Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2138

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Authorizing school districts to levy an annual tax levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.

Impact

The proposed tax levy is significant as it equips school districts with a dedicated revenue stream specifically earmarked for essential safety and accessibility projects in public schools. Supporters of the bill argue that this measure is crucial for improving school safety and ensuring that all schools meet federal standards under the ADA. However, the bill's reliance on local taxation could exacerbate disparities in funding between wealthier districts with a broader tax base and those in less affluent areas, creating challenges in ensuring equitable access to safe and compliant school facilities throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 2138 authorizes school districts in Kansas to levy an annual tax of up to two mills on taxable tangible property. This tax is intended to fund school building expenses that ensure safety and security, as well as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The bill aims to address urgent needs in school infrastructure, particularly concerning safety measures necessitated by recent national trends and ADA compliance. The revenue generated from this tax will also be included in the calculations for capital outlay state aid determinations provided to school districts, helping to stabilize funding and support necessary improvements.

Contention

Although the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards ensuring student safety and compliance with federal regulations, some stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the tax implications for local taxpayers. The possibility of a petition opposing the tax levy, which could lead to a public vote, reflects the contentious nature of local taxation initiatives. Critics worry that the additional tax burden could pose financial strain on families and may not adequately address systemic funding issues in education.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB465

Authorizing school districts to levy an annual levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.

KS SB113

House Substitute for SB 113 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the department of education for FY 23, FY 24 and FY 25; establishing the mental health intervention team program; authorizing certain students to participate in activities regulated by the Kansas state high school activities association; requiring school districts to post certain enrollment and academic information on school district websites; revising school district open-enrollment procedures; authorizing local school board members to receive compensation from their school district; authorizing current-year student enrollment for determinations of state foundation aid; continuing the 20 mill statewide tax levy for schools; amending the school districts that qualify for and the amount that school districts are able to levy pursuant to the cost-of-living weighting.

KS SB295

Authorizing the continuation of the 20 mill statewide property tax levy for schools.

KS HB2176

Creating the Arkansas city area public library district act and the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school districts No. 470 and 463 to levy a tax on behalf of such library district.

KS HB2205

Creating the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school district No. 463 to levy a tax on behalf of the library district.

KS HB2221

Expanding the eligible uses for the 0% state rate for sales tax for certain utilities and the levying of sales tax on such sales by cities and counties and authorizing cities and counties to exempt such sales from such city or county taxes.

KS HB2612

Requiring school districts to be in compliance with all state laws and rules and regulations to be accredited and requiring the state board of education to establish a process to challenge determinations of such compliance.

KS SB138

Expanding and clarifying the property tax exemption for Strother field airport property, increasing the extent of exemption for residential property from the statewide school levy, discontinuing the state tax levies for the Kansas educational building fund and the state institutions building fund and providing financing therefor from the state general fund.

KS SB304

Authorizing the state board of education to establish a new unified school district, if necessary, for the attachment of territory of a school district disorganized via voter petition and providing for administrative and judicial review of resolutions to permanently close a public school building.

KS HB2458

Authorizing the state board of education to establish a new unified school district, if necessary, for the attachment of territory of a school district disorganized via voter petition and providing for administrative and judicial review of resolutions to permanently close a public school building.

Similar Bills

KS SB465

Authorizing school districts to levy an annual levy of up to two mills for the purposes of school building safety, security and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act and including such levy in the capital outlay state aid determination for such school districts.

CT HB07055

An Act Concerning Connecticut First.

CT HB06527

An Act Concerning Tax Incremental Financing In Enterprise Corridor Zones, Tax Incremental Financing In Municipal Development Zones, And Allowing Certain Commercial Properties In Bristol And Plainville To Qualify For Enterprise Zone Benefits.

CT SB01028

An Act Concerning Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated And Private Equity Investment.

CT SB00842

An Act Authorizing And Adjusting Bonds Of The State For Capital Improvements, Transportation, Elimination Of The Accumulated Gaap Deficit And Other Purposes.

LA HB654

Establishes the Greater New Orleans Biosciences Economic Development District Tax Rebate Program in Jefferson and Orleans parishes

MN SF5235

Local government debt financing modifications

MN HF5248

Local government debt financing modified.