HB 2628 creates a refundable Kansas income tax credit for residents paying tuition and fees at eligible colleges or universities. It allows qualifying taxpayers to claim up to $300 per year toward these costs for themselves or their child, with any unused portion refunded if the credit exceeds their tax bill. The credit applies to Kansas residents who paid for attendance at institutions meeting state-defined standards under K.S.A. 72-3222. This policy directly supports families and individuals covering higher education expenses, making the credit accessible even if they owe no state income tax.
HB 2784 lowers the property tax rate for Kansas school districts from 20 mills to 19 mills for the 2026-2027 school year. It directly affects school districts by reducing their local property tax revenue and requires the state to transfer funds from the general fund and budget stabilization fund to the state school district finance fund to offset this loss. The bill amends tax laws to automatically calculate and transfer the revenue difference based on the rate decrease, ensuring school districts maintain funding levels. This change applies specifically to the 2026-2027 school year as defined in the bill.
HB 2663 modifies how Kansas school districts track progress for students in at-risk programs. It requires districts to identify specific student groups (including those eligible for free meals) and set four-year academic improvement goals for each group in English language arts and math. Districts must implement 2-4 state-approved interventions for these groups and evaluate progress using state assessments and other approved measures. The bill aims to ensure targeted support and measurable progress toward state goals for all students, without allowing districts to change established goals once set.
HB 2645 extends a 60% tax credit for Kansas businesses and individuals who donate to community colleges or technical colleges for capital improvements, deferred maintenance, or technology/equipment purchases. The credit applies to contributions made between 2022 and 2031, allowing donors to reduce their state income tax liability by up to 60% of qualifying donations. Funds must be deposited into designated capital outlay or maintenance funds at the institutions, with strict rules ensuring they support specific infrastructure needs rather than new construction. This policy directly affects taxpayers who make eligible contributions to participating Kansas community colleges and technical colleges.
SB 477 establishes the Kansas First Responder Scholarship Program, providing tuition assistance at Kansas postsecondary institutions for eligible first responders (including firefighters, EMTs, law enforcement officers, and public safety telecommunicators) with at least six years of service in Kansas, and their dependents (with the parent having at least 12 years of service). The scholarship covers tuition fees (including course and activity fees) but excludes room, board, books, and other materials, for up to 10 semesters of undergraduate study. To qualify, applicants must meet admission requirements, apply for other federal and state financial aid first, and provide proof of employment and residency each year. The state board of regents administers the program, and participating colleges can seek reimbursement from the state for waived tuition.
HB 2660 appropriates $8.6 million for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy through fiscal year 2027, requiring the state board of regents to use these funds in alignment with the blueprint's strategic plan. The bill expands reporting requirements under the "Every Child Can Read Act," mandating school districts to track high-risk students, develop individual literacy plans for those at risk, and report on interventions and outcomes annually. It also requires the state board of education to designate evidence-based literacy practices, include a literacy practicum in teacher licensure, and develop a comprehensive literacy implementation plan for school districts.
SB 514 allows Kansas students who transfer mid-year to immediately join school activities (like sports, music, or drama) at their new school, unless they were recruited or induced primarily to join for athletic purposes. Students must still meet basic eligibility standards (academic requirements, behavior, skill assessment, and team capacity limits). The rule specifically delays athletic participation for one year if a student transferred solely for sports recruitment, but does not affect eligibility for nonathletic activities like music or debate. Schools cannot delay eligibility for nonathletic transfers or impose unnecessary barriers.
HB 2576, known as Erin's Law, requires Kansas school districts to implement annual teacher training and age-appropriate student instruction on identifying and reporting child sexual abuse starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The law mandates that all teachers receive training covering prevention, identifying abuse signs, and reporting procedures, while all K-12 students must receive age-appropriate instruction on recognizing abuse and knowing how to report it, including resources for support. Parents or guardians may opt their children out of the student instruction. The training and instruction may use resources like the Erin's Law Foundation curriculum or other approved materials.
SB 383 expands the definition of "special teacher" in Kansas law to include qualified third-party providers contracted by school districts to deliver special education or related services. This change allows school districts to seek state aid reimbursement for services provided by these contracted providers to students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The bill amends statutes K.S.A. 72-3404 and 72-3422 to formally include these external service providers within the reimbursement framework. It directly affects school districts, contracted special education providers, and students with IEPs receiving services under such agreements. The policy change specifically enables state funding for contracted services that previously did not qualify for reimbursement under the existing definition.
HB 2595 establishes a program offering financial assistance to Kansas-resident law students at the University of Kansas and Washburn University who commit to practicing law in rural Kansas counties (excluding Douglas, Johnson, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte). It provides stipends of up to $3,000 per school year for up to three years to cover tuition and school expenses, contingent on recipients practicing full-time in rural Kansas for 12 consecutive months per year of stipend received. The program is funded through $45,000 to $135,000 annual transfers from the state general fund over five years, with repayment required if the practice commitment is not met, including prorated amounts plus interest. The law schools administer the program, with annual reports to legislative committees.
