Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB95

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Providing that the legislature may approve the creation of port authorities by enactment of a bill and authorizing the governing body of the unified government of Wyandotte county and Kansas City, Kansas, to create a port authority.

Impact

The bill aims to stimulate economic development in both Wyandotte County and Kansas City by enabling localized control over port management and administration. By clarifying the process for establishing port authorities, it provides a direct pathway for local entities to promote commercial growth, which could lead to job creation and improved infrastructure. Moreover, this initiative aligns with broader state economic goals of increasing trade and upping the efficiency of moving goods within Kansas and beyond.

Summary

Senate Bill 95 authorizes the creation of port authorities in Kansas cities and counties, contingent upon legislative approval. Specifically, it allows the governing body of the unified government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City to establish a port authority, facilitating economic activity and fostering the growth of commerce within the state. This bill modernizes the framework outlined in K.S.A. 12-3402 by providing new opportunities for local governments to develop ports that could enhance trade and transportation capabilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB95 include the balance of local versus state control and the potential financial implications for taxpayers. Concerns have been raised regarding the ability of local governments to levy taxes to support these port authorities. The bill stipulates that any tax levies must be approved by local voters, which might place significant constraints on the implementation of port activities, depending on public sentiment. This aspect has generated discussions regarding the preparedness of local administrations to engage the electorate on such financial matters.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SCR1602

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

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 HB2004

Authorizing counties to propose an earnings tax for ballot question.

KS SB5

Authorizing counties to impose an earnings tax.

KS SR1702

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

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 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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.