Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SCR1608

Introduced
1/29/25  

Caption

Proposing an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to require individuals to be citizens of the United States, at least 18 years of age and a resident of the voting area in which such person seeks to vote in order to vote in this state.

Impact

If approved, SCR1608 would alter the constitutional framework governing voter eligibility in Kansas. By enforcing these criteria, the amendment underscores the importance of citizenship and residency, potentially influencing how elections are conducted. Critics argue that this change may disenfranchise certain groups, particularly transient individuals or newly relocated residents who may struggle to meet these updated requirements. Supporters, however, assert that such measures strengthen the integrity of the electoral process, ensuring that only those with a vested interest in the local community participate in elections.

Summary

SCR1608 proposes an amendment to section 1 of article 5 of the Kansas state constitution, delineating specific qualifications for individuals seeking to vote within the state. This resolution emphasizes that voters must be citizens of the United States, at least 18 years of age, and reside in the voting area where they wish to cast their ballot. This change intends to clarify existing language surrounding voter qualifications and establish more stringent guidelines for voting eligibility.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SCR1608 is the potential impact on absentee voting. The bill's language asserts that citizens who may have become nonresidents prior to an election can still vote in their former voting areas, provided they meet certain conditions. This condition can create confusion and raise questions about the enforceability and fairness of such provisions. Opponents of this amendment argue that the proposed residency requirements could create barriers for eligible voters, whereas proponents contend that this resolution would enhance voter responsibility and commitment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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.

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 SB4

Requiring all advance voting ballots be returned by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

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 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 SR1702

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

KS HB2002

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

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.