Kansas
Kansas lawmakers campaigned on property tax relief. What did they deliver?
Will property tax relief come to Kansans in 2025?
What do Kansas Republican and Democratic leaders say about tax relief in 2025?
As they left Topeka for the year, Kansas lawmakers expressed disappointment that they didn’t do more to accomplish a top campaign promise: property tax relief.
Republicans especially and at least some Democrats made property tax relief a focal point of their 2024 election campaigns, and the GOP credited the message with helping secure victories and expand their supermajorities. Despite the campaign promises, lawmakers delivered little relief in 2025.
“We came here with a mandate to do something about property tax,” said Sen. Mike Thompson, R-Shawnee, on the last day of session. “Not that we haven’t, here in the Senate. We’ve done our job. I really think we’ve done a very good job in trying to push that. I’m just disappointed that we end up at the end of this session with no real relief for those homeowners who are facing selling their home or paying their property tax.”
Thompson suggested that members of the House “didn’t hear the message.”
“We’re going to have to go home, we’re going to have to explain to people what we didn’t get done and why,” Thompson said. “It’s going to be a hard sell. But I’m hopeful that in 2026 we can push the ball forward.”
Republicans were unified on message, but not on plans
While Republican leadership entered the 2025 session with a unified message of property tax relief, it quickly became apparent that House and Senate leadership were not unified on how to accomplish it.
“Well, we really haven’t worked on it yet,” House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said in January when asked by The Capital-Journal whether Republicans were united on how to cut property taxes. “I can guarantee you we will have property tax relief this year, and we will have some type of a response to the increase in property values.”
“We’re unified on the end goal,” added Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, as leadership spoke with reporters following the governor’s State of the State address.
He added, “We’re still working through the details of what that looks like.”
What were the biggest ideas for property tax relief in 2025?
The most significant idea — and the most controversial — was a Republican proposal to amend the Kansas Constitution to cap the growth in appraisals.
Senate Republicans have been pushing the idea for at least a few years, which supporters argue would address the rising property valuations that result in property tax increases. In 2025, the Senate’s Republican supermajority passed a 3% cap and a 4% cap.
But it faced stiff opposition from House Republicans, including from Hawkins, who said it has “a lot of problems” and “unintended consequences.” House Republicans rejected the cap and instead proposed an averaging system, which Senate Republicans rejected.
The idea that appeared from the start to be the most likely to have bipartisan support was reducing the state mill levy. The two main proposals to accomplish that were a House GOP plan to reduce the levy used to fund schools by 1.5 mills and a Senate GOP plan to eliminate 1.5 mills used to fund state buildings.
The Senate version was passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.
Another idea proposed later in the session was a House Republican plan to send state money to local governments as an incentive to not raise taxes, similar to a program that House Republicans pushed to eliminate last year. The new plan also incorporated a protest petition to block local tax increases and an elimination of the current revenue neutral process.
Despite negotiations during veto session, Senate Republicans were not intrigued enough by the idea to put it to a vote before leaving town.
Meanwhile, Democrats had no proposals for significant property tax relief at the start of session. Later, Senate Democrats proposed a committee to study the issue.
How much will mill levy cut save homeowners?
Lawmakers did deliver some property tax relief with Senate Bill 35, starting in 2026. That new law, which had bipartisan support and was signed by Kelly, eliminates 1.5 mills of the 21.5 total state portion of the property tax levy.
Statewide, that equates to a $81 million tax cut in fiscal year 2027. But for individual homeowners, the relief is limited.
For owners of a $100,000 home, eliminating 1.5 mills equates to an annual savings of about $17. For a $250,000 home, the savings are about $43. For a $400,000 home, the savings are $69.
What politicians say about property tax relief
“We took action in Topeka this year to eliminate the state portion of the property tax,” Hawkins said in an after-session Facebook post. “You’ll continue paying property taxes for county and city governments, schools, libraries, etc., but you’ll no longer see ‘State of Kansas’ on your bill!
“I encourage everyone to reach out to their local officials and hold them accountable for their portion of your property taxes!”
But Scott Schwab, the Republican secretary of state who is running for governor in 2026, was critical of legislative leadership.
