Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB165

Introduced

2/3/25

Refer

2/4/25

Caption

Requiring school district bond elections and other tax levy question submitted elections be held only on primary or general election dates and only permitting one such bond election to be conducted each calendar year.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to significantly impact the financial operations of school districts. By consolidating elections to specific dates, it could potentially enhance voter turnout and engagement during these elections. Supporters argue that this will allow for clearer and more focused campaigns regarding bond issuances and tax levies, facilitating informed decision-making among voters about school funding matters.

Summary

Senate Bill 165 focuses on restructuring the process by which school districts can issue bonds and levy taxes. This bill mandates that all elections related to the issuance of bonds or tax levies must occur on primary or general election dates. Additionally, it restricts school districts to holding only one bond issuance election per calendar year, aiming to streamline the election process and reduce voter fatigue regarding frequent special elections.

Conclusion

Ultimately, SB165 seeks to enhance the governance of school funding by imposing stricter electoral conditions while aiming to improve accountability and transparency. Its passage may lead to a shift in how school districts approach borrowing and funding initiatives, potentially reshaping the landscape of educational finance in the state.

Contention

However, the bill has faced criticism from some stakeholders who believe it may limit the flexibility of school boards to address urgent funding needs outside of the designated election dates. The provision that forbids more than one bond issuance approval election in a year may hinder school districts' ability to respond swiftly to financial challenges or community demands for infrastructure improvements, such as repairs or renovations to school buildings.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS SB290

Requiring a presidential preference primary election to be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May every fourth year and changing the primary election date for all primary elections to the first Tuesday following the first Monday in May.

KS HB2504

Requiring that only physical paper ballots be reviewed when conducting election audits.

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 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 SB221

Amending statutes concerning election officials, election crimes and election procedures.

KS HB2603

Establishing the citizens' election oversight board to review, investigate and report on citizen complaints on the conduct of elections and election procedures.

KS HB2086

Amending statutes concerning election procedures and election officials.

KS SB524

Specifying when boards of directors for irrigation districts of 35,000 or more acres may conduct board member elections by mail ballot and establishing the terms for such members.

KS HB2053

Senate Substitute for HB 2053 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Providing for a presidential preference primary election on March 19, 2024, and establishing voter registration and voting procedures for such election.

KS HB2512

Substitute for HB 2512 by Committee on Elections - Relating to advance voting ballots; requiring county election officers to provide at least four hours of advance voting in-person on the Saturday before an election; providing after January 1, 2025, such ballots cast in-person be received in the county election office by 7:00 p.m. on the Sunday proceeding the election; exception to allow voting in-person until 12:00 noon on Monday for good cause.

Similar Bills

IA HF2543

A bill for an act relating to education by establishing a right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease school district property and modifying charter school and open enrollment funding, and charter school board member requirements.(Formerly HSB 673.)

IA HSB673

A bill for an act relating to education by establishing a right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease school district property and modifying charter school and open enrollment funding, charter school board member requirements, and the school start date.(See HF 2543.)

IA SSB3157

A bill for an act relating to education by establishing a right of first refusal for charter schools to purchase or lease school district property and modifying charter school and open enrollment funding, charter school board member requirements, and the school start date.(See SF 2368.)

IA SF2368

A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to the sale of real property by school districts, charter school and open enrollment funding, and the participation in school activities by students enrolled in charter schools. (Formerly SSB 3157.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.