Committee hears bill to preserve homestead refunds when home appraisals rise
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Summary
Senate Bill 397 would let homeowners who previously qualified for homestead refunds or the Safe Senior refund keep eligibility if their home's appraised value later exceeds $350,000, provided they still meet other requirements; supporters said the change would protect older Kansans from appraisal-driven loss of benefits.
The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee opened a hearing on Senate Bill 397, which would amend the Homestead Property Tax Refund Act and the Safe Senior refund to allow homeowners who received a refund while their home’s appraised value was at or below $350,000 to retain eligibility in later years even if the appraised value subsequently exceeds $350,000, staff member Amelia said.
Supporters framed the bill as targeted relief for seniors affected by rising appraisals. Senator Kelly Warren, who represents Senate District 11 in Johnson County, told the committee the measure addresses a common complaint from constituents whose homes have appreciated 'through no fault of their own' and who would otherwise be excluded from assistance. Warren said the bill applies to households that meet income limits (discussed as 120% of the federal poverty level for two persons under current rules).
Johnson County resident Andrea Durate Rambo testified in support, describing long-term reliance on the Safe Senior refund to remain in her home. Rambo, 73, said she was recently told by the Kansas State Treasurer’s office that a county appraisal pushed her home’s assessed value to about $349,000 and that she would not be eligible for the Safe Senior refund going forward. 'I am terrified of losing my home,' Rambo told the committee, describing sacrifices she has made to pay taxes and medical expenses.
Committee staff explained that the change would mirror provisions in the property tax freeze program that already allow a 'base year' valuation to protect eligibility. Amelia said SB 397 would take effect upon publication in the statutes and apply beginning with tax year 2026.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about how the bill interacts with other programs and income counting. Senator Francisco raised concerns that increases in Social Security benefits are fully counted for eligibility and could combine with appraisal-driven changes to push people out of assistance; a testifier said her particular benefits history meant Social Security did not reduce her eligibility. The committee noted broader consolidation of homestead programs was under consideration and several members indicated a willingness to review related statutory definitions when the bill is worked.
The chair closed the hearing on SB 397 after noting written proponents on file. No formal action on the bill was taken at the hearing.