Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB402

Introduced
1/27/26  
Refer
1/28/26  
Report Pass
2/16/26  
Engrossed
2/26/26  
Refer
2/26/26  

Caption

Modifying the definition of household income for the homestead property tax refund act, providing for one homestead property tax refund claim form and providing an eligibility exception for claimants who are required to live away from the homestead by reason of health or other hardship, increasing the homestead appraised value thresholds for certain homestead refund claim provisions, extending the period of time to file homestead claims and providing for an increase in the maximum refund allowed, providing that a person shall not lose eligibility for a homestead property tax refund claim or the SAFESR tax credit if the appraised valuation of the homestead subsequently exceeds the applicable threshold after qualifying in a previous tax year and modifying the household income threshold, providing a cost-of-living adjustment for purposes of the SAFESR tax credit and prohibiting tax sales of residential property for certain qualifying individuals for taxes owed on residential property.

Impact

The implications of SB402 could significantly affect property tax regulations in the state. By adjusting the definition of household income and ensuring consistent eligibility for tax refunds and credits, the bill aims to provide better support for homeowners facing financial difficulties. Furthermore, by establishing a constant household income threshold for the SAFESR tax credit, it seeks to prevent fluctuations that could unfairly disqualify individuals in subsequent tax years, thereby providing a greater sense of stability for property owners.

Summary

SB402 proposes modifications to the definition of household income with regard to homestead property tax refunds. The bill allows for a singular refund claim form, streamlining the process for individuals seeking tax relief. Notably, it includes an eligibility exception for claimants who may have to live away from their homestead due to health issues or other hardships. Additionally, it safeguards claimants from losing eligibility if the appraised value of their homestead exceeds $350,000 in subsequent tax years, provided they qualified in a previous year.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB402 may reveal points of contention, particularly regarding the thresholds set for income and property appraisal values. Proponents argue that the changes are necessary to support low to moderate-income households who face barriers due to rising property values in the state. However, critics may express concerns about the potential effects on state revenues and the fairness of the income thresholds. Some may question whether the measures adequately address the needs of those most in need of financial support while balancing the state's fiscal responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 SB6

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

KS SB8

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

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 SR1701

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

KS HB2002

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

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