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County legislative staff reviews bills post-turnaround; homestead, building permits, housing tax credit and EMS changes on radar
Summary
Johnson County legislative staff reported on several state bills after turnaround, including a Senate hearing for a homestead exemption expansion, House action on building-permit timelines, EMS modernization statutes passed, and active consideration of elimination of the Kansas affordable housing tax credit.
Erin Wynn, the county’s legislative staffer, briefed the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 20, 2025, about multiple bills and budget activity in the Kansas Legislature after the turnaround date.
Wynn listed items of immediate interest: Senate Bill 215 scheduled a hearing in Senate Tax (it would increase eligibility for the homestead property tax exemption and exclude Social Security income); a bankers’ bill (House Bill 2152) was the subject of a roundtable being hosted by the treasurer to negotiate terms with local government representatives; and House Bill 2088, amended on the floor, would fast-track residential building permits to a 60-day timeline (county staff noted current county processing averages about 75 days).
Wynn said two EMS modernization statutes championed by Johnson County passed the House unanimously and that a childcare funding bill introduced by Governor Kelly had bipartisan support, allowing it to be worked post-turnaround. She also reported the House included $28 million for World Cup funding in its budget bill; Democrats’ efforts to add Medicaid expansion did not succeed. The House budget passed with $162.7 million less from the state general fund than Governor Kelly’s proposal; Wynn and commissioners said staff would continue analyzing program impacts.
Other bills Wynn highlighted: Senate Bill 70 (establishing fees for electronic Open Records Act copies) passed the Senate but faces concerns; Senate Bill 29 (prohibiting county boards of public health from restricting public gatherings) passed the Senate and faces hurdles in the House; and House Bill 2119 (elimination of the Kansas affordable housing tax credit) was recommended favorably in committee and was expected to move toward passage, though projects already awarded credits would be exempt.
Commissioners asked how state budget reductions might affect local services. Wynn said staff would continue monitoring specific program impacts, noting particular concern over special education funding shortfalls relative to the governor’s proposal. The board resolved to continue advocacy and discussions with state legislators on items that affect county programs and expenditures.
