Real Leadership Step Up NOW on Property Tax Reform
Without bold leadership, nothing will happen, and taxpayers will be left with the check
In my previous article, "A Breath of Fresh Air in Kansas: Ending the Property Tax Nightmare," I outlined how our current property tax system is suffocating homeowners, retirees, and families across the state. Skyrocketing appraisals and opaque mill levies have turned what should be a fair contribution into an unpredictable burden, discouraging homeownership and fueling unnecessary government bloat. The solution I championed—phasing out property taxes entirely and replacing them with a simple, equitable consumption-based surcharge—remains the path forward. But with the 2026 legislative session underway, it's time to examine the other proposals floating around Topeka and why they fall short of delivering real relief
The Half-Measures on the Table: Caps That Won't Cut It
Lawmakers have introduced several bills aimed at curbing property tax growth, but most amount to tinkering around the edges rather than addressing the root problem. For instance, House Bill 2745 would allow local taxpayers to challenge property tax revenue increases above 3% through a protest petition process, requiring signatures from 10% of voters in the previous presidential election to block the hike. While this gives citizens a voice, it's reactive and cumbersome—relying on organized petitions every time local governments try to sneak in hikes tied to inflated valuations. It doesn't prevent the underlying issue of endless appraisal creep; it just makes taxpayers jump through hoops to fight it.
Similarly, there's talk of capping property valuation increases at 3% annually, as proposed in resolutions like Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616, which limits the growth in taxable assessed values for real estate and mobile homes. A broader constitutional amendment, potentially on the November 2026 ballot, would enshrine a 3% cap on taxable value growth statewide. On the surface, this sounds promising, but it's a mirage. Caps like these don't eliminate the tax; they merely slow the bleed. Property values will still rise due to market forces, and governments will find ways to adjust mill rates or exemptions to maintain revenue streams. Taxpayers on fixed incomes will continue to face bills that outpace their ability to pay, and the system remains regressive, hitting homeowners hardest while letting non-residents off the hook.
Other targeted relief, such as House Bill 2457, which caps homestead property taxes for seniors aged 65 and older at their base-year amount starting in 2027, offers a narrow fix for a vulnerable group. It's a step in the right direction for retirees, but it shifts the burden to younger families and ignores the broader inequities. Bills like Senate Bill 332, which tweak valuation methods for certain properties, are even more incremental and unlikely to provide meaningful budget relief for the average Kansan.
These proposals might ease the pain temporarily, but they're half-measures that will have little to no lasting effect on taxpayers' budgets. They perpetuate a broken system where government spending drives up taxes, rather than forcing efficiency and accountability. Without a complete overhaul, we'll be back here next session, debating the same issues.
The Gold Standard: Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act
True reform means ending the property tax nightmare once and for all, and that's exactly what Senate Bill 488 (the Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act of 2026) and Senate Concurrent Resolution 1621 deliver. SCR 1621 proposes a constitutional amendment to ban all property taxes on real and personal property (including vehicles) by the end of 2027, with a phased wind-down in 2026 and 2027, subject to voter approval in November 2026. SB 488 implements this by slashing taxes to 50% of 2025 levels in 2026, 25% in 2027, and zero thereafter, replacing the revenue with a fair share purchase surcharge: 7.6% on retail purchases under $20 (capping at $1.60 for larger transactions). Exemptions for essentials like groceries, utilities, prescriptions, fuel, rent, mortgages, child care, and K-12 tuition ensure it's progressive and broad-based.
This isn't just tinkering—it's real reform. It spreads the cost to everyone who benefits from public services, including tourists, renters, and shoppers, while lowering barriers to homeownership and vehicle ownership. Local governments get replacement grants to maintain services, and a reserve fund handles any shortfalls. It's simple, fair, and aligned with Kansas values of limited government and personal freedom.
Critique Without Solutions Isn't Enough
In his recent article, "Replacing Property Tax with Sales Tax," Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute rightly highlights the complexities of shifting away from property taxes, emphasizing the need for data collection, public input, economic modeling, and even pilot programs to avoid pitfalls. He credits Senator Mike Murphy for sparking the conversation but warns against rushing, pointing out potential flaws in distribution methods and risks like tax avoidance across borders.
Trabert's caution is valid—reform must be thoughtful to succeed. However, his piece stops short of offering concrete solutions or endorsing a clear path forward. He lists options like varying surcharges or eliminating exemptions but doesn't commit to any, leaving readers with more questions than answers. As a respected policy leader in Topeka, Trabert has the expertise and influence to drive this change. It's time for him to move beyond critique and become part of the solution, perhaps by collaborating on refinements to SB 488 or advocating for the data-driven approach he champions with offering amendments to this legislation to accomplish a goal of property tax elimination. Kansans deserve bold leadership, not just analysis.
The Governor's Race: Searching for a Leader Who Will Champion Real Reform
With Gov. Laura Kelly term-limited, the 2026 gubernatorial election presents a golden opportunity to elect a new leader committed to ending the property tax crisis. The field is crowded—nine Republicans, three Democrats, and one independent have thrown their hats in the ring so far—but where do they stand on this critical issue? Are they ready to embrace bold solutions like Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act, or are they playing the safe "wait and see" game we're all too accustomed to from Topeka politicians?
Republicans, with a larger field, offer a mix of rhetoric but varying degrees of specificity. Former Gov. Jeff Colyer emphasize safer streets and schools alongside lower costs, but without tying it to specific property tax strategies. His focuses on controlling government spending to enable caps on increases, warning against hasty shifts like rolling property taxes into sales taxes that could hurt businesses. Senate President Ty Masterson, talks broadly about tax cuts and relief but stop short of endorsing bold measures like full elimination or valuation overhauls. Masterson touts past $2 billion cuts and promises more.
Vagueness with these candidates suggests many are waiting for the legislative session to play out, avoiding risks that could alienate donors or special interests before primaries. Leadership does not play the waiting game. Let’s get to the table and lets get to work on real reform as part of your platforms!
Kansans are searching for a governor who will lead on this, not follow the polls. If candidates truly want to differentiate themselves, they should rally behind Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act as the gold standard—no more half-measures or platitudes. Demand they clarify their stances now, before it's too late.
Nothing Happens Without You: Demand Action
Despite these promising bills and the governor's race heating up, nothing is likely to happen this session unless the public shows up and demands it. The Senate Taxation Committee will likely bring up the Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act for a hearing in a few weeks time. We need as many taxpayers as possible to submit written testimony or show up in committee to be seen in support. Sign up HERE (link to sign up form) to get instructions on how to submit testimony and get detailed alerts for committee hearings.
Lawmakers are debating multiple proposals, but inertia and special interests could water them down or kill them outright. Property tax relief remains uncertain without grassroots pressure.
Contact your legislators today—tell them to prioritize Senator Murphy’s Kansas Property Tax Freedom Act (SB 488 and SCR 1621) as the gold standard. Quiz gubernatorial candidates on their plans and push for commitments. Attend hearings and spread the word (share this communication and encourage others to subscribe so they get updates). We've waited too long for half-hearted fixes; it's time for a breath of fresh air that actually clears the air. Together, we can end the property tax nightmare and build a fairer Kansas for all.