Kansas taxes

Gov. Laura Kelly signed Senate Bill 82 into law Monday, saying it supports child care access and the economy.

Kansas lawmakers have promised for years to fix sky-high property tax bills. But the 2026 session ended with both Democrats and Republicans disappointed and vowing to try again next year.

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The bill, which resembles a package Gov. Laura Kelly previously vetoed, effectively limits annual spending increases by local governments to 3% or the inflation rate, whichever is smaller.

The resolution, which would have been on the August ballot for voters to decide, limits the assessed valuation of residential, commercial, and agricultural property from jumping more than 9% in any one year.

Kelly said her veto wasn’t about limiting the ability to practice faith freely, but ensuring Kansans use health plans that cover their medical expenses.

Property tax relief legislation is left in the lurch while the House and Senate iron out a viable path forward

Public ownership of the new Chiefs stadium would shield bonds for the project from the federal income tax.

Kansas lawmakers are more optimistic about the chances of passing property tax relief this session. One proposal is a constitutional amendment that would cap property tax valuation changes at 3% for most properties, while another would cap spending by local governments.

Driven by an overheated residential market and decades of commercial exemptions, a flip in the tax base has left families paying the lion’s share for schools, roads and emergency services.