MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson is calling the 2026 legislative session largely successful, while acknowledging one major issue lawmakers failed to resolve: property tax reform.
Masterson said lawmakers were able to override 35 gubernatorial vetoes and advance several policy priorities, ranging from education measures to public safety initiatives. However, efforts to pass a constitutional amendment addressing property taxes ultimately fell short.
“I mean, it was a pretty successful session,” Masterson said. “The only major miss we had was we weren’t able to get together and get something out on property tax.”
Property Tax Stalemate
Property taxes emerged as one of the most contentious issues of the session. While the Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment multiple times, it failed to gain enough support in the House.
The proposal aimed to limit sharp increases in property valuations — a key driver of rising tax bills — by capping annual growth and giving voters more control over increases.
Supporters argue the current system effectively taxes homeowners on unrealized gains.
“You’ve got values going up 18, 20, 25 percent in a single year,” Masterson said. “That’s taxing people on their unrealized gain.”
He pointed to real-world impacts, including seniors struggling to remain in their homes due to rising tax burdens, even after paying off their mortgages.
At the same time, he acknowledged that property taxes are largely controlled at the local level, though the state can impose limits on growth.
Education and Public Safety Measures
Among the notable accomplishments cited were education-related policies, including restrictions on cell phone use in schools.
Masterson said feedback from educators has been overwhelmingly positive, noting that similar policies in other states quickly reduced classroom distractions.
“It only took about two weeks for that to have a major impact in the classroom,” he said.
Lawmakers also approved a tax credit tied to educational expenses and passed public safety legislation, including what is known as the “Halo Act,” which establishes a 25-foot buffer zone around law enforcement officers performing their duties.
Focus on Agriculture and Mental Health
The interview also highlighted concerns about mental health in rural communities, particularly among farmers and ranchers facing economic pressures and isolation.
Masterson said the legislature has already allocated funding toward mental health services and expressed interest in ensuring those resources are directed effectively to agricultural communities.
“There’s a lot of money spent in Kansas toward mental health,” he said. “I’d love to make sure it’s pointed in the right direction.”
Bottom Line
While lawmakers advanced a wide range of policy initiatives during the 2026 session, unresolved property tax concerns are likely to remain a central issue heading into the upcoming election cycle and the next legislative session.