Legislative Update Wk #2 - January 23, 2026
- Reily Goyne
- Jan 23
- 5 min read
By Reily Goyne, AIA Kansas Advocacy Manager
General Statehouse Update
The second week of the session means we’re 10% of the way through, and deadlines are looming. The budget subcommittees in the House and Senate are working quickly to have a final budget ready for each chamber to begin negotiations by the end of next week.
Property tax constitutional amendment advances
The Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee spent three days last week hearing testimony on SCR 1616, a constitutional amendment that would cap annual appraised property value increases at 3%, using the 2022 assessments as a baseline. This week, the Committee advanced the bill to be debated by the full Senate.
Property tax relief has been a priority for legislators since the last session. The state eliminated the property taxes it collects and is now looking at ways to limit the amount that local governments can levy. A constitutional amendment needs a two-thirds majority of both chambers to pass before being placed on the ballot for voters to approve or reject.
Chiefs under microscope
A joint meeting between the House and Senate Commerce Committees on Wednesday was one of the more hotly-anticipated meetings. Lawmakers had the chance to grill the Department of Commerce and the attorney for the Kansas City Chiefs about the funding deal for the new stadium and training facility in Kansas.
Several questions were raised about the precise terms of repayment of the STAR bond, as well as other funding programs the Chiefs are considering. You can view the term sheet here and watch the recorded hearing here.
Occupational Licensure Faces Scrutiny
The Senate Commerce Committee held an informational briefing on SB 30 on Thursday, January 22. The bill incorporates the provisions of SB 229, which would require any new occupational license and any regulation that substantially alters an existing occupational license to receive approval from the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and Regulations.
As currently drafted, SB 30 exempts several licensing boards, including the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP), from these new requirements. AIA Kansas lobbyists are closely monitoring the bill to ensure that the KSBTP exemption remains in place. Because SB 30 received hearings in both the House and Senate during the 2025 legislative session, the bill is eligible for expedited consideration and may be subject to political maneuvering.
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Committee Hearings
Monday, January 26
9:00 AM - House Appropriations: Kansas State Board of Technical Professions budget report
Bills to Watch
SB 30 was replaced with the contents of SB 229, requiring the adoption of new occupational licenses and material changes to existing licenses to be approved by the legislature. These requirements do not apply to the State Board of Technical Professions, which licenses architects. The Senate Commerce Committee has an informational briefing on Thursday, January 22.
SB 148 excludes from sales taxation the service of installing or applying tangible personal property for the reconstruction, restoration, remodeling, renovation, repair, or replacement of a building or facility. It is in the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.
SB 222 prohibits deference to a state agency's interpretation of a statute, rule, or regulation, or document by a state court or an officer hearing an administrative action. It had a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee in 2025 and can be advanced at any time.
SB 229 requires the adoption of new occupational licenses and material changes to existing licenses to be approved by the legislature. These requirements do not apply to the State Board of Technical Professions, which licenses architects. It is in the House Commerce, Labor, and Economic Development Committee, and no hearing is scheduled.
SB 283 eliminates the Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit and other tax credit programs. It had a hearing in 2025 in the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee.
HB 2138 authorizes school districts to levy an annual tax of up to two mills for school building safety, security, and compliance with the Americans with disabilities act. It is in the House Education Committee, and no hearing is scheduled.
HB 2162 excludes from sales taxation the service of installing or applying tangible personal property for the reconstruction, restoration, remodeling, renovation, repair, or replacement of a building or facility. It is in the House Taxation Committee, and no hearing has been scheduled.
HB 2119 discontinuing the Kansas affordable housing tax credit for qualified developments receiving a 4% federal tax credit.
HB 2183 was replaced with the contents of SB 222, which prohibits deference to a state agency's interpretation of a statute, rule, or regulation, or document by a state court or an officer hearing an administrative action. If the House votes to pass the bill as amended, it would go to the Governor for her signature or veto.
HB 2274 removes the active requirement from military servicemembers for occupational licensure. It is in the Senate Select Committee on Veterans Affairs, but can be pulled to the Senate floor and voted on by the entire Senate.
HB 2328 provides an exception to restrictions on prison-made housing units to allow the Secretary of Corrections to establish a program for delivering such units into designated areas. It is in the House Committee on Interstate Cooperation and has not had a hearing.
Cities and counties have advisory boards and commissions making decisions for their communities, and these groups are a great way to get involved in your community. Below is a list of boards with vacancies in the largest Kansas cities. Visit your city's website regularly to see any future openings, or email Reily Goyne if you would like assistance identifying opportunities.
Downtown Business Improvement District Advisory Board
Historic Resources Board
NOTO Business Improvement District Advisory Board
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Review Committee
Topeka Sustainability Advisory Board
Landmarks Commission
Board of Code Standards and Appeals
Community Service Block Grant Review Committee
Wichita Sustainability Integration Board
Wichita/Sedgwick County Access Advisory Board
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 650-plus members are leaders in building healthy, sustainable communities that will serve our citizens into the future.
www.aiaks.org | 785-357-5308 | info@aiaks.org
