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SCR 1621

Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to prohibit the levy of any property tax by the state or any political or taxing subdivision of the state.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas constitutional amendment would ban all property taxes statewide, requiring replacement revenue sources for schools, counties, and municipalities currently funded by property taxation.

Died in Committee
#constitutionalamendments(kansas) #resolutions #taxation
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Bill Summary · SCR 1621

Legislative bill overview

SCR 1621 proposes a constitutional amendment to Kansas that would completely eliminate property taxes at all government levels—state, county, city, and local school districts. This is a concurrent resolution meant to place the amendment before voters for ratification. The amendment would require identifying alternative revenue sources to replace the substantial income currently generated by property taxation.

Why is this important

Property taxes fund critical services including K-12 education (the largest recipient), county operations, municipal services, and emergency services. Eliminating this revenue source without a replacement mechanism would create immediate fiscal crises for schools and local governments. Kansas already faces education funding challenges, and this change would force either dramatic service cuts, increased reliance on state income/sales taxes, or other revenue sources—shifting the tax burden rather than reducing overall taxation.

Potential points of contention

  • Education funding crisis: School districts receive roughly 40-50% of property tax revenue; elimination would devastate district budgets without explicit replacement funding
  • Local government viability: Cities and counties depend on property taxes for police, fire, roads, and infrastructure; replacement revenue would need to come from state sources, reducing local control
  • Tax shift vs. tax cut: Total state tax burden would likely remain similar or increase, as alternative revenue sources (sales tax, income tax) would need to replace lost property tax revenue
  • Implementation timeline: No mechanism specified for transition or identifying replacement revenue before elimination takes effect

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

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