March 13, 2026
Property Tax Relief: A historic opportunity is in Topeka to provide real property tax reform and certainty, but the clock is ticking. While the Senate and House worked in good faith toward a comprehensive solution, a key piece of the puzzle, SCR 1616, the CAP Amendment, which would cap individual assessment increases at 3% per year, providing the predictability homeowners have been pleading for, stalled in the House and was sent back to the Tax Committee. The Senate passed the CAP Amendment with a strong bipartisan vote of 30 to 10. However, despite ongoing negotiations, the House has yet to pass the measure, favoring a revenue limit instead. We need both to truly “reign in” an out-of-control system. The Assessment Cap (The Senate Plan): Protects individual homeowners from “valuation shock” and ensures transparency by requiring local governments to explicitly raise the mill levy if they want more revenue. The Revenue Limit (The House Plan): Would help control overall government spending. While helpful for the big picture, it doesn’t protect the individual homeowner from being priced out of their home. Last year, a Constitutional Amendment was passed in the House using a rolling average, but that unfortunately locks us in at today’s record-high valuations. We need the CAP Amendment to provide a real ceiling. Because of how the Kansas tax code is structured, the CAP Amendment is a Constitutional change. Passing it doesn’t make it law—it simply puts it on the ballot, allowing the people of Kansas to vote on it.
We have a powerful precedent for this: In 1975, Kansas voters amended the Constitution to change how agricultural land is valued (moving from market value to “ag use” production value). This saved countless farmers and ranchers from losing their land to high taxes. Today, Kansas families are facing that same threat. Polls show that 75% of Kansans support a 3% assessment cap. While the House and Senate continue to negotiate, the goal remains clear: protect our homes and provide lasting relief. There is still time to pass both the assessment cap and the revenue limit. Let’s finish this and give Kansans the protection they deserve.
Ethanol Fuel Tax Credit would be established in SB 498, for the sale of E-15 or higher blends for three years. The bill was amended on the Senate floor to create a tax credit on the purchases of lockable gun and ammunition storage for tax years 2026 through 2028. It also repealed some unused tax credits. It passed 38 to 1. I voted yes.
Active Shooter Drills would be established in schools if SB 263 is law. It passed 38 to 1. I voted yes.
Mandatory Recess for K-8 grade students if SB 339 becomes law. It would prohibit withholding recess for disciplinary reasons. It’s one of those bills you can see both sides. After consideration, I voted yes. It passed 24 to 15.
Cattle, Horse, and Ag Equipment Theft would be become a level 5 nonperson felony and forfeiture of contraband property used in the theft. It would result in significant penalties, including imprisonment, depending on the thief’s previous record. HB 2413 passed unanimously.
Grain and Hay Theft penalties would become a level 6 nonperson felony if HB 2422 becomes law. Punishment will depend on the thief’s criminal history. It passed unanimously.
Wildlife and Parks would be allowed to set fees through rules and regulations if HB 2568 becomes law. It was controversial and only passed 23 to 16. I voted no.
Governor Emergency Powers would be expanded during the World Cup (soccer) in Sen Sub for HB 2212. The state gave $28 million for infrastructure changes for the World Cup and now they want emergency powers to suspend our laws for security concerns. Where will it end? I voted no. It passed 38 to 2.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