“A year ago, following a special session to address taxation, legislative leaders vowed to focus on providing Kansans with real property tax relief,” Schwab said in a statement via his campaign. “There were campaign slogans and roadshows around the state to build support for cuts. Voters did their part, letting candidates and legislators know in no uncertain terms that property taxes were too high, valuations were rising faster than paychecks, and Kansans who had worked all their lives to have a home to call their own were being forced out.”
The resulting tax relief was “paltry,” Schwab said.
“This year, our main focus was supposed to be on reducing and/or reforming property taxes,” Rep. Brett Fairchild, R-St. John, said in an April 4 post on Facebook. “However, we were unable to pass a major property tax bill.”
The cut of 1.5 mills, he said, “isn’t a significant tax cut and isn’t a huge deal.”
“Most people in our state won’t notice the tax cut, since most local governments will likely increase property taxes by more than this state property tax cut,” Fairchild said. “However, it’s better than doing nothing at all, and I’m glad we were at least able to pass one bill through the legislature to reduce property taxes.”
Sen. Ethan Corson, D-Fairway, said that lawmakers did not pass “any meaningful property tax relief,” and he’s been hearing from constituents about it.
“The Legislature, they campaigned on that they were going to reduce our property taxes,” Corson said. “They said it at the beginning of session that they were going to reduce our property taxes. And we still don’t yet have any significant property tax relief that we can bring to our constituents.
“I continue to disagree with the continued focus on the income tax piece of our tax equation when what we both promised to our constituents — and what our constituents have shared with us that they would like to see — is robust, meaningful property tax relief.”
Sen. Caryn Tyson, R-Parker and chair of the Senate tax committee, described the cut of 1.5 mills as “actual property tax relief.”
“They’re going to say it’s minimal, but you know what? It’s a step in the right direction,” Tyson said.
She was also critical of Democrats for not having significant ideas of their own.
“What was their idea this year? Oh, let’s propose a committee that studies property taxes,” Tyson said.
Sen. Virgil Peck, R-Havana and vice chair of the Senate tax committee, said he was proud of the Legislature’s work on tax cuts, especially a plan to gradually move to a flat income tax as well as the elimination of the 1.5 mills.
“I would like to see us do more — a lot more — as it relates to property taxes,” Peck said. “We’re limited at the state level. Most property taxes are assessed at the local (level). … I think we could do better when it comes to property tax reductions.”
Sen. Renee Erickson, R-Wichita, shared a similar sentiment.
“I’m very disappointed we did not do more for our constituents back home on property tax, and I hope that we seriously are able to do something next session,” she said.
Tyson said tax policy changes often take years to make it through the legislative process.
“We are not going to stop fighting for our constituents and to fix a broken property tax (system) while we continue to stop growing the beast that we keep feeding, and that is government,” Tyson said. “Income taxes, sales taxes, property taxes — Kansas has some of the highest in the nation, and we need to do what we can to reduce that.”
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has signed Caleb’s Law, strengthening penalties for online sexual extortion targeting children.
Governor Kelly says the law is named after Caleb Moore, a 14-year-old from El Dorado, who died by suicide after becoming a victim of an online sextortion scheme.
What the Law Does
Caleb’s Law expands Kansas’s existing sexual extortion statute in three key ways:
- Broadens the definition of sexual extortion to include threats involving explicit images – including AI-generated or digitally altered images
- Increase criminal penalties when an adult offender targets a minor or a dependent adult
- Creates two felony offenses: aggravated sexual extortion causing great bodily harm and aggravated sexual extortion causing death
Under the new law, sexual extortion involving a minor or dependent adult is elevated from a severity level 7 to a severity level 6 person felony for coercive intent cases.
The legislation also elevates a level 4 to a level 3 person felony when the victim is caused to produce or distribute sexual content.
Statewide Education Requirements
House Bill 2537 also directs the Kansas Attorney General to lead a statewide public education effort on sextortion. The AG’s office will:
- Prepare and distribute educational materials for schools, students, parents and the public
- Collaborate with the Kansas State Board of Education and law enforcement agencies
- File an annual report beginning July 1, 2027, to the Governor, legislative leadership and the State Board of Education on implementation progress
The Attorney General’s Office estimates the education effort will require two new positions at a cost of around $213,900 from the State General Fund, rising to an estimated $20,300 in 2028.
