This resolution expresses support for federal funding and authorization of a program designed to research and develop affordable, domestically made drones for public safety use. It specifically encourages the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund projects that create small, uncrewed aerial systems in the United States to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers. The document also endorses the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2025, which restricts the federal government and its grant recipients from purchasing or operating DJI drones. Additionally, the resolution supports a provision requiring the Department of Defense to assess and potentially ban DJI drones within a year due to security concerns.
This bill grants Kansas state educational institutions greater flexibility in managing contracts, easements, and procurement of goods and services by exempting them from certain state statutes. It allows institutions to execute contracts for facility operations, procure construction and development services with competitive bidding requirements, and grant easements for public utilities across state-owned land. The legislation also permits legislators to request copies of institutional policies and signed contracts within five business days, while maintaining oversight through state board of regents approval.
HB 2633 amends Kansas law to increase the maximum service charge fee for wildlife department licenses, permits, and stamps. It sets a new cap of $2.00 for most licenses and permits, while raising the cap for migratory waterfowl habitat stamps to $1.00 (from $0.50). This change affects individuals purchasing these items, such as hunters and anglers, but does not alter the base cost of the licenses themselves. The bill repeals the existing fee structure and specifies that collected fees follow standard state deposit procedures.
HB 2098 adds community theaters operated by not-for-profit corporations to Kansas' list of entities exempt from state sales tax. Specifically, it amends the sales tax code to include these theaters under the existing exemption for nonprofit organizations purchasing goods or services for their own use. This change directly affects Kansas-based community theaters run by nonprofits, allowing them to avoid paying sales tax on qualifying purchases like equipment, supplies, and services. The bill modifies Section 79-3606 of Kansas law to clarify that such theaters qualify for the same tax exemption previously available to schools, hospitals, and other nonprofits.
HB 2067 establishes a $200,000 grant program funded by the state general fund to provide feminine hygiene products (like tampons and pads) at no cost to students in qualifying Title I schools. The program targets public schools serving grades 5-12 that receive federal Title I funding, with grants distributed based on the number of female students in those grades. School districts must apply to participate, and funds reimburse schools for purchasing products and dispensers, which must be available in women’s restrooms and through school counselors/nurses. The grant fund is replenished annually with $200,000 starting July 1, 2026.
SB 74 would provide Kansas residents a refundable tax credit for purchasing lockable storage for guns and ammunition. For tax years 2025 through 2027, individuals could claim 25% of qualifying expenses, up to $250 per year. If the credit exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability, the excess amount would be refunded as cash. The bill specifically applies to expenditures on storage devices (not other gun-related costs) and covers both firearms and ammunition.
HB 2073 would exempt feminine hygiene products (such as tampons and pads) and diapers from Kansas' state sales tax. This means consumers purchasing these essential items would no longer pay the state sales tax at checkout. The bill amends Kansas' sales tax law (K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 79-3606) to add these products to the list of tax-exempt items. It directly affects all Kansas residents who buy these products, making them more affordable without changing other tax rules.
HB 2277 lowers the state sales tax rate for prepared food (such as meals at restaurants and food service businesses), reducing the tax burden for consumers purchasing these items. The bill simultaneously increases the percentage of sales tax revenue allocated to the state highway fund, directing more funds toward road maintenance and infrastructure projects. This change directly affects restaurants and food vendors by altering their tax collection responsibilities and the state by adjusting revenue distribution from sales taxes. The legislation amends multiple sections of Kansas tax law to implement these specific rate and allocation adjustments.
