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SB 518

Authorizing the state historical society to convey certain real property located in Johnson county to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

2025-2026 Regular Session

The bill would authorize transferring specific Johnson County real property from the Kansas Historical Society to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Died in Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 518

Summary of SB 518 (2025-2026, Kansas)

Purpose and intent

SB 518 proposes authorizing the state historical society to convey certain real property located in Johnson County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. The bill appears to authorize the transfer (conveyance) of specific property from the state historical society to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, potentially as part of a settlement, acknowledgment, or correction of land ownership interests. The exact rationale (e.g., historical land claims, cultural preservation, or other treaty-era considerations) is not detailed in the summary, but the bill’s central action is the transfer of title or interest in real property.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization for conveyance: The bill would give the state historical society authority to convey (transfer) real property located in Johnson County to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.
  • Parties involved: The transfer would be between the Kansas state historical society (a state agency) and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (a federally recognized tribe).
  • Property scope: The conveyable real property is identified as being located in Johnson County, Kansas. The specific parcel(s) and their legal descriptions would be determined under procedures established by the bill or accompanying regulations.
  • Conditions and process: While not fully detailed in the provided summary, typically such conveyance statutes include:
    • requirements for appraisal or valuation,
    • approval by applicable state authorities or governing bodies,
    • any conditions or restrictions attached to the conveyance (e.g., use restrictions, easements, easement reservations, or reversion if terms are not met),
    • closing mechanics and timeline,
    • potential compensation or consideration to the state (if any).
  • Legal framework: The bill would modify or add statutory authority enabling the conveyance, possibly establishing procedures for notice, due diligence, and compliance with state and federal laws governing transfers of state-owned property.

Who and what would be affected

  • State entity: Kansas Historical Society would be permitted to convey ownership of the identified real property, subject to any procedures, conditions, and approvals.
  • Tribal entity: Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation would receive ownership of the conveyed property, which could impact landholdings, land use, cultural preservation sites, or tribal economic/commercial activities on the property.
  • Public and intergovernmental relations: The conveyance would affect state-tribal relations, potentially influencing other negotiations, land trust considerations, and historic preservation goals in Kansas.
  • Johnson County: Affected geographically by the transfer of a designated parcel or parcels within the county.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced on 2026-02-25 and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce (2026-02-26).
  • Committee action: The bill was considered by the Senate Committee on Commerce.
  • Status: Died in Committee as of 2026-04-10, meaning it did not advance to the full Senate for deliberation or a floor vote.
  • Implications of procedural status: Had it advanced, it would have moved through committee votes and potentially to floor consideration, with opportunities for amendments, public testimony, and possible negotiations with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation or other stakeholders prior to crossing to the House (and vice versa, depending on the legislative process in Kansas). Since it died in committee, the bill did not become law in its current form during this session.

Notes

  • Specific parcel details, appraisal requirements, and binding conditions would be defined in the bill text or subsequent administrative rules if the bill were to be revived or reintroduced in a future session.
  • As the bill did not pass, no legal effect on property conveyance occurred under SB 518.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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