Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB21

Introduced
1/16/25  
Refer
1/17/25  
Report Pass
2/5/25  
Engrossed
2/25/25  
Refer
2/25/25  
Report Pass
3/4/25  
Enrolled
4/10/25  

Caption

Amending the Kansas parimutuel racing act regarding qualifications for an organization license, the definition of horsemen's associations and horsemen's nonprofit organizations and the distribution of certain tax revenues.

Impact

The passage of SB21 would significantly impact the statutes governing horse and greyhound racing in Kansas, establishing a clearer legal framework for operators and ensuring better accountability. By redefining organizational structures and streamlining licensing procedures, the bill aims to bolster the integrity of the industry while ensuring that financial resources are directed appropriately for the promotion and support of horse racing activities. The changes in tax revenue distribution are expected to provide increased funding for horse breeding development initiatives, directly benefiting the equine industry within the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 21 aims to amend the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act by modifying qualifications for organization licenses, redefining horsemen's associations and nonprofit organizations, and altering the distribution of certain tax revenues related to parimutuel wagering. The bill enhances regulatory oversight by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission and includes specific provisions to streamline application processes for race management licenses. Additionally, the legislation serves to fund horse breeding developments through a reallocation of tax revenues generated from wagers on historical horse races, which are now required to be tracked more transparently.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB21 appears generally supportive among stakeholders involved in the racing industry, particularly those advocating for regulatory clarity and improved financial oversight. However, some concerns have been expressed regarding the level of regulatory control being imposed by the state through the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. Critics argue that increased oversight could stifle the competitive landscape for smaller organizations. Despite these concerns, the overall reception is optimistic about the bill's potential to invigorate local horse racing and breeding opportunities in Kansas.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding SB21 hinge on the balance between necessary regulatory oversight and the autonomy of local organizations conducting racing activities. While proponents argue for stringent standards to maintain integrity, opponents maintain that excessive regulation could undermine local governance and deter new entrants into the racing field, leading to reduced competition. The debate illustrates the broader conflict between state authority and local interests, with stakeholders divided on the best approach to fostering a thriving racing industry while safeguarding public interest.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HB2002

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

KS HB2003

Establishing the veterans' valor property tax relief act providing for an income tax credit or refund for eligible individuals, modifying the definition of household income and increasing the appraised value threshold for eligibility of seniors and disabled veterans related to increased property tax claims and citing the section as the homeowners' property tax freeze program, providing property tax exemptions for certain personal property including watercraft, marine equipment, off-road vehicles, motorized bicycles and certain trailers, excluding internal revenue code section 1031 exchange transactions as indicators of fair market value, providing for certain exclusions from the prohibition of paying taxes under protest after a valuation notice appeal and providing four prior years' values on the annual valuation notice.

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 SB8

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

KS SR1701

Providing for the organization of the Senate for the 2024 special session of the Legislature.

KS SB7

Authorizing federally licensed firearm dealers, in addition to county sheriffs, to receive applications for concealed carry licenses and forward such applications to the attorney general, prohibiting sheriffs from assessing any fee related to application services and allowing dealers to assess a fee related to application services not to exceed $20.

KS HR6001

Providing for the organization of the House of Representatives for the 2024 special session of the Legislature.

KS SCR1602

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.