HB 2083 creates a property tax exemption for new energy storage systems in Kansas, effective January 1, 2026. It specifically excludes these systems from the existing commercial and industrial machinery and equipment tax exemption while granting them a separate tax exemption under K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 79-266. This directly affects businesses or developers installing new energy storage systems (like battery storage for renewable energy) after the effective date. The bill ensures these systems are taxed differently than standard machinery, providing a financial incentive for new clean energy infrastructure. Systems approved before January 1, 2026, are not covered by this new exemption.
SB 235 prohibits selling, offering for sale, using, or distributing seeds coated with pesticides containing specific neonicotinoid chemicals (like clothianidin or imidacloprid) in Kansas after January 1, 2028. The law directly affects farmers and seed sellers who currently use these treated seeds, with the governor allowed to temporarily suspend the ban for up to one year if seed shortages or financial hardship for producers are confirmed. This bill creates a clear deadline for phasing out these seed coatings while providing a limited exception mechanism through executive action.
HB 2161 creates a $0.05 per gallon income tax credit for Kansas retail gas stations and fuel distributors selling biodiesel blends (at least 10% biodiesel) or renewable diesel blends (at least 10% renewable diesel) to end users. The credit applies to sales made at retail service stations or direct sales to final users within Kansas, covering taxable years 2026 through 2031. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years, but the total annual credit amount cannot exceed $5 million. This policy directly supports businesses selling renewable fuel blends by reducing their tax liability, aiming to incentivize the use of cleaner motor vehicle fuels.
HB 2012 provides a $0.05 per gallon tax credit for retail fuel dealers and distributors selling ethanol blends containing 15% to 85% ethanol at Kansas retail service stations or directly to end users. The credit applies to tax years 2026 through 2031, with a yearly cap of $5 million total across all businesses. Unused credits can be carried forward for up to five years, but the credit cannot be refunded. This bill directly affects businesses selling ethanol-blended fuels in Kansas, including gas stations and fuel distributors.
HB 2063 establishes four conservation funds in Kansas: the State Conservation Fund, Working Lands Conservation Fund, Wildlife Conservation Fund, and Kansas Outdoors Fund. It allocates $60 million annually from the state general fund to the State Conservation Fund, with automatic transfers to the other three funds (50% to Working Lands, 25% to Wildlife, and the remainder to Kansas Outdoors) starting July 2025. The Kansas Department of Agriculture and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will administer these funds to support conservation projects on working lands, wildlife habitats, and outdoor recreation, including irrigation efficiency, soil health, and native grassland restoration. The bill prohibits using these funds for land acquisition or to replace existing state funding for these agencies.
SB 36 increases the annual state funding cap for Kansas conservation districts from $25,000 to $50,000 per district. It changes the state matching requirement from a 1:1 ratio to a 2:1 ratio (state funds to county funds), meaning the state will match two dollars for every one dollar counties allocate for conservation activities. This applies to districts receiving state funds for operating costs, with the total state disbursement per district capped at $50,000 annually. The bill affects conservation districts and county commissioners, who must allocate funds in their budgets to qualify for the increased state matching.
