Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB536

Introduced
3/6/24  
Refer
3/7/24  

Caption

Requiring political subdivisions to adopt a budget that remains at or below revenue neutral and use funds to reduce property tax in order to receive local ad valorem tax reduction fund (LAVTRF) distributions.

Impact

The enactment of SB536 would significantly impact how local governments approach budget preparation and tax levies. By tying the availability of state funds directly to the fiscal practices of local municipalities, the bill effectively incentivizes them to maintain tax levels that do not exceed previous years’ totals. This could lead to a broader strategic shift where local entities are more cautious in their financial planning and may require adjustments in services or infrastructure spending to comply with the new budgetary guidelines. Critics may argue that this adds unnecessary constraints to local budgeting, limiting their flexibility in responding to community needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 536 (SB536) proposed by the Committee on Assessment and Taxation aims to establish a new requirement for political subdivisions in Kansas concerning the local ad valorem tax reduction fund (LAVTRF). The bill mandates that these subdivisions must adopt and certify budgets that remain at or below a revenue-neutral level to qualify for LAVTRF distributions. This means that if they wish to receive funds from this state-level program, they must demonstrate fiscal responsibility in their tax levies, providing a specific framework for budgetary compliance which is intended to uphold fair taxation practices across the state.

Conclusion

In summary, SB536 represents a significant shift in the relationship between state funding and local governmental budgeting practices in Kansas. As it stands, the bill's passage could foster a more structured approach to tax-related fiscal accountability. However, its long-term effects on local governance and funding dynamics will need careful observation if enacted.

Contention

The bill has generated discussions regarding its implications for local governance. Proponents assert that it is a means to ensure responsible fiscal practices and reduce property tax burdens on residents by limiting the ability of local subdivisions to increase taxes unrestrictedly. However, opponents may view it as a legislative overreach, arguing that it undermines local governance autonomy by imposing state-level controls on budgetary matters. The provision that political subdivisions may choose not to participate in LAVTRF distributions adds another layer of complexity, as it raises questions about the extent of state influence over local financial decisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2026

Senate Substitute for HB 2026 by Committee on Assessment and Taxation - Requiring political subdivisions to adopt a budget that remains at or below revenue neutral and use funds to reduce property tax in order to receive local ad valorem tax reduction fund (LAVTRF) distributions, providing for one annual transfer to the fund, eliminating the county and city revenue sharing fund and discontinuing certain transfers to the special city and county highway fund.

KS SB332

Providing for the distribution of local ad valorem tax reduction fund (LAVTRF) moneys from the state to residential property taxpayers in the form of rebates.

KS HB2508

Authorizing a transfer of state general fund moneys to the local ad valorem tax reduction fund in fiscal year 2025 and all fiscal years thereafter, requiring political subdivisions to credit all such moneys to residential property taxpayers in the form of a rebate and providing a formula for such rebate amount.

KS SB300

House Substitute for SB 300 by Committee on Taxation - Modifying income tax rates for individuals, increasing the standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, increasing the income limit for an income tax subtraction modification for social security income, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax rate, abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund, providing for certain transfers to the special city and county highway fund and decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district.

KS SB196

Reinstating transfers to the local ad valorem tax reduction fund (LAVTRF).

KS SB309

Creating the fixing instant revenue shock for taxpayers fund and the local extraordinary needs fund, establishing the joint committee on local extraordinary needs grants and abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund.

KS HB2815

Abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund, discontinuing certain transfers to the special city and county highway fund and decreasing rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district.

KS HB2036

Senate Substitute for HB 2036 by Committee on Assessment and Taxation - Modifying income tax rates for individuals, exempting all social security benefits from Kansas income tax, increasing the Kansas standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax, establishing a 0% state rate for sales and use taxes for food and food ingredients on July 1, 2024, and modifying the percent credited to the state highway fund, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district, abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund and providing for certain transfers to the state school district finance fund.

KS HB2844

Modifying income tax rates for individuals, increasing the standard deduction and the Kansas personal exemption, increasing the income limit for an income tax subtraction modification for social security income, increasing the extent of property tax exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, decreasing the privilege tax normal tax rate, abolishing the local ad valorem tax reduction fund and the county and city revenue sharing fund and decreasing the rate of ad valorem tax imposed by a school district.

KS HB2573

Requiring certain libraries that have budgets approved by taxing subdivisions to be subject to the revenue neutral rate independent of the taxing subdivision.

Similar Bills

CA AB516

Sex offenses: disabled victims.

CA AB2123

District-based elections.

CA AB453

District-based elections.

MI HB4122

Health occupations: health professionals; permanent revocation of license or registration if convicted of sexual conduct under pretext of medical treatment; provide for. Amends sec. 16226 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16226). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4121'23

CA AB3171

Controlled substances: fentanyl.

CA AB892

Sex offenders: registration: solicitation of a minor.

MN SF1826

Payment rates establishment for certain substance use disorder treatment services

MN HF1994

Payment rates established for certain substance use disorder treatment services, and vendor eligibility recodified for payments from the behavioral health fund.