Kansas Governor Vetoes Property Tax Relief Bill

Kelly cites disruption to local projects, calls for real tax relief instead of 'faulty legislation'

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:25pm

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A serene, cinematic painting depicting the Kansas state capitol building in warm, muted tones, with the structure bathed in diagonal sunlight and surrounded by deep shadows, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty around the issue of property tax relief.The veto of the property tax relief bill underscores the ongoing political debates in Kansas over how to provide meaningful tax relief to residents.Topeka Today

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed Senate Substitute for House Bill 2745, which would have allowed protest petitions to contest certain increases in property tax revenues and continued reimbursements from the taxpayer notification costs fund. Kelly stated the bill does nothing to provide real property tax relief and has already caused disruption to local projects across the state.

Why it matters

Property taxes are a major concern for many Kansans, and the governor's veto of this bill highlights the ongoing debate over how to provide meaningful tax relief while also allowing local governments flexibility to address community needs. The dispute between the Democratic governor and Republican legislative leaders underscores the political tensions around this issue.

The details

The vetoed bill, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2745, would have allowed protest petitions to contest certain increases in property tax revenues and continued reimbursements from the taxpayer notification costs fund for an additional five years. Governor Kelly said the bill would 'restrict the ability of locally elected officials to be nimble enough to adjust to the unique needs of the communities they serve' and has already caused disruption, with some local bond projects being terminated by underwriters due to the 'financial uncertainty' created by the legislation.

  • On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, Governor Kelly announced the veto of the property tax relief bill.

The players

Laura Kelly

The Democratic Governor of Kansas who vetoed the property tax relief bill, citing a need for 'real property tax relief' and criticizing the legislation for disrupting local projects.

Ty Masterson

The Republican Kansas Senate President who released a statement criticizing the governor's veto and calling for a 'Republican governor' to solve the 'property-tax crisis'.

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What they’re saying

“Kansans deserve real property tax relief. For several years the Legislature has claimed to make delivering that relief their top priority and yet they have not been successful in delivering on that promise. This session's attempt, Senate Substitute for House Bill 2745, does nothing to provide that relief.”

— Laura Kelly, Governor of Kansas

“Today's veto continues to show our state's desperate need for a Republican governor. Laura Kelly and the Democrats have proven they are not serious about solving the property-tax crisis that is driving Kansans out of their homes. Enough is enough. When I'm Governor, the runaway appraisals and out-of-control local spending will come to an end.”

— Ty Masterson, Kansas Senate President

What’s next

Governor Kelly stated she plans to offer a property tax relief package for the legislature's consideration, which she hopes will provide tax relief and lay the foundation for further discussions with local officials.

The takeaway

The veto of the property tax relief bill highlights the ongoing political tensions and competing visions for addressing the property tax burden in Kansas. While the governor and legislative leaders disagree on the approach, both sides acknowledge the need to provide meaningful tax relief to Kansans.