While the Kansas House and Senate remain at odds over property tax policy changes, there has been agreement on two agriculture-related bills designed to limit criminal activity.
House Bill 2413 passed the Senate by a 39-0 vote after passing the House 120-3. The bill makes the theft of livestock, focusing on horses or cattle, and farm implements above $100,000 in value, including but not limited to tractors or fertilizer spreaders, a level 5 nonperson felony instead of a misdemeanor.
Lawmakers also passed HB 2422, which raises the theft of major amounts of grain — 20,000 pounds or more of hay or at least 400 bushels of crops like beans, corn and wheat — to a level 6 nonperson felony. The Senate voted 40-0 in favor, while the House voted
All lawmakers representing Lyon County — 17th District Senator Mike Argabright, 60th District Representative Mark Schreiber, 13th District Senator Duane Droge and 76th District Representative Brad Barrett — voted in favor of both bills.
Unrelated to ag matters, lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 358, which would eliminate bond options for people convicted of serious sex and drug crimes and awaiting sentencing. The Senate vote was unanimous, while the House vote was 109-14. All lawmakers representing Lyon County were in favor.
On property taxes, lawmakers have been unable to find a policy that can find favor in both chambers. The House and Senate have both passed bills designed to cap year-to-year property tax percentage increases, but they have also voted down the other chamber’s proposals after passing their own versions.