In Their Own Words
Gov. Kelly said the law reflects the state’s commitment to keeping pace with digital threats facing children.
“Protecting Kansas children means staying ahead of the evolving threats they face, especially in an increasingly digital world where exploitation can happen in an instant,” she said. “By prioritizing education and awareness, Caleb’s Law ensures that young people, families, and educators have the tools to recognize sexual extortion and seek help before it’s too late. By signing this bill, we’re honoring Caleb’s life by shining a light on this growing danger and taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.”
Rep. Bob Lewis (R-Garden City), who introduced the bill, added that it earned unanimous bipartisan support in both chambers.
“Our kids are our future and protecting them from online predators, who are increasingly dangerous and sophisticated, must be a top legislative priority,” he stated. “I’m therefore pleased that the governor is signing Caleb’s Law, which I introduced and received unanimous, bipartisan support in both legislative chambers. What happened to Caleb is tragic and must be stopped.”
Rep. Dan Osman (D-Overland Park) credited Caleb Moore’s family for pushing the legislation forward.
“Sexual extortion in any form should never be tolerated, but children under the age of 18 are particularly vulnerable,” he added.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office also voiced strong support, noting the law addresses one of the state’s most urgent child safety threats.
“HB 2537 is a critical measure to protect Kansans from sexual exploitation and ensure public awareness and education on this growing threat,” said Sarah Hortenstine, Division Chief of Youth Services, Kansas Office of the Attorney General.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 23 | Bill introduced, referred to House Committee on Judiciary |
| Feb. 5 | House committee hearing held |
| Feb. 16 | Committee recommends passage |
| Feb. 18 | House passes bill unanimously |
| Feb. 25 | Referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary |
| March 17 | Senate committee hearing held |
| March 18 | Senate committee recommends passage |
| March 19 | Senate passes bill unanimously |
The bill received unanimous, bipartisan support in both chambers – with no recorded opposition.
Background: What Is Sextortion?
Officials noted that sextortion is a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce victims – often minors – into producing sexual images.
Those bad actors then use the images to demand more content, money, or sexual acts, according to investigators.
State leaders said cases can escalate rapidly, and the resulting trauma has led to severe psychological harm and, in some cases, suicide.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.
For mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Copyright 2026 KCTV. All rights reserved.
Since losing Flory Bidunga and Bryson Tiller in the transfer portal, Bill Self has been tasked with rebuilding his frontcourt from the 2025-26 campaign. While he has landed former Utah forward Keanu Dawes to succeed Tiller at the four, the Jayhawks’ roster still lacks a true center to replace Louisville commit Bidunga.
One player KU had hoped to add was Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam, who tormented the Jayhawks when the two schools met this past February. However, the chances of him committing to play in Lawrence appear to be dwindling by the day.
The Senegal native recently wrapped up a trip to St. John’s and is set to visit Ann Arbor on Monday to meet with the defending champions, Michigan.
Source: Cincinnati transfer Moustapha Thiam will visit Michigan on Monday.
Recently visited St. John’s.
Averaged 12.8 PPG and 7.1 RPG last season.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 19, 2026
Kansas was initially supposed to be one of the top schools involved in Thiam’s recruitment, but that hasn’t necessarily been the case. The Jayhawks have been relatively quiet so far and haven’t gained much traction toward securing an official visit.
Not only is Michigan a recruiting powerhouse coming off a national title win under second-year head coach Dusty May, but it also boasts one of the largest NIL collectives in the NCAA. If the Wolverines are seriously pursuing Thiam, it likely means he will come at a hefty price tag.
KU is expected to increase the NIL budget this year to handle its roster deficiencies from the past few seasons. Regardless, the program must be strategic with its spending, especially with the decision of 2026 prospect Tyran Stokes still looming.
Who Are Kansas’ Alternatives to Moustapha Thiam?
If the Jayhawks are unable to land Thiam, there are a few alternatives on the open market. Those options may not carry the same hype as the 7-foot-2 phenom, who is ranked as the No. 3 center in 247 Sports’ transfer rankings, but they could still provide solid production nonetheless.
