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SB 397

Providing that a person shall not lose eligibility for a homestead property tax refund claim or the selective assistance for effective senior relief (SAFESR) tax credit if the appraised valuation of the homestead subsequently exceeds $350,000 after qualifying in a previous tax year.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Beverly Gossage and 4 co-sponsors

Kansas law allows homeowners to keep homestead tax credits even if home value later exceeds $350,000 if they initially qualified in previous years.

Died in Committee
#taxation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 397

Legislative bill overview

SB 397 modifies Kansas homestead property tax relief eligibility rules by allowing homeowners to retain their homestead property tax refund and SAFER senior tax credit benefits even if their home's appraised value later exceeds $350,000, provided they initially qualified in a previous tax year. Currently, exceeding this valuation threshold causes loss of eligibility. The bill essentially grandfathers in existing beneficiaries against future property value increases.

Why is this important

Homestead tax relief programs are critical for fixed-income seniors and lower-income homeowners managing property tax burdens. Property values can fluctuate due to market conditions or neighborhood appreciation entirely outside a homeowner's control, potentially disqualifying long-time recipients from aid they depend on. This bill addresses whether such sudden ineligibility based on rising home values is fair policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: Allowing continued tax credits for higher-valued properties reduces state tax revenue; fiscal note will clarify the cost
  • Fairness of $350,000 threshold: Questions whether the cap should apply uniformly or if grandfathering creates inequitable treatment between new and existing applicants
  • Property value volatility: Whether market-driven appreciation should trigger benefit loss, or if this discourages home maintenance/improvements by creating a perverse incentive to avoid increasing property value

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

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