(June 17, 2024) – Today, the legislature saw a few joint committee meetings in preparation for tomorrow's start of the 2024 Special Session. Reviewing the compromise legislation compiled by legislative leaders and Governor Laura Kelly, the Joint Committee on Assessment and Taxation, chaired by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan) and Sen. Caryn Tyson (R-Parker), heard an overview of the proposal in comparison to previous tax legislation passed earlier during the 2024 session. The committee heard from conferees including:
- Dave Trabert, Kansas Policy Institute
- Eric Stafford, Kansas Chamber of Commerce
- Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties
The Joint Commerce Committee, chaired by Sen. Renee Erickson (R-Wichita) and Rep. Sean Tarwater (R-Stilwell), heard about the STAR Bonds legislation assembled to try to recruit the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals to Kansas.
Additionally, the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee held a hearing on a constitutional amendment to cap property tax increases.
Proponents:
- Dave Travert, Kansas Policy Institute
- Lanell Griffith, private citizen
- Mike Stieben, candidate for House of Representatives running in House District 42 in a primary against incumbent Rep. Lance Neelly (R-Tonganoxie)
Opponents:
- Aaron Popelka, Kansas Livestock Association, expressed concern about the property tax shift
- Leah Filter, Kansas Association of School Boards
Neutral:
- Martha Neu Smith requested that manufactured homes be included
Written Testimony:
- Private citizens
- Leavenworth County Commission
- Jay Hall, Kansas Association of Counties
The committee agreed to add manufactured homes and will introduce the legislation for tomorrow's session. The Kansas Legislature is slated to discuss these topics tomorrow, June, 18 during the Special Session.