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SCR 1624

Proposing to amend the constitution of the state of Kansas by revising article 11 by establishing the freedom from taxes fund, establishing the Kansas citizens freedom review board, authorizing the board to review tax exemptions and approve or eliminate such exemptions and eliminating the motor vehicle property taxes and fees, state-mandated and state-imposed property taxes and state-imposed income and privilege taxes.

2025-2026 Regular Session

A constitutional amendment would create a Freedom from Taxes Fund and a Citizens Freedom Review Board to eliminate major state taxes and tax exemptions.

Died in Committee
#boards #commissionsandtaskforces #constitutionalamendments(kansas) #funds #resolutions #taxation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SCR 1624

Summary of SCR 1624 (Kansas, 2025-2026)

Purpose and Intent

  • SCR 1624 proposes a constitutional amendment to revise Article 11 of the Kansas Constitution.
  • The core aims are to:
    • Establish a constitutional framework for a “Freedom from Taxes Fund.”
    • Create the Kansas Citizens Freedom Review Board to oversee tax exemptions.
    • Eliminate certain state-imposed taxes and fees, including motor vehicle property taxes and fees, and various state-imposed taxes (property, income, and privilege taxes).

Key Provisions Proposed

  • Freedom from Taxes Fund: Establishment of a dedicated fund intended to reduce or offset tax burdens on state residents. The amendment would set forth how the fund is funded, controlled, and used, though specific allocation rules would be determined by subsequent implementing mechanisms tied to the constitutional amendment.
  • Kansas Citizens Freedom Review Board: Creation of a bipartisan or citizen-focused board empowered to:
    • Review existing and proposed tax exemptions.
    • Approve, modify, or eliminate tax exemptions based on criteria set forth in the amendment and by statutes.
  • Tax Exemption Review Authority: The board’s authority to scrutinize tax exemptions suggests a mechanism to streamline or rescind exemptions that the board deems non-essential or unnecessary.
  • Elimination of Motor Vehicle Property Taxes and Fees: Abolish state-imposed motor vehicle property taxes and associated fees, shifting potential revenue impacts to other state mechanisms or funding structures.
  • Elimination of State-Imposed Taxes: The amendment targets elimination or substantial reduction of:
    • State-imposed property taxes
    • State-imposed income taxes
    • State-imposed privilege taxes
  • Instruction on Transition: While not fully detailed in the summary provided, constitutional amendments typically authorize the Legislature to design transition timelines, protect ongoing obligations, and address fiscal needs arising from the eliminations.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Kansas Residents: Potentially lower tax burdens via the elimination of major state taxes and the creation of the Freedom from Taxes Fund.
  • Taxpayers with Exemptions: Exemption recipients could see their exemptions reviewed and possibly rolled back or removed by the Kansas Citizens Freedom Review Board.
  • State and Local Governments: Reduced revenue streams from major taxes would require alternative funding mechanisms or reform of public services and budgets.
  • Vehicle Owners: Elimination of motor vehicle property taxes and related fees would directly affect owners and the state’s revenue from vehicle-related assessments.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 4, 2026.
  • Referred: March 4, 2026, to the Senate Committee on Assessment and Taxation.
  • Committee Action: On April 10, 2026, SCR 1624 died in committee, meaning it did not advance to a full chamber vote and would not be placed on a ballot unless reintroduced or revived by future legislative action.

Potential Implications (Without Passage)

  • If enacted in the future, the amendment would fundamentally restructure Kansas tax policy, shifting toward a taxpayer relief framework via the new fund and board.
  • The elimination of major state taxes would necessitate substantial changes in state budgeting, government services, and may require durable funding or constitutional protections to sustain essential programs.

Important Considerations

  • SCR 1624 is a constitutional amendment and, if passed by the Legislature, would typically require voter approval at the ballot to become effective.
  • The bill’s current status shows it did not advance out of committee in 2026, indicating it faced hurdles or opposition at the legislative stage.

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

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