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Bill

HCR 5035

Proposing to amend section 1 of article 11 of the constitution of the state of Kansas to provide a property tax exemption from all school district levies for residential property that is owned by and the principal place of residence of a person who is 60 years of age or older.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Proposes Kansas constitutional amendment exempting seniors 60+ from school district property taxes, potentially reducing school funding and shifting tax burden to other property owners.

Died in Committee
#constitutionalamendments(kansas) #resolutions #taxation
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Bill Summary · HCR 5035

Legislative bill overview

HCR 5035 proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt residential properties from school district property taxes for homeowners aged 60 and older in Kansas. The amendment would need voter approval and would permanently alter the state's tax base for school funding.

Why is this important

School districts rely heavily on property tax revenue for operations; removing this revenue source for senior homeowners could create significant funding gaps requiring alternative revenue sources or budget reductions. This directly affects education spending, property tax burdens on other taxpayers, and state budget priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • School funding impact: Reducing property tax revenue to school districts without identifying replacement funding sources could force difficult choices about educational services, teacher salaries, or facility maintenance
  • Tax burden shift: Non-exempt property owners may face higher tax rates to compensate for lost senior homeowner revenue, raising questions about fairness across generations
  • Revenue predictability: Permanent constitutional exemptions make it difficult for districts to budget long-term as the exempted population grows, potentially creating fiscal instability
  • Equity concerns: The exemption provides benefits based on age rather than financial need, potentially subsidizing wealthy seniors while working families of all ages pay full rates

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

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