The bill introduces significant changes to property taxation in Kansas, particularly regarding the funding of taxing jurisdictions through property tax revenues. It allows for the implementation of a protest petition mechanism, enabling citizens to contest any budget or appropriation that exceeds a specified amount of property tax revenue. If a protest petition garners at least 10% of the qualified voters' signatures, the taxing jurisdiction will be limited to a maximum amount of property tax revenues as defined in the bill. Additionally, the bill establishes the Acknowledging Stewardship of Tax Revenue and Appropriations (ASTRA) fund, which will receive annual transfers from the state general fund to support eligible cities and counties.

The legislation also eliminates the revenue neutral rate requirements for taxing subdivisions and repeals related sections of current law. It amends existing statutes to streamline the certification process for ad valorem tax levies and removes the requirement for public hearings related to exceeding the revenue neutral rate. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in property tax funding while providing financial support to local jurisdictions through the newly created ASTRA fund. Overall, these changes are designed to empower taxpayers and ensure responsible management of property tax revenues.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-5137, 79-2988, 79-1801, 79-2929, 79-2989