Maddy summaryThis Senate concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Congress to double fines for breaking federal immigration laws and asks Immigration and Customs Enforcement to more aggressively prosecute companies that hire undocumented workers. The bill directly addresses employers who hire unauthorized immigrants and federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, citing concerns that current penalties are too weak to deter hiring practices that allegedly harm American workers. Because this is a non-binding resolution rather than a law, it expresses the Kansas Senate's formal recommendation to federal officials without creating new legal obligations or changing existing statutes. The document highlights past statistics showing that ICE has rarely used criminal prosecution against employers compared to its focus on individuals entering the country illegally.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summarySB 90 creates a property tax exemption for the first $100,000 of value on owner-occupied homes in Kansas, affecting homeowners with homes valued under $350,000 (adjusted annually for inflation starting in 2027). Local governments can propose ballot questions to voters to opt out of this exemption for their area - requiring a two-thirds vote for full exemption removal or a majority vote for a 50% reduction. The exemption does not apply to taxes from existing bonds or certain specific levies. This policy directly impacts eligible homeowners and gives local communities annual voting power over local tax rates.
Maddy summarySB 152 creates a new property tax appeal process for residential and commercial property owners in Kansas with valuations under $1 million who haven't already appealed to the state board of tax appeals. Taxpayers can request an informal hearing before their county commissioners within 30 days of receiving a valuation notice, and the commissioners must issue a decision within 30 days of the hearing. If the county disagrees with the valuation, they must either reduce the property's appraised value by at least 15% or agree to purchase the property for 90% of that appraised value within 30 days of a written offer from the owner. The county must complete any purchase within 90 days if they accept the offer.
Maddy summarySB 153 establishes Kansas' first statewide paid prenatal leave law, requiring most employers to provide 20 hours of paid leave annually for pregnancy-related healthcare (like checkups, tests, and doctor visits) starting January 1, 2026. Employees earn this leave at their regular pay rate or minimum wage, whichever is higher, and cannot be penalized for using it. The law prohibits employers from retaliating against workers who request or take this leave and mandates employers restore employees to their previous position after leave. Employers must also inform staff about this benefit through the state labor department's outreach efforts.
Maddy summarySB 215 modifies Kansas property tax refund eligibility for seniors (65+) and disabled veterans by excluding Social Security payments from household income calculations and raising the income threshold from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. It also increases the maximum property value threshold for eligibility from $350,000 to $595,000, with automatic annual adjustments based on cost-of-living changes and property valuation trends. These changes apply to tax years beginning in 2025 and later, replacing previous eligibility rules under Kansas law. The bill directly affects qualifying seniors and disabled veterans seeking property tax refunds by expanding access to the program.
Maddy summarySB 200 designates Kansas as a "Purple Heart State" to honor residents who have received the Purple Heart medal for combat wounds. It requires the governor to annually proclaim August 7 as "Purple Heart Day" (commemorating the medal's historical origins) and urges veterans' organizations to plan recognition events. The bill does not create new benefits or funding but establishes a ceremonial observance for Purple Heart recipients, with all Kansas residents encouraged to participate in commemorating their service. This is a symbolic measure with no substantive policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis bill proposes to remove a specific clause from the Kansas Constitution that currently protects employees from being fired based on whether they join a labor union. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, it would eliminate the state's constitutional "right to work" provision regarding union membership. The bill directly affects workers and employers by changing the legal rules around union membership in the state. It is a procedural measure that sets up a vote for the public to decide whether to keep or remove this existing constitutional protection.
Maddy summarySB 216 establishes Kansas' first statewide paid sick leave law, requiring most private employers to provide earned paid sick time for health and safety needs. Employees accrue sick time at their regular hourly rate (minimum $7.25/hour), with limits based on employer size: larger employers must provide up to 80 hours annually, while smaller businesses offer less. The law prohibits retaliation for using sick leave, bans employer demands for replacement workers, and allows up to 80 hours to carry over annually or be paid out at year-end. It excludes small businesses with under $5,000 annual sales, certain government workers, and employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Maddy summarySB 218 would raise Kansas's minimum wage to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2026, with future increases tied to the Midwest Consumer Price Index (cost of living). It applies to most Kansas workers not covered by federal minimum wage law, excluding agricultural workers, domestic workers, and others defined in the bill. Tipped employees would receive at least half the minimum wage plus tips, with employers covering any shortfall if tips don’t meet the full minimum. The current $7.25 hourly rate would remain in effect until the end of 2025.
Maddy summarySB 201 provides property tax exemptions for Kansas homesteads owned by veterans or former law enforcement officers with service-connected disabilities. Eligibility depends on disability rating: 30-49% qualifies for a $2,500 annual tax break, 50-59% for $5,000, and 60%+ or qualifying surviving spouses (for deaths in service) receive full exemption. The exemption applies to primary residences valued under $250,000, excluding commercial use, and carries over to surviving spouses who maintain ownership and residency. This policy directly affects Kansas residents who served in military or law enforcement with certified service-connected disabilities.