The proposed bill significantly reforms property taxation in Kansas by introducing a mechanism for taxpayers to initiate protest petitions against taxing jurisdictions whose budgets exceed a specified threshold, which is based on the previous year's property tax revenues adjusted for inflation and new construction. Taxpayers have 30 days to submit a petition after the jurisdiction certifies the tax amount, and if at least 10% of qualified voters sign, the jurisdiction will be restricted to the maximum allowable funding. Additionally, the bill requires county clerks to inform taxpayers about the protest petition process and their property tax details, while establishing a "protest petition notification costs fund" to cover clerks' expenses related to these notifications.

Moreover, the bill amends the taxation process for school districts and other taxing subdivisions, clarifying that increases in property tax revenue for calculating the revenue neutral rate will not be deemed as exceeding that rate. It sets an October 1 deadline for governing bodies to certify ad valorem tax amounts and mandates the county clerk to adjust taxes if compliance is not met. The legislation also enhances transparency by requiring the Department of Administration to make budget and tax rate documents available online and allows for reimbursement of clerks' costs for notifying taxing subdivisions. The bill includes repeals of certain existing statutes and will take effect upon publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 72-5137, 79-2988, 79-1801, 79-2929, 79-2989
As Amended by House Committee: 72-5137, 79-2988, 79-1801, 79-2929, 79-2989
S Sub for: 79-1801, 79-2988