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Topeka update: Wichita sales-tax bill delayed pending compact review; cities asked for fiscal notes on restroom bill
Summary
During an agenda review, a city staffer delivering a Topeka update said the Wichita sales-tax bill’s hearing was delayed while the Streamlined Sales Tax Compact reviews provisions; he also said Senate Bill 244 (bathroom rules) passed the Senate and cities were asked for fiscal notes before the governor’s expected signature.
Swadis (role not specified) told Wichita City officials during an agenda-review meeting that a hearing on the city’s proposed sales-tax measure was delayed but remains actively pursued in Topeka.
“Chairman Smith … is eager to have that hearing,” Swadis said, adding that the Streamlined Sales Tax Compact has shown interest in the bill’s provisions and that compact review is “probably the largest hurdle to passage.” He said those discussions could affect the bill’s path forward.
Swadis also praised a local official’s testimony in Topeka: “Congratulations to Councilmember Johnson, who did a really great job testifying,” he said, noting the testimony is posted on YouTube at the time index he provided.
On another front, Swadis reported that Senate Bill 244 — a state measure affecting restroom policies — has been sent to the city’s legal department for review. He said the bill “passed the Senate” by a margin he described as veto-proof and that the governor was likely to sign it; cities statewide were asked to provide fiscal notes estimating local costs. “We have until 1:30 p.m. today to submit our testimony,” he said.
Council members asked procedural and legal follow-ups. When asked what would happen if the city simply ignored the measure, Swadis deferred to the legal department and said staff would follow up.
Next steps: city staff will circulate any recommended testimony for the sales-tax hearing if scheduled, coordinate with the legal department on Senate Bill 244, and prepare the requested fiscal-note material for submission by the committee’s deadline.