One name to watch is Anton Bonke, another towering big man who has spent time at Providence and most recently Charlotte. He visited KU’s campus earlier this week alongside Dawes and remains a viable option.
Another possible solution could come from within if Paul Mbiya decides to withdraw from the transfer portal and return to Kansas. The incoming sophomore flashed his potential during the postseason and is reportedly open to rejoining the program.
Finally, FC Barcelona center Sayon Keita is an international prospect who could make his college decision within the next month or two. He took an official visit to Kansas last July.
Whoever ultimately replaces Bidunga, Self will need to act quickly before the remaining top targets come off the board. Bringing back Mbiya and adding a transfer would be a strong start.
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. — In 2025 at Kansas Speedway, Kyle Larson set a significant record.
In 2026 at the 1.5-mile intermediate track, the driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet might simply settle for a win in Sunday’s AdventHealth 400.
In winning last year’s spring race at Kansas, Larson led 221 laps, most in NASCAR history for a driver in a 400-mile race on a 1.5-mile speedway.
That victory, however, was Larson’s last in the NASCAR Cup Series, though he did claim the 2025 series title by finishing third in the Championship 4 Race at Phoenix in November.
Statistics augur well for Larson as he tries to end his 32-race drought on Sunday. He has led 761 laps at Kansas Speedway since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, more than double the total of any other driver. Denny Hamlin is second with 337.
His 1,842 laps led on 1.5-mile tracks in the Gen 7 era (since 2022 inclusive) more than double the total of the next driver on the list (Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron at 912).
Larson has led laps in 21 of the last 22 races on 1.5-mile speedways, including the last 10 in a row. If he leads 25 laps on Sunday at Kansas, he will surpass Kevin Harvick’s track-record of 949.
The two-time series champion is the only repeat winner in the last 11 races at Kansas, having won three times during that span, including the last two spring races.
His history considered, Larson has every reason to be confident at a track he thoroughly enjoys.
“Kansas is a lot of fun,” Larson said. “It’s really fast. You’re always trying to carry a lot of speed and momentum off the corners and run big arcs into the entry. There are two different ends of the racetrack, but I feel like you approach the corners in a similar way.
“In the race, you settle into a comfortable pace and balance and try to run as close to the wall as possible without hitting it. It’s a fun place. It can be challenging, but it’s good because you have options to move around.”
Chevrolet teams have been dealing with a new body style this season. Chase Elliott’s win at Martinsville is the car maker’s only trip to Victory Lane so far.
“I think we’re gaining on it,” Larson said. “I think the body stuff maybe is what we’re fighting right now. Entries (into the turns) seem to be pretty loose at most tracks, and then the window of balance is pretty narrow…
“I think we’re not bad on speed. I feel like we’re close to a win, but at the same time, I feel like we have a lot of work to do to get our cars better to where a win would be much easier.”
If a victory for Larson is realistic possibility, Kyle Busch might be satisfied with a top-10 run. On a miserable afternoon last Sunday at Bristol, Busch started 29th and finished 25th, two laps down, after tangling twice with the Toyota of Riley Herbst.
Busch’s winless streak reached 101 races at Thunder Valley, and Richard Childress Racing, the organization that fields Busch’s Chevrolets, has failed to score a top-10 finish in eight straight races for the first time since 1981. RCR is the only multicar team without a top-10 finish this year.
Ty Gibbs got his first Cup Series victory at Bristol last Sunday, but the odds are heavily against another first-time winner at Kansas. In 40 Cup races at the track, there has never been a first-time winner.
Toyota drivers have won six of the first eight Cup races this season, and they’re likely to be strong again at Kansas. Tyler Reddick could become the fourth driver in series history and the first since Dale Earnhardt in 1987 to win five of the first nine races in a season.
Both Reddick and 23XI Racing teammate Bubba Wallace, who is making his 300th career start, are former winners at the 1.5-mile track. The 23XI organization has three victories at Kansas, most at any single venue.
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin boasts four Kansas victories, more than any other driver. He has finished in the top-five in seven of the last nine races there.
If a Toyota driver wins on Sunday, it will be the first time a single manufacturer has won seven of the first nine races in a season since Chevrolet accomplished the feat in 2007.
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