Kansas Senate adopts state budget, approves tax buy‑down and multiple bills; debate centers on schools, property taxes and Sunflower site

The Kansas Senate adopted the state’s two‑year appropriations measure and several related conference committee reports on March 27, approving a package of tax and policy items while several senators raised concern about K‑12 and special education funding, local property tax relief and cleanup obligations at the Sunflower Ammunition Plant site.

The chamber approved the omnibus budget (Senate Bill 125) and a pair of tax measures: a statutory mechanism to buy down income tax rates over time (Senate Bill 269) and a separate measure tied to property taxation (Senate Bill 35). The Senate also approved a string of conference committee reports that carried bills on education, retirement rules, health care, crimes and insurance; it confirmed Lori Bolton Fleming to the Kansas Court of Appeals.

Why it matters: The budget and the tax language set state spending and tax policy for the next two fiscal years. Supporters said the tax measures would restrain government growth and move revenue to rate reductions; opponents said the package shortchanges immediate property tax relief and reduces funds proposed for special education and other priorities.

Votes at a glance

- Senate Bill 1 25 (state appropriations for FY2026–FY2027): Adopted 24 in favor, 16 opposed. The measure funds K‑12, higher education, transportation, health services and other state operations for the next two fiscal years and contains policy provisos and project funding. (Outcome: passed)

- Senate Bill 2 69 (income tax buy‑down mechanism): Adopted 30 in favor, 10 opposed. The statute directs available revenue triggers to buy down personal income tax rates to a 4% target and thereafter corporate/privilege rates, and preserves a specified rainy‑day fund target. (Outcome: passed)

- Senate Bill 35 (property tax authority change / 1.5 mills): Adopted 40 in favor, none opposed. The measure removes a 1.5‑mill state levy on property (as reflected in the legislative action) and was debated alongside other property‑tax changes. (Outcome: passed)

- House Bill 22 80 (veterans’ and military spouse licensing clarifications):…