Ways and Means

HB 2427 creates a new position for a fiscal integrity auditor in Kansas, appointed by the legislative coordinating council. The auditor will have unrestricted access to all state fiscal systems (like payroll and budget software) to examine spending for waste, fraud, or mismanagement, ensuring state agencies use funds as intended by lawmakers. The auditor must submit annual reports to legislative committees detailing findings on questionable spending, off-budget activities, and recommendations for transparency and cost savings. This bill directly affects Kansas state agencies and legislative oversight processes by adding an independent fiscal review role focused on accountability.

SB 86 establishes a state program to develop and fund intercity passenger rail service in Kansas, connecting the state to the Midwest Regional Rail System and national networks. It creates a "passenger rail service revolving fund" that will receive $5 million annually from state funds starting in 2026, to provide loans and grants for rail infrastructure improvements, station development, and operating support for Amtrak or approved carriers. The program requires rail stations to meet safety standards, support intermodal transportation, and encourage economic development along routes. The Secretary of Transportation will administer the fund and report annually on the program's progress.

SB 337 is a budget bill that allocates funding for Kansas state agencies across fiscal years 2026-2029. It directly affects state boards and commissions by adjusting their annual expenditure limits, such as increasing funding for the State Board of Healing Arts ($8.2M) and Board of Nursing ($4.0M), while decreasing limits for the State Board of Pharmacy ($3.2M) and Real Estate Appraisal Board ($441K). The bill also lapsed unused funds for the Legislative Coordinating Council and authorizes capital improvement projects. It does not create new policies but adjusts existing budget allocations for specific state agency fee funds.

SB 68 allocates funding for Kansas state agencies across fiscal years 2025-2027, including specific amounts for the Board of Accountancy, Abstracters' Board of Examiners, and State Bank Commissioner. It sets spending limits (e.g., capping official hospitality expenses at $1,600 annually for the Board of Accountancy) and allows limited transfers between funds (up to $20,000 yearly from the Board of Accountancy’s fee fund to its litigation reserve). The bill adjusts existing expenditure limits, such as increasing the Board of Accountancy’s 2025 budget cap and decreasing the State Bank Commissioner’s 2025 cap, while authorizing unrestricted spending for certain litigation funds in 2026-2027. These provisions ensure agencies have targeted resources while maintaining fiscal oversight through defined spending parameters.

SB 99 requires state agency heads to certify, by June 30, 2025, the number of full-time positions paid from the state general fund that have been vacant for over 180 days. These certified positions are abolished effective July 1, 2025, and removed from all budget documents. The bill also lapses (removes) all 2026 state general fund appropriations budgeted for salaries and benefits of these abolished positions. This directly affects all state agencies covered by the 2025 budget, as it eliminates vacant roles and redirects their allocated funding.