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HB 2160

Relating to authorizing application of the manufacturing investment tax credit and the manufacturing property tax adjustment credit against personal income tax

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vernon Criss and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 2160 protects Kansas municipal employees from retaliation when reporting misconduct, ensuring transparency and accountability in local government operations.

To House Finance
#taxation
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2160

Summary of House Bill 2160

Overview

Bill Number: HB 2160
Title: Relating to authorizing application of the manufacturing investment tax credit and the manufacturing property tax adjustment credit against personal income tax
Status: To House Finance
Introduced: January 30, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Taxation

House Bill 2160 aims to establish the Kansas Municipal Employee Whistleblower Act, which provides legal protections for municipal employees who report unlawful or dangerous conduct. The bill seeks to encourage transparency and accountability within municipal operations by safeguarding whistleblowers from retaliation.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Protection Against Retaliation:

    • Municipal supervisors and appointing authorities are prohibited from taking disciplinary actions against employees for:
      • Discussing municipal operations or public concerns with legislators or auditing agencies.
      • Reporting violations of state or federal laws, municipal resolutions, or regulations.
      • Failing to notify supervisors before making such reports.
      • Disclosing malfeasance or misappropriation of municipal funds.

  2. Definitions:

    • Auditing Agency: Includes the Legislative Post Auditor and other relevant state or federal agencies.
    • Disciplinary Action: Encompasses dismissal, demotion, suspension, and other forms of reprimand.
    • Malfeasance: Defined as unlawful conduct by municipal officials or employees.
    • Misappropriation: Refers to unauthorized or unlawful handling of municipal funds.

  3. Legal Recourse:

    • Employees alleging retaliatory disciplinary actions can file a lawsuit within 90 days of the incident, seeking damages and other relief.
    • Municipalities that have an administrative process for handling disciplinary actions must allow employees to appeal decisions related to violations of this act.

  4. Posting Requirement:

    • Each municipality is required to prominently post a copy of the Act in locations accessible to all employees.

  5. Limitations:

    • The Act does not allow employees to leave work without following established policies, nor does it protect employees who disclose false information or act with corrupt motives.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: The bill primarily affects municipal employees, supervisors, and appointing authorities within Kansas municipalities. It aims to protect employees who report misconduct and ensure that they can do so without fear of retaliation.
  • Potential Costs: The bill may lead to increased litigation costs for municipalities due to potential lawsuits from employees claiming retaliation. The fiscal impact is currently indeterminate, but it could result in increased expenditures related to defending claims.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced on January 30, 2025, and has undergone several amendments and discussions in various committees.
  • It is currently in the House Finance committee for further consideration.

Conclusion

House Bill 2160 represents a significant step towards enhancing whistleblower protections for municipal employees in Kansas. By establishing clear guidelines and protections, the bill aims to foster a culture of accountability and transparency within local government operations.

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

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