(Feb. 9, 2026) – Today, the House Taxation Committee held a hearing on House Bill 2457, which restricts residential homestead property taxes owed by individuals 65 years of age and older and eliminates the property tax exemption for certain commercial properties used for healthcare when competing with other non-exempt properties. The committee heard testimony from the following:

Proponents:

• Rep. Dale Helwig (R-Columbus)
• Leslie Anderson of the Kansas Association of Areas for Aging and Disabilities
• David Adams licensed social worker in Kansas
• Jeff Singler, pharmacy owner
• Mike Burns, pharmacy owner
• Rep. Webster Roth (R-Winfield)

Opponents:

• Kansas Hospital Association
• Freeman Health System
• Community Care Network of Kansas.

The committee also held a hearing on House Bill 2541, which enacts the Rural Business Growth Program Act, provides a premium tax credit to incentivize capital investment in rural areas, and establishes a program.