Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2647

Introduced
2/3/26  
Refer
2/3/26  
Report Pass
2/16/26  
Engrossed
2/25/26  
Refer
2/26/26  
Report Pass
3/11/26  
Enrolled
4/9/26  

Caption

Authorizing the Kansas department of transportation to establish a statewide conduit system for fiber optic transmissions of broadband connections.

Impact

The bill's passage is anticipated to significantly impact state laws regarding telecommunications and broadband deployment, as it directly addresses the funding, management, and implementation of a statewide broadband system. By creating a dedicated revolving fund, the bill aims to ensure that sufficient financial resources are available for the upkeep and expansion of broadband services, which are essential for modern communication and economic development. This initiative positions Kansas to better support digital infrastructure in rural and underserved areas.

Summary

House Bill 2647 authorizes the Kansas Department of Transportation to establish a statewide conduit system for fiber optic transmissions of broadband connections. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the department in planning, administering, and maintaining this system, emphasizing the establishment of a revolving fund for the management of finances related to the broadband infrastructure. The goal is to improve access to high-speed internet and facilitate the installation of necessary equipment by public and private entities under certain regulations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2647 is largely positive, with broad bipartisan support evident from the voting history—where it passed the House with a 120 to 1 vote. Proponents argue that enhancing broadband infrastructure is vital for educational and economic growth, especially in remote areas. However, concerns persist about ensuring that the program does not stifle competition from private providers while maintaining a focus on expanding access where it's needed most.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the bill's implementation oversight and the potential for the state to inadvertently compete with the private sector in broadband services, which the legislation explicitly aims to prevent. Critics have raised questions about the transparency of how funds will be managed and the effectiveness of regulations governing the installation and operation of the broadband conduit system. Overall, while the bill is seen as a step forward, it also raises questions about the balance between public and private sector roles in broadband provision.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2002

Expanding medical assistance eligibility and enacting the cutting healthcare costs for all Kansans act.

KS SB1

Modifying income tax rates for individuals, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax, increasing the Kansas standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, increasing the income tax credit amount for household and dependent care expenses, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, excluding internal revenue code section 1031 exchange transactions as indicators of fair market value for property tax valuation purposes, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, providing for certain transfers to the state school district finance fund and abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund.

KS SB2

Eliminating the income limit to qualify for the subtraction modification exempting social security benefits, increasing the income tax credit amount for household and dependent care expenses, establishing the veterans' valor property tax relief act providing for an income tax credit or refund for eligible individuals, citing the increased property tax homestead refund claim section as the homeowners' property tax freeze program, decreasing the normal privilege tax rate, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district; providing for certain transfers to the state school district finance fund, reducing the state rate of tax on sales of food and food ingredients and modifying the percent credited to the state highway fund from revenue collected.

KS HB2001

Authorizing the secretary of commerce to enter into agreements with major professional sports franchises to establish STAR bond projects for a major professional sports complex, providing for additional revenue sources, expanding the powers and discretion of the secretary and making other changes to the STAR bonds financing act to facilitate such projects, limiting the secretary’s authority to approve such projects to one year unless extended by the legislative coordinating council, authorizing the Kansas development finance authority to issue STAR bonds for such projects, transferring funds under certain circumstances from the state gaming revenues fund to the attracting professional sports to Kansas fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, and, if approved by the legislative coordinating council, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

KS SCR1604

Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit property tax valuation increases for real property and personal property mobile homes.

KS SB8

Exempting the sale of firearms, firearms accessories, ammunition, firearm safes and firearm safety devices from the retatilers' sales tax.

KS SCR1603

Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to limit property tax valuation increases for residential property.

KS SCR1602

Approving the creation of a port authority in Wyandotte County Kansas.

KS SB6

Providing a sales tax exemption for sales of electricity to residential premises by municipally owned or operated utilities.

KS SR1702

A resolution honoring the life, career and trailblazing achievements of Kansas icon Ed Dwight.

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