Kansas Gov. Kelly Vetoes Republican-Backed Property Tax Bill

Governor says bill would limit flexibility of local governments, while GOP leaders accuse her of blocking progress on tax relief

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a government building or civic structure, its facade illuminated by warm, angled sunlight and cast in deep, dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the political debate over property taxes.The veto of a Republican-backed property tax bill in Kansas highlights the ongoing political tensions over local control and fiscal responsibility.Kansas City Today

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly has vetoed a Republican-backed property tax bill, calling it ineffective for taxpayers and disruptive for local governments. The bill aimed to give taxpayers more direct control over local property tax increases by allowing voters to challenge budgets that exceed a set growth limit. However, Kelly said the bill would restrict the ability of local officials to respond to the unique needs of their communities. Republican leaders accused the governor of blocking progress on property tax relief, while Kelly proposed her own tax relief measures including a vehicle tax credit and increased residential property tax exemptions.

Why it matters

This veto highlights the ongoing political battle over property taxes in Kansas, with Republicans pushing for more taxpayer control and Democrats arguing for local flexibility. The outcome could impact homeowners, local governments, and the state's overall fiscal health.

The details

The Republican-backed property tax bill, House Bill 2745, passed the state Senate 22-18 and the House 63-59. It would have created a protest petition process allowing voters to challenge city, county or school district budgets that exceed a set growth limit tied to inflation, capped at 3 percent. If at least 10 percent of registered voters signed a petition, local governments would have been forced to roll back property tax collections to the previous year's level. However, Gov. Kelly said the bill 'does nothing to provide that relief' and instead limits the flexibility of local governments. She also said the bill has already affected approved local projects, with some school districts and local governments having their bonds terminated by underwriters.

  • On Wednesday, Gov. Kelly vetoed the Republican-backed property tax bill.
  • The bill was passed by the state Senate late last week and by the state House.

The players

Gov. Laura Kelly

The Democratic governor of Kansas who vetoed the Republican-backed property tax bill, arguing it would be ineffective for taxpayers and disruptive for local governments.

Dan Hawkins

The Republican speaker of the Kansas House, who accused the governor of blocking progress on property tax relief and said local governments should tighten their belts.

House Bill 2745

The Republican-backed property tax bill that aimed to give taxpayers more direct control over local property tax increases.

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What they’re saying

“'The truth is that this bill will only restrict the ability of locally elected officials to be nimble enough to adjust to the unique needs of the communities they serve.'”

— Gov. Laura Kelly

“'House Republicans have made property tax relief a top priority for over two years. And for two years, while claiming they want to address affordability and property tax relief, the Governor and her allies have done nothing but stand in the way of solutions. It seems they would rather campaign on the problem than solve it.'”

— Dan Hawkins, Kansas House Speaker

What’s next

The Kansas legislature will likely attempt to override Gov. Kelly's veto, though it's unclear if they have the votes to do so. The debate over property tax relief is expected to continue in the state.

The takeaway

This veto highlights the ongoing partisan divide over property taxes in Kansas, with Republicans pushing for more taxpayer control and Democrats arguing for local flexibility. The outcome could have significant implications for homeowners, local governments, and the state's overall fiscal health.