TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators have given their final approval to a bill that would limit the power of cities and counties to levy property taxes starting next year.
The measure passed Friday revises a property tax lid that was enacted last year and is set to take effect in January 2018. The bill makes the effective date January 2017.
The votes were 112-5 in the House and 37-3 in the Senate. The measure goes next to Gov. Sam Brownback.
Cities and counties couldn’t spend an increase in property tax revenues above the rate of inflation without voters’ approval with some exceptions. Local officials who couldn’t spend the extra revenues would have to drop tax levies.
Supporters say local voters will have more control. Critics worry that local services will be hurt.
Legislators also rejected a proposal Friday to repeal one of Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s signature personal income tax cuts as they struggle to find the money to close a major budget shortfall.
The House voted 74-45 against a bill that would have repealed a personal income tax exemption for 330,000 farmers and business owners granted in 2012.
The policy was part of a wave of personal income tax cuts enacted in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging in an effort to stimulate the economy, and other states have watched the fiscal experiment closely. The tax cuts haven’t worked as envisioned, and the state has struggled to balance its budget ever since.