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SCR 1612

Proposing to amend the constitution of the state of Kansas by allowing the legislature to contract public debt and pledges to the payment thereof the full faith, credit and taxing power of the state and giving the legislature authority over all matters concerning the contracting of public debt.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas constitutional amendment grants legislature unfettered authority to contract public debt backed by state's full taxing power, removing current borrowing restrictions.

Died in Committee
#constitutionalamendments(kansas) #resolutions
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Bill Summary · SCR 1612

Legislative bill overview

SCR 1612 proposes amending the Kansas constitution to grant the state legislature broad authority to contract public debt and pledge the state's full faith, credit, and taxing power to back that debt. Currently, Kansas has constitutional restrictions limiting the legislature's borrowing powers. This amendment would remove those restrictions and centralize debt authority with the legislature.

Why is this important

States use public debt to fund major infrastructure projects, bond investments, and emergency spending that cannot be covered by annual revenues. Kansas's current constitutional debt limits may prevent the state from accessing capital markets for significant projects or responding to fiscal emergencies. This amendment would fundamentally alter the state's fiscal governance structure and the legislature's spending flexibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal discipline concerns: Removing constitutional debt caps could enable excessive borrowing without voter/constitutional safeguards, potentially burdening future generations with debt service obligations
  • Taxpayer protection: Pledging "full faith, credit and taxing power" means any debt default could trigger automatic tax increases, shifting risk from borrowers to taxpayers
  • Legislative accountability: Centralizing debt authority with the legislature alone removes constitutional checks that currently require voter approval or supermajority thresholds for major borrowing

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

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