Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2136

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

Expanding student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program, increasing the amount of the tax credit for contributions made pursuant to such program and providing for aggregate tax credit limit increases under certain conditions.

Impact

This bill will directly affect state laws governing the tax credit for low income students by increasing the amount of tax credit from 70% to 100% for contributions made to scholarship granting organizations over specific time frames. Additionally, it stipulates that if total credits claimed exceed a set percentage of an aggregate limit, that cap will increase by a certain percentage in subsequent years. This mechanism ensures that more funding is available to support educational opportunities for low-income students while also providing tax benefits to contributors.

Summary

House Bill 2136 focuses on expanding the tax credit program for low income student scholarships in Kansas, aiming to broaden eligibility and increase the financial incentives for contributions made to scholarship granting organizations. The bill eliminates the requirement for students to have been previously enrolled in public schools, thus allowing a wider range of students to qualify for educational scholarships. This legislative change seeks to enhance access to educational resources for low-income families, potentially increasing their options for schooling.

Contention

The proposed changes in HB 2136 may spark debate among legislators over the impact of expanded scholarship programs on public education funding. Proponents argue that increasing educational options for low-income families will lead to better educational outcomes and more equitable access to resources. However, opponents could express concern about potential reductions in public school enrollment and funding, fearing that increased use of scholarship programs could divert essential funds away from public education systems.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2048

Providing additional student eligibility under the tax credit for low income students scholarship program and increasing the amount of the tax credit for contributions made pursuant to such program.

KS HB2730

Expanding the tax credit for low income students scholarship program act to allow students enrolled in underperforming school districts to be eligible for a scholarship.

KS SB485

Authorizing students attending public schools with low proficiency scores and certain private elementary and secondary school students to participate in the tax credit for low income students scholarship program.

KS HB2539

Removing the Kansas residency requirement for eligibility for a Kansas promise scholarship and modifying the definition of part-time student under such program.

KS SB83

House Substitute for SB 83 by Committee on K-12 Education Budget - Making appropriations for the state department of education for FY 2024, establishing the sunflower education equity act to provide education savings accounts for qualified students, requiring school districts to provide a salary increase to all licensed teachers and defining enrollment of small school districts as the highest enrollment from the preceding four years under the Kansas school equity and enhancement act.

KS HB2843

Establishing a scholarship task force to study scholarship programs and creating the Kansas academic excellence scholarship program to replace the Kansas ethnic minority scholarship program.

KS HB2464

Increasing the dollar amount of state scholarships for students attending a postsecondary educational institution who have established financial need.

KS SB147

Increasing the income tax credit amount for adoption expenses and making the credit refundable and increasing the income tax credit amount for household and dependent care expenses.

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 HB2275

Increasing the maximum amount of yearly income tax credits available for purchases under the disability employment act from qualified vendors, continuing in existence such credits beyond tax year 2023 of eligible purchases available for such credit and further defining qualifying vendors and employees eligible for the credit, establishing a grant program to facilitate transitions by employers to minimum wage employment for persons with disabilities and creating the Kansas sheltered workshop transition fund.

Similar Bills

KS SB252

Expanding the tax credit for low income students scholarship program act to allow certain high school students and students eligible to be enrolled in certain school districts to be eligible for scholarships, increasing the tax credit for contributions and the aggregate tax credit limit, providing for aggregate tax credit increases under certain conditions and providing for program administration by the state treasurer.

NJ S3077

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ A643

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ A613

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NJ S2437

"Opportunity Scholarship Act"; establishes pilot program in Department of Treasury providing tax credits to taxpayers contributing to scholarships for low-income children.

NM HB266

Equal Education Opportunity Scholarship Act

NM SB113

Equal Education Opportunity Scholarship

AZ HB2504

STO scholarships; foster care students