Imposing unilateral annexation restrictions on cities and expanding the causes of action for landowners to challenge such annexations.
Impact
One of the most notable impacts of SB 124 is the enhancement of legal avenues for landowners to challenge annexations. Under this bill, landowners whose land has been annexed have a defined right to initiate court actions to contest the annexation's reasonableness and the adequacy of the service plans developed by the city. This development is likely to alter the dynamics between local governments and property owners, emphasizing equitable treatment in the annexation process.
Summary
Senate Bill 124 introduces significant restrictions on unilateral annexations by cities in Kansas. The bill amends existing laws to require greater consent and justification for cities wishing to annex land. Specifically, cities will no longer be able to annex agricultural land of 21 acres or more or land less than 20 acres without the owner's written consent. This shift aims to protect landowner rights and ensure that annexation decisions are made with consideration of the property owners' perspectives.
Contention
During the discussions around SB 124, there have been contentious points regarding the balance of power between local governments and individual rights. Supporters argue that the bill provides crucial protections for property owners against overreach by municipalities, thus promoting fairness in land-use governance. Conversely, critics contend that these restrictions could impede necessary urban growth and the ability of cities to manage their expansions effectively, potentially leading to economic stagnation in the face of burgeoning populations.
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.
Expanding the eligible uses to qualify for the 0% state sales tax rate for certain utilities and providing for the levying of local sales tax on such sales by cities and counties.
Updating references and corresponding changes related to 2021 Executive Reorganization Order No. 48 and the transfer of the division of tourism from the department of wildlife and parks to the department of commerce.
Changing the candidate filing deadline and the primary election date to two months earlier than current law, increasing campaign contribution limits and modifying restrictions on campaign activities during legislative sessions.
Permitting a prosecution for childhood sexual abuse to be commenced at any time, extending the time to file civil actions for recovery of damages caused by childhood sexual abuse and providing exceptions in the Kansas tort claims act for claims arising from such abuse.
Expanding the use of bond proceeds under the Kansas reinvestment housing incentive district act and the transferability of income, privilege and premium tax credits issued under the Kansas housing investor tax credit act.
Senate Substitute for HB 2127 by Committee on Judiciary - Permitting a prosecution for childhood sexual abuse to be commenced at any time, extending the time to file civil actions against an individual perpetrator or an entity for recovery of damages caused by childhood sexual abuse and providing exceptions in the Kansas tort claims act for claims arising from such abuse.