Legislative Update Wk #1 - January 17, 2025

By Reily Goyne, AIA Kansas Advocacy Manager

General Statehouse Update

The Kansas State Legislature gaveled in for a new session on Monday, January 13. Legislators were sworn in, families were taking photos, and there was an atmosphere of celebration under the dome. On Tuesday, legislators quickly got to work.

As with every opening week, the calendar was full of introductions and rules setting. However, this week also included several agency budget hearings and property tax issues, setting the tone for the rest of the session.

State of the State

On Wednesday, January 15, Governor Laura Kelly gave her penultimate State of the State speech. In it, she reiterated her push for Medicaid expansion and stated her firm opposition to any legislation sending tax dollars to private schools. Building on the work of previous years, Gov. Kelly prioritized the need to invest in Kansas’s water plan and infrastructure, rebuilding the Ogallala Aquifer and ensuring Kansans have access to clean water for generations to come.

It remains to be seen what parts of her agenda will advance and what will be stymied by the Republican supermajority in both chambers.

What’s Next

Expect the session to continue at breakneck speed. There are only five weeks until Turnaround, the deadline by which all non-exempt bills must be passed into the second chamber or else they’re dormant. On the agenda are constitutional amendments to amend property taxes, flat income taxes, and reviving bills that could not be passed over Gov. Kelly’s veto pen.

Next Week's Committees

Monday, January 20, 2025: National Holiday - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

9:30 AM - Senate Assessment and Taxation: SB 35 Hearing
10:30 AM - Senate Ways and Means: State Housing Update

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

3:30 PM - House Transportation Budget: Kansas State Board of Technical

Bills to Watch

AIA Kansas monitors several bills throughout the session that could impact the design and construction industry.

SB 35 discontinues the state property tax levies for the Kansas educational building fund and the state institutions building fund finances it through the state general fund. It has a hearing on Tuesday, January 21 at 9:30 AM in Senate Assessment and Taxation.

Do you enjoy analyzing, reading, or picking apart legislation? You also may want to consider joining the Government Affairs Legislative Review Subcommittee. This group will review introduced bills, summarize them, and determine what position AIA Kansas should take. If you are interested, please email Reily Goyne.

About AIA Kansas

AIA Kansas is a state chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The organization provides services and programs to meet the professional development needs and interests of Kansas architects and to develop public awareness for the value of architects and architecture.

Our 700-plus members are leaders in building healthy, sustainable communities that will serve our citizens into the future.