Sen. Beverly Gossage

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit how much the assessed value of residential real property and mobile homes can increase each year in Kansas. The amendment would cap annual increases for these property types at 1.5% of their value, starting from January 1, 2027. This change directly affects homeowners and mobile home owners by restricting how their property tax bases can grow over time. The bill requires a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers and would be submitted to voters for approval before taking effect.

Maddy summarySB 397 prevents Kansas homeowners from losing eligibility for homestead property tax refunds or the SAFESR tax credit if their home's value later exceeds $350,000 after qualifying in a previous year. It ensures that individuals who received these benefits in a year when their home value was under $350,000 retain eligibility for future years, even if the value rises above the threshold. The bill amends Kansas law to explicitly protect this eligibility, applying to tax years 2026 and beyond for those who qualified under prior years' conditions. It directly affects current and future recipients of these specific tax relief programs.

Maddy summarySB 118 imposes term limits on Kansas legislators: members of the House may serve a maximum of six two-year terms, and Senators may serve a maximum of three four-year terms. After reaching these limits, legislators seeking re-election must be nominated via petition under K.S.A. 25-205, rather than appearing automatically on primary ballots. The bill amends election rules to require petition signatures for candidates who have served the maximum terms, with petition forms including a statement acknowledging the term limit. This directly affects current and future legislators aiming for re-election beyond their term limit thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the right to bear arms in Kansas to explicitly include ammunition, firearm accessories, and components. It classifies this right as a natural and fundamental one that cannot be infringed, requiring any future restrictions to meet the strict scrutiny legal standard. If approved by the legislature and voters, the change would strengthen protections for gun ownership while maintaining existing rules against standing armies in peacetime. The amendment would be placed on a special election ballot for Kansas residents to vote on in August 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes adding a constitutional amendment to Kansas to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and live in their local voting area are eligible to vote. The key provision clarifies residency requirements by allowing exceptions for people who temporarily move away, such as those voting in presidential elections or relocating within the state during an election cycle. If passed by the legislature and approved by voters, the change would codify these specific voter qualifications into the state constitution.

Maddy summarySB 10 creates property tax exemptions in Kansas for specific personal property, directly affecting owners of off-road vehicles (not used on highways), motorized bicycles, electric-assisted mobility devices, trailers under 15,000 pounds for personal use, and marine equipment (including watercraft trailers and motors). The bill exempts these items from state property taxes starting in taxable years after December 31, 2025. It amends existing tax laws to formalize these exemptions and updates application procedures for property tax exemptions. This change applies only to qualifying personal-use equipment, not commercial or farm-related property.

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 a constitutional amendment to Kansas that would limit how much property tax assessments can increase each year for most real estate and mobile homes. Under the new rules, the taxable value of these properties could rise by no more than 3% annually, unless the property is newly built, improved, sold, or reclassified. The amendment also allows the state legislature to create specific laws that freeze tax valuations for owner-occupied homes belonging to qualifying seniors. By embedding these limits in the state constitution, the change would establish a permanent cap on assessment growth rather than relying on temporary statutes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution commends the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office and acknowledges the patriotism of Kansas employers who support their employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. The measure highlights the partnership between these groups, noting how employer policies like flexible leave and job protection help service members balance military duties with their civilian lives. By formally recognizing this collaboration, the resolution aims to strengthen the bond between the state, its service members, and their workplaces without altering any laws or policies.