Kansas House Fails to Advance Property Tax Cap Amendment

The proposed resolution sought to limit annual growth of taxable assessed property value to 3% or less.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 12:19am

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The Kansas House failed to advance a resolution, known as the Cap Assessed Value Protection (CAP) amendment, that would have capped the annual growth of taxable assessed property value at 3% or less. The measure needed a two-thirds majority in each chamber and voter approval to become law. Proponents argued that recent valuation growth has driven excessive property tax increases, while opponents included various industry associations who said it would reduce school funding.

Why it matters

The failure of this amendment highlights the ongoing debate in Kansas over property taxes and the balance between providing tax relief for homeowners and ensuring adequate funding for public services like education. The outcome reflects the challenges of passing significant tax policy changes, even when there is public support for addressing rising property tax burdens.

The details

The CAP amendment sought to limit the annual growth of taxable assessed value for real property and residential mobile homes to 3% or less, with exceptions for new construction, major improvements, changes in property class, lost exemptions, newly discovered or corrected tax listings, and property sales. Proponents argued this was necessary to provide relief for Kansas taxpayers facing excessive valuation growth, while opponents said it would reduce critical funding for schools and other local services.

  • The resolution, SCR 1616, was introduced in the Kansas legislature in early 2026.
  • The measure passed the Kansas Senate but failed to advance in the House on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ty Masterson

Kansas Senate President, who introduced the CAP amendment and expressed disappointment at its failure in the House.

Kansas Association of Counties

An organization that opposed the CAP amendment, citing concerns about reduced local government revenues.

Kansas Association of School Boards

An organization that opposed the CAP amendment, arguing it would reduce funding for the statewide school finance mill levy.

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What they’re saying

“Property taxes are squeezing Kansas families, seniors on fixed incomes, and farmers. Kansans expect action, not excuses. I will keep fighting to deliver real relief and I urge the House to put taxpayers first.”

— Ty Masterson, Kansas Senate President (kwch.com)

“The CAP amendment would have reduced revenues of the uniform statewide school finance mill levy starting in 2028.”

— Kansas Association of School Boards (kwch.com)

What’s next

The Kansas legislature may consider alternative approaches to property tax relief or school funding in future sessions.

The takeaway

The failure of the CAP amendment highlights the challenges of balancing property tax relief with maintaining adequate funding for public services like education in Kansas. The debate is likely to continue as lawmakers seek solutions to address rising property tax burdens on residents.