This bill seeks to promote economic development in Kansas by establishing a port authority in Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, while also expanding the STAR bonds financing act. It allows for the redevelopment of certain mall facilities as eligible STAR bond projects and grants the Secretary of Commerce the authority to approve vertical construction within designated STAR bond project districts. The legislation sets visitor origin requirements for these projects, mandates compliance enforcement, and ensures public access to information about STAR bond projects. Key amendments include extending the expiration date of the STAR bonds financing act to July 1, 2031, and defining criteria for large metropolitan and rural mall STAR bond projects, which must demonstrate significant visitor draw and economic impact.

Additionally, the bill modifies the financing structure for STAR bond projects, allowing for a higher percentage of financing—up to 70% of total project costs for certain projects—while maintaining a maximum maturity of special obligation bonds at 30 years. It introduces new definitions and compliance mechanisms, including annual reviews of visitor origin data for projects approved after July 1, 2025. The bill also mandates annual reporting requirements for cities and counties regarding STAR bond projects and establishes that special obligation bonds can be used to cover project costs. Notably, it removes the provision allowing federal government contributions for bond repayment and prohibits the use of eminent domain for acquiring real property for STAR bond projects. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance economic growth through targeted redevelopment while ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 12-17
Sub: 12-17
{As Amended by Senate Committee of the Whole}: 12-17
H Sub for: 12-17, 79-3201, 12-3402