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Radical Life urges sales-tax exemption, says program shortens foster-care stays

Committee on Taxation · February 12, 2026

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Summary

Director Lindsay Smith and program alumni told the tax committee House Bill 24-75 would help Radical Life Inc. cover growing operating costs; proponents asserted the program reduces foster-care duration and saves the state money, while the Department of Revenue presented a small fiscal estimate (~$4,600 in FY2027).

House Bill 24-75 would exempt purchases and sales by Radical Life Inc., a nonprofit in Emporia that provides preventive services intended to strengthen families and reduce foster care placements, the Committee on Taxation heard.

Lindsay Smith, director of Radical Life, told the committee the group recently bought a building to expand operations and that the organization’s growing expenses make sales-tax relief meaningful. "We were able to purchase a building on October 1... and now I have to pay for those things," Smith said, asking members to grant the nonprofit sales-tax exemption to stretch limited resources.

Smith and a program graduate, Vicky Hager, described program outcomes to the committee. Smith said participants who complete Radical Life's program often regain custody and reintegrate children quickly — she asserted families in the program typically return children to parental custody within about 15 weeks, and she claimed the program saves the state "more than $21,000 per year" for participating families. Vicky Hager and other participants described improvements in budgeting, court fine repayment and stability.

Kathleen Smith of the Department of Revenue said the fiscal estimate for HB 24-75 is a decrease in state revenues of roughly $4,600 in fiscal year 2027 (about $3,800 general fund and $800 highway fund). Committee members asked about program funding (Smith said roughly 60% private donations, 40% grants), specific outcomes and the basis for the cost-savings claims; Smith invited legislators to visit the program and review participant data.

No opponents or neutral witnesses appeared on the record; the committee closed the hearing at the conclusion of proponent testimony.