March 27, 2026
The Property Tax Revenue Limit bill (Senate substitute for HB 2745) was sent to the governor; it puts the breaks on annual property-tax collection increases with a revenue limit (the previous year’s property tax collection plus Midwest Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is lower). If a governing body attempts to exceed the limited amount, a voter petition of 10% of registered voters in that taxing subdivision can stop the increase. The Senate added some safeguards: the revenue‑neutral notices you get in the mail must flag if a budget exceeds revenue‑neutral (property tax collected the previous year) levels and if revenue limits are to be exceeded; if revenue limits are exceeded a petition signature area is to be included on the notice; petition signatures may be collected Aug. 10–Sept. 15, and if 10% of registered voters sign, the governing body may not exceed revenue neutral. The House had changed the petition process so that they do not have be notarized. It’s a meaningful step to slow government growth. I hope the governor signs it. It passed the Senate 22–18. I voted yes.
Early in the session, House and Senate leaders agreed to work on two items: an assessment cap (Senate position, 3%, that must be implemented by constitutional amendment) and a revenue cap (House position, allowing voters to stop increases 3% or more by petition). Each measure would offer protection: the assessment cap would protect individual properties, while the revenue limit would help slow government growth. Unfortunately, the assessment cap was rejected by the House – even after the House offered a 10% cap and no rollback on assessment values; the Senate position was 3% or lower with a 2022 baseline year. To move on the measure, I was asked to acquiesce to a 9% cap, with the understanding it could be lowered by statute, and a baseline assessment value year of 2024, which the House accepted – but rejected it on the House floor. There is still a slim chance to pass something in veto session.
Some House members continue to spread misinformation about assessment limits, demonstrating a lack of understanding of the legislation. For example, claims that it “will hurt first-time homebuyers” are inaccurate: the measure transfers the capped assessed value to the new homeowner. A major benefit because the capped assessment value goes with the property, unlike today where some are seeing increases that can tax them out of their home in just a few years.
As Chairman of the Senate Tax Committee, I worked day and night trying to get a limit on property tax increases passed – one that would protect homeowners and save them money. We need to stop these runaway increases. However, as a leader in lowering your taxes, there are members of the legislature trying to blame me for not getting results when they vote against the limits. Go figure.
The Legislature will return April 9th for consideration of bills vetoed by the Governor and possible action on other legislation. Currently, there are 50 bills on the Governor’s desk for consideration and over 80 bills on the way to her desk. All legislation can be found at www.KSLegislature.gov.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn