Senate passes resolution to cap property tax evaluations

KNEA opposed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616

By Ann Marie Bush

Director of Communications

In emergency final action on Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Kansas Senate approved a resolution capping annual property valuation increases at 3%.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 1616 was adopted as amended by the Senate with a vote of 30-10. It now goes before the Kansas House.

If it passes both legislative chambers by a two-thirds majority, it will need to be approved by voters during this year’s primary election in August. If approved by voters, the cap would go into effect Jan. 1, 2027.

SCR 1616 stops assessed values of real property from increasing more than 3% per year with some exceptions, including new construction or if improvements are made on the property.

The Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) on Jan. 13, 2026, submitted written testimony opposing SCR 1616.

“Kansas NEA believes tax policy should be rational and balanced, avoiding excessive reliance on any single revenue source,” Timothy R. Graham, Director of Government Relations, stated in the submitted testimony. “We further believe that Kansas tax policy must generate sufficient and reliable revenue to fully fund quality public education and other essential public services.”

SCR 1616 raises serious concerns regarding the long-term stability of state and local revenues, Graham noted.

“For public schools, this proposal is particularly concerning,” Graham stated. “Property valuation is a key component in calculating the local option budget, and limiting assessed value growth could undermine the capacity of districts to meet constitutional funding requirements. Over time, this amendment could exacerbate inequities between districts, reduce fiscal flexibility, and increase reliance on more regressive taxes such as sales tax to offset lost revenue.”

Read KNEA’s written testimony here.

KNEA will continue to follow legislation as the 2026 session continues. For updates, visit http://www.ksutd.org/.

Ann Marie Bush can be reached by email at ann.bush@knea.org.