penalties to those who knowingly provide such services. This bill passed 32-8. I voted yes. After a vote of 83-35 in the House on January 31st, the bill is now on the Governor’s desk.
SCR1602 - encourages the governor to fully cooperate with federal enforcement of immigration laws. The resolution passed 31-9. I voted yes.
SB8 - would ensure drivers exercise more caution when passing stationary vehicles with hazard warning lights on. The bill passed 39-0.
SB9 - would extend the amount of time required for reports to be filed with the state historical society for certain United States public land surveys from 30 to 90 days. The bill passed 39-0.
SB4 - would require advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00PM on the day of the election. The bill passed 29-10. I voted yes.
SB6 – would prohibit the use of any form of ranked-choice voting methods. The bill passed 29-10. I voted yes.
SCR1603 - if adopted by a two-thirds majority of each chamber of the Kansas Legislature and approved by voters, would amend the Kansas Constitution to generally limit, for property tax purposes, the growth of taxable value of any real property or residential mobile home personal property to 3 percent per year amended to roll back the valuation starting point to 2022. The resolution passed 28-11. I voted yes.
SENATE CONFIRMATIONS
Kathy Wolfe Moore - Kansas Board of Regents
Colonel Carlin Williams - Brigadier General of the Kansas National Guard
Both confirmations passed 39-0.
ENGAGE KANSAS
A new coalition of twelve organizations is working to provide nonpartisan, unbiased public resources aimed at encouraging more Kansans to run for local office.
This week, the coalition testified before the Senate Local Government Committee, sharing their collective vision and mission to inspire more individuals to consider public service. The coalition includes: Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Association of Counties, Kansas Association of School Boards, League of Kansas Municipalities, Kansas Leadership Center, Kansas Chamber, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas, Kansas Association of Realtors, Kansas Bankers Association, Kansas Medical Society, United WE, and the Kansas Agricultural Leadership Program.
The initiative began in 2023 when Kansas Farm Bureau reached out to county clerks across the state to assess vacancies and the lack of candidates filing for local offices. Their findings revealed a troubling shortage of candidates, particularly in rural areas, raising concerns about the long-term economic viability of farm and ranch communities that depend on strong local leadership and thriving main streets.
The Engage Kansas coalition remains committed to developing and supporting new local leaders to serve Kansas schools, cities, and counties. Their website, www.engagedkansas.org, provides valuable resources for anyone considering public service. Visit the site to learn more about the program and how to bring it to your community.
JAG-K Day
On January 30, approximately 450 Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas (JAG-K) students and staff visited the Kansas Statehouse to participate in JAG-K Day at the Capitol. They were honored with Resolutions in both the Senate and House chambers, recognizing their dedication to personal and professional success. JAG-K is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to preparing students for bright futures.
As an in-school elective, the program is led by a trained JAG-K Career Specialist who provides both individual and group instruction to 35-45 students per class. Using the competency-based JAG National Curriculum, these specialists equip students with essential employability, career, and leadership skills while also assisting with academic support.
Beyond the classroom, JAG-K students give back to their communities, completing at least 10 hours of community service each year. Through this program, students gain valuable real-world experience, setting them on a path toward success in both higher education and the workforce.
NATIONAL UNCLAIMED PROPERTY DAY – FEBRUARY 1
Did you know that Senate District #36 has over $1.3 million in unclaimed funds? February 1st is Unclaimed Property Day, and the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office is encouraging Kansans to check if they have money waiting to be claimed.
"Our office currently holds more than $525 million in unclaimed property for Kansans," said Kansas Treasurer Steven Johnson in a recent news release. "It is estimated that one in 10 people nationwide has unclaimed property – so it’s worth checking regularly to see if you, your family, or friends have funds available to claim."
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA), nearly 33 million people in the U.S. have unclaimed property. This can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, unpaid life insurance benefits, safe deposit boxes, and unused rebate cards. When owners cannot be located, these assets are turned over to the state.
Searching for and claiming unclaimed property in Kansas is completely free. However, the Treasurer’s Office warns Kansans to be cautious of third-party companies that offer to assist with claims for a fee. While some operate legally, others take advantage of unsuspecting individuals through scams.
To check if you have unclaimed property, visit www.KansasStateTreasurer.com or feel free to call my office in Topeka for assistance. It only takes a few moments to search—and you might just find money that belongs to you!
FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE – A NEW PROPERTY TAX TOOL
A new app from the Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) aims to make property value data more accessible, reinforcing the state's commitment to transparency and accountability. The initiative will feature the Kansas Property Valuation Division (PVD) Data Portal, an open-data website that provides up-to-date, easily accessible property valuation information. KDOR officials emphasized their goal of streamlining the property appraisal process while increasing public transparency. By making this data widely available, they hope to empower Kansans to make informed decisions about their homes, businesses, and communities.
"We believe that transparency is key to building trust between government and citizens, and this site is an important step in that direction," said KDOR officials.
The PVD Data Portal will feature appraised value data on all property types from each Kansas county, displayed in user-friendly charts and graphs. This resource will give Kansans direct access to the most current and comprehensive property valuation data. To explore the Kansas PVD Data Portal, visit ksrevenue.gov.
As always, I’ll keep you updated on the activities of the Senate while we continue through the last few weeks before turn-around.
I always encourage you to stay informed of the issues under consideration by the Kansas Legislature. Committee schedules, bills, and other helpful information can be easily accessed through the legislature’s website at www.kslegislature.org. You are also able to ‘listen in live’ at this website.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions. An email is the best at this point in the session.